Grow in understanding that the past not only influences the present but the present exists because of the past, as you investigate the following list of links. You will discover text, activities, and information via maps and virtual tours. These links will guide your research in learning the facts behind the rise and fall of ancient Rome and the elements from that society that are present in the modern world. After searching these links you should be able to answer the following questions: What part of today's social/political ways-strengths and weaknesses-can we trace back to Rome? What two distinct European civilizations evolved from the one empire? How?