Replaced is an interesting word. Certainly the Holy Roman Empire claimed to be a successor state to Rome in the west, but in some sense Latin language and Roman

Replaced is an interesting word. Certainly the Holy Roman Empire claimed to be a successor state to Rome in the west, but in some sense Latin language and Roman culture pervades Europe. That’s why we have Kaisers and Czars who claim the power of Caesar. The United States’ civic architecture and symbols are explicit references to the Roman Republic, as it’s own bald eagle replaces the legion’s Aquila. Might as well say America replaced the Roman Empire.