Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In lines 38-43, Scipio reflects on the rise and fall of great cities and empires throughout history. He states that every city and empire, no matter how great, is ultimately subject to the cycle of rise and fall. He believes that the greatness of a city or empire is not determined by its size or wealth, but rather by its virtues and the character of its people.
To support this claim, we can look at examples from history such as the Roman Empire itself, which Scipio belonged to. Despite its size and power, the Roman Empire eventually declined and fell due to various factors such as corruption, economic instability, and external threats. Another example is the Byzantine Empire, which lasted for over a thousand years but eventually fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
Other examples of great cities and empires that have risen and fallen throughout history include the Ancient Greek city-states, the Egyptian and Babylonian empires, the Mongol Empire, and the British Empire. Each of these examples illustrates Scipio's point that no empire or city is immune to the cycle of rise and fall and that greatness is determined not by power alone but by the character of its people and their virtues.