Abstract

The reception of classical Greek and Latin culture has been an important aspect of Western civilization since antiquity itself. This tradition has undergone a number of challenges and transformations: the conquests of Alexander the Great and the adoption of Greek culture in Rome provided a first step towards a globalized civilization; the reception of classical culture in the Renaissance coincided with European expansion and colonialism and thus spread classical traditions to many parts of the world. Contemporary globalization has provided new challenges and has brought competing classical traditions into focus; nevertheless, antiquity remains a major component of European identity.