来自《耶鲁大学开放课程：古希腊历史简介 第1集 第1集》
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and to govern themselves.区域自治制度 -
In Italy, some of these cities were able在意大利 一些城市还潜移默化地 -
to gain control of the surrounding country影响了周边的区域 -
and to become city states,形成了城邦 -
resembling those of the ancient Greeks.这与古希腊的城市情况非常相似 -
Their autonomy was assisted by the continuing struggle他们的自治权是在君主和教皇的争斗中 -
between popes and Emperors, between church and state, again,国家与教堂的战争中促成的 -
a thoroughly unique Western experience.这又是一次西方文明独特的经历 -
In these states,在这些国家中 -
the modern world began to take form.现代世界的体制开始形成 -
Although the people were mainly christians,虽然绝大部分人都还是基督教徒 -
their life and outlook became increasingly secular.但是他们的生活和观念逐渐地世俗化