Book 1: Chapter 29, The Roman Empire in Relation to Culture Summary and Analysis

The Roman Empire influenced culture due to its effect on Hellenistic thought, the effect of Greece, and the East on the western empire, diffusing culture through peace and the transferring Hellenistic civilization to the Mohammedans and then to western Europe.

Alexander had no impact on the western Mediterranean, dominated by Carthage and Syracuse. Rome conquered Syracuse and destroyed Carthage during Punic Wars between 264-241 and 218-201, and then Macedonian monarchies, Spain, France, and England. Its frontiers involved the Rhine and Danube, the Euphrates in Asia, and the desert in North Africa. When new wealth was brought the Roman aristocracy acquired huge estates allowed through the State practices of making individuals rich regardless national interests.

The Gracchi initiated a democratic movement leading to civil wars and...