Ancient Greek and Roman civilization have made many lasting contributions to western civilization. Contributions such as law, religion, sports, and trade are present in western civilization because of Greece and Rome.

Justinian’s code was Roman law that was introduced by Justinian, the emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Justinian ordered a systematic review of Roman law that was more thorough than any that had taken place before. He issued the Corpus iuris civilis (Body of the Civil Law), which immediately won recognition as the ultimate code of behavior of Roman law. Through Justinian’s code, Roman law influenced civil law codes throughout much of Western Europe.

Many religions have also been contributed to Western civilization. Jesus’ crucifixion did not put an end to his movement. The principal figure in the expansion of Christianity beyond Judaism was Paul of Tarsus, a Jew from Anatolia who zealously preached his faith, especially in the Greek- speaking eastern region of the Roman Empire. Paul taught a Christianity that attracted the urban masses in the same way as other religions of salvation that spread widely in the Roman Empire.

According to tradition, in 776 B.C.E. Greek communities from all parts of the Mediterranean sent their best athletes to the Polis of Olympia to engage in contests of speed strength, and skill. Such events as boxing, wrestling, foot racing, and long jump were around back then. In present day, the Olympic games are televised all over the world and are one of the most popular sporting events around.

During the Hellenistic era trade drew the Greeks into an even larger world of commerce and communication. Traders were trading things like gems, jewelry, perfumes, and aromatic oils and could feed themselves and their animals and they were still making a profit. Without trade this world wouldn’t be able to operate.

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