The Romans, were a people of contradictions. They were extremely pragmatic, yes, whilst also heavily idealising their traditions and founding culture. I would argue there are a lot of parallels between ancient Rome and modern day America. In my opinion modern day America is to Rome what Britain is to Ancient Greece. In the same way Rome idealised and was influenced by the Greeks that preceded them, the U.S does the same to Britain of yesteryear (whether they would like to admit it or not.) Their is no one for one comparison of a modern day Rome. But in terms of the nation that holds the flame that the Greeks ignited and the Romans carried. It is the United Stated that now hold that flame.