Was the Roman Empire the continuation of the Greek Empire, or were they considered two separate empires?

 The Roman Empire and the ancient Greek civilization are distinct entities, and they are not considered the same empire. However, there are historical connections and influences between the two that are important to understand.

### Greek Civilization:

- The ancient Greek civilization, with its city-states like Athens and Sparta, predates the rise of the Roman Empire.

- Greek culture, philosophy, literature, and political ideas had a profound impact on Western civilization. The Greeks made significant contributions to art, science, philosophy, and political thought.

### Roman Republic and Expansion:

- The Roman Republic emerged on the Italian Peninsula in the 6th century BCE, expanding and establishing itself as a dominant power in the Mediterranean.

- The Romans came into contact with Greek colonies in southern Italy and Sicily, absorbing Greek cultural influences.

### Roman Empire:

- The Roman Republic eventually transitioned into the Roman Empire, with Augustus (Octavian) becoming its first emperor in 27 BCE.

- The Roman Empire reached its zenith in terms of territorial expansion, encompassing regions that were once part of the Greek world, such as Greece and Asia Minor.

### Influence and Integration:

- The Romans admired and were influenced by Greek culture. Many Roman elites studied Greek literature, philosophy, and art.

- The eastern part of the Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, had a strong connection to Greek culture. The Byzantine Empire continued for centuries after the fall of the western Roman Empire.

### Distinct Entities:

- While the Romans were influenced by Greek civilization, the Roman Empire and the ancient Greek city-states are considered separate entities with distinct political systems, cultures, and historical trajectories.

- The Roman Empire eventually surpassed the Greeks in terms of territorial reach and political organization.

### Transition to the Byzantine Empire:

- After the fall of the western Roman Empire in 476 CE, the eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), continued as the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines maintained a connection to Greek culture and language.

In summary, while the Romans were influenced by Greek civilization and integrated aspects of it, they developed their own political and cultural identity. The Roman Empire and the ancient Greek city-states are recognized as distinct entities in historical terms. The Byzantine Empire, which followed the Roman Empire, continued the Roman tradition while being strongly influenced by Greek culture.