British colonial culture is the main theme. The British, led by the English, extended themselves to spend a few centuries as a great Empire of the modern age. They were able to do this thanks in part to all of their cultural and technological advances, some of which were a precious inheritance, well worked over for a millennium, of Roman empirical knowledge. The British navy was one of the world's greatest and the fortification of the island nation was beyond question one the greatest strategic advantages possible. The unity of the two islands of Britain helped immensely, to allow for homeland security and outward expanions without the distraction of a domestic military front.