What is the Legacy of Rome to the cultural identity of Europe?

Abstract

This paper aims to interpret, reflect and analyze what elements inherited Roma to European identity. Although certain negative prejudices whose origin is the modern pessimism, there are some contributions that are undeniable. Therefore, in the course of our review we will look conceptualizations and ideas about the Roman legacy, since the classic period until modern interpretations (such as comics and films); since the pagan until the Christian view; and since the republic ideal until the colonialism process and imperialism, according to the different historiographical and literary visions.