ancient civilzations and powerful nations?

Question

im just wondering what these civilizations are like. how is rome and greece now? how is egypt and persia (turkey). which nation was most powerful, persia, egypt, greece or rome. how did egypt fall? also who are the powerful nations. is it true that arab nations have beaten nations such as britain and france. has germany and italy rebuilt themselves after WWII? do people still think of rome (or italy) has a powerful nations. has russia really destroyed itself by chasing off the arab counries? is it true america is so similar to rome it will fall soon? how did britian, once such a powerful nation fall to what it is now, how did it lose so much land? how has france too, reduced its size? is china really about to pass the USA econimically and militaristicly? will the arab peninsula eventually grow into taking over other countries? are we about to enter a dark age? is the world truly turning over? is everything that was once good changing? i know its a lot of questions just answer =]

Answer 1

If history teaches us anything, it is that empires rise and fall. Or, it is probably better to say, "civilizations" evolve and transform constantly. Their extent, their economic strength, their military might - all factors in what you might call "power" -- rise and fall but their influence on culture and successor states continues long after their "fall."

So, for example, the political and military power of the Roman Empire, at its height in the 2nd century, ebbed in the 5th century CE, but Roman *culture* -- its administration, taxation, language, religion and arts -- all continued in Europe, only gradually changing.

Its influences are still felt today. Rome's "heirs," the states that emerged from the Empire and were imbued with both Roman and non-Roman cultural influences, exist now as the states of Europe. The city of Rome is now the capital of Italy, a sovereign state and member of the EU. The same can be said for Greek "civilization." It influenced Rome and was transformed itself by interaction with Rome and other neighbors. It is now home to the nation of Greece, another member of the EU.

In Persia, similarly, while the Arabs conquered the Sassanid Empire, the influence of Persian *culture* continued to spread beyond the traditional bounds of Persia to the whole caliphate. In turn, they were influenced by Arabic culture and the adoption of Islam. The core of Persia is now Iran (not Turkey).

Does this mean that the US is going to collapse? Or that we'll enter a "Dark Age?" Not necessarily. How we deal with the problems faced by global climate change, the shift in economic power (yes, China is rapidly catching up with the US economically) and other social and political issues -- both nationally and globally -- *could* prevent a decline in economic, military and political influence, but it's a tricky path that noone can seem to decide upon. But one thing is certain, the US of 2050 will be a different place from the US of 1850 or 1950, with a potentially different place in the world.

Answer 2

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but I do know a couple. Rome was by far the greatest empire ever in human history - to date. None has surpassed her in length and achievement yet. Egypt's civilization did not fall per say, but it changed. It grew from Egyptians to predominantly greek during the Hellenistic period after Alexandar the Great. The real Egyptians lived outside the main cities and were almost ignored by most of the rulers. After the suicide of her last Queen, Cleopatra - Egypt became a province of Rome. Rome's fall was a fall from within. It's governing powers were excellent for a small protected city, but as the city expanded into an empire, the quaint governing system failed to work. New laws were needed to manage an empire so large, but the men in power fought these changes in laws so that so many civil wars dictated the eventual monarchical system that began with Augustus. Imperial Rome represents the beginning of a slow decline that ultimate ended Rome as the world's greatest power.

Answer 3

The first world power was Egypt, then was taking over by Assyria, then came Babylon which was conquered by the Medo-Persia, Greece (Alexander the great) was next then Rome...then finally the Anglo-American power which has been in place since 1763.

Answer 4

Rome was the greatest and longest lasting of all powers. Nothing else compares to it but the United States, which is the greatest power ever seen.