However, the idea of Rome is burned into your consciousness. Our Senate is based on (including the name), our culture is steeped in many of its tradtions, (who hasn't wrapped themself in a bed sheet) and Rome is often referred to as the pinnacle of civilization, good and bad (don't forget the Nazis embraced Roman ideals.) Why? Why does Rome, the art of Rome, the history of Rome, the idea of Rome, hold such a prominent place in our collective consciousness?