It is interesting to note that, when modern historians (those from the late 18th c. on) hearken back to an example of a unified Europe, it is the Carolingian Empire, not the Roman one, to which they turn.
You sure about this? I've heard plenty of hearkening back to the Roman Empire, too, especially by historians who specialize in antiquites. Besides, the Carolingian empire was somewhat small for a unified Europe, notably lacking in Spain, the Balkans, and Britain. And even though the treaty of Verdun was not responsible for the cultural differences between France, Germany, and Italy, they still existed, as any comparison of the parts of the late Empire will show.
- You're right, Josh - Rome is a model for a lot of people; but a fun fact to know and tell is that the first big UNESCO art and culture show was a year-long "Charlemagne's Aachen" Extravaganza in 1961 or 1962. The huge and scholarly catalog of the show was published in German, French, and English, and the 3-volume set of companion essays likewise. It was awfully explicit. Lots of Northern European scholars see Rome per se as both too Mediterranean and saw it in the 30 years after WWII as too burdened with a top-dressing of fascism. Medieval archaeology, which drove a lot of the last 50 years of scholarship, got a big kickstart from the bombing and other destruction of northern Europe during WWII, too! We'd really have MUCH less idea of early London without the Blitz! --MichaelTinkler
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