Classical Civilisation in Britain

For hundreds of years England has coveted the Greek and Roman Empires as the pinnacle of civilisation. From the penetration of the teachings of Galen in the medical world to Churchill’s fascination with Greece, general opinion amongst upper classes seemed to be that these ancients’ civilisations are something to be deeply revered and to be followed as an example. But why? What has drawn this fascination with these particular ancient civilisations. And do those fascinations still exis