The foundation of modern western civilization is ancient Greek civilization, and the concept of "citizen" is the foundation of modern western society.
The ancient Greek city-state entities eventually perished in the invasion of ancient Rome, but their civilization remained.
Ancient Greece-ancient Rome (and ancient Macedonia)-Byzantine Empire-modern Europe (after the Renaissance)-modern Europe and America have been passed down in this system.
This is not my opinion, but that of modern international historians, but China historians are divided.
Internationally, every time European and American civilizations discuss a question,
Always used to trace Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and others,
Just as we discuss the civilization of our country, we should first trace it back to Zi Yue and Zhuang Ziyun.
So we can't say that the ancient Greek civilization declined just because the ancient Greek entity perished.
Just as we can't say that Chinese civilization has declined because of the demise of the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Having said so much, do you understand?
They are all original. I have been typing for a long time. I haven't answered the question so seriously for a long time, hehe.