The Gospel is what tamed both the barbarian and the Roman both, and although neither followed the Word with all their heart, all the time, its still that Word that enlightened the ancient world, whether you will admit it or not. Before the Gospel man was savage, and even the so called enlightened Roman empire with all its glorious philosophy and art, was nothing but a barbarian. It was the teaching of Love and mercy that Christ brought into the world that all modern civilization is built on. Its also the filthy remnant left over by the barbaric yet so called "civilized" Romans that is causing war, hate, greed and pride today.
If mankind followed Christ with all its heart, instead of clinging to mans wisdom and mans glory, then we would have no war or poverty. Mankind however glories instead in his own wisdom, and in the creation of his own hands. He worship idols made by his own hand, just as his forefathers did as well. He is reaping what he sows, just as God declared. Revelation speaks a great mystery concerning this, and mankind has reaped Gods plagues because he refuses to repent and Give God glory. Mankind doesn't even see it either because he is spiritualy blind, which is also part of the plague that he reaps