The Western World as we know it developed directly from the Classical Mediterranean. The foundations of Western Society have deep roots in Greece and Rome. Historiographically, historians/history teachers tend to focus too much on this area in this time period. In their defense, you could spend your entire life studying these cultures and never stop finding importance. But; remember, EUROPE CANNOT BE MORE THAN 20% OF THE TEST. So, if you think you're spending too much time on this topic: you are. Drop whatever you are doing... and go look at Han China & Guptan India.