The rise of the Roman Empire overshadowed Greece's influence in the ancient world from "summary" of The Life of Greece by Will Durant
The ascendancy of Rome marked a turning point in the history of the ancient world, bringing with it a shift in power dynamics that would ultimately overshadow the influence of Greece. The Roman Empire, with its vast military might and expansive territorial reach, emerged as a dominant force in the Mediterranean region, eclipsing the cultural and intellectual achievements of its Greek predecessors. While Greece had long been regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, producing groundbreaking works of art, philosophy, and literature, the rise of Rome brought about a gradual decline in the prominence of Greek culture. The Romans, with their pragmatic approach to governance and administration, prioritized practicality and efficiency over the pursuit of intellectual and artistic endeavors that had characterized the Greek city-states. As Rome expanded its territories through conquest and colonization, it absorbed many aspects of Greek culture, adapting and incorporating them into its own traditions. This process of cultural assimilation, known as Hellenization, allowed Rome to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and innovation that had been developed by the Greeks over centuries. However, as Rome grew in power and influence, it began to assert its own identity and values, gradually distancing itself from its Greek heritage. The Romans, with their emphasis on law and order, favored a more structured and disciplined society, in contrast to the free-spirited and individualistic ethos of the Greeks.- The rise of the Roman Empire signaled a shift in the balance of power in the ancient world, with Rome emerging as the dominant force that would shape the course of Western civilization for centuries to come. While the legacy of Greece continued to resonate in the arts, philosophy, and politics of the Roman Empire, it was Rome that would ultimately leave a lasting imprint on the history of the Western world.
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