The two events that spurred the need to chart new maritime routes are the following : Europeans developed the economic system of mercantilism and needed reserves of gold and silver ; and Europe witnessed a period that historians refer to as a "dark age."
One of the Greeks main influences on Roman Culture was the concept of democracy. This was first established in the Classical Period of Greece (its Golden Age).
I believe it is c 1/2 the railroads. Hope this helps :)
