Page "History of the Middle East" Paragraph 9

In the 1st century BC, the expanding Roman Republic absorbed the whole Eastern Mediterranean area ( which included much of the Near East ) and under the Roman Empire the region was united with most of Europe and North Africa in a single political and economic unit.

Even areas not directly annexed became strongly influenced by the Empire, which became the most powerful political and cultural entity for centuries.

Although Latin culture spread across the region, the Greek culture and language first established in the region by the Macedonian Empire would continue to dominate throughout the Roman period.

Cities in the Middle East, especially Alexandria, became major urban centers for the Empire and the region did became the Empire's " bread basket " as the key agricultural producer.