How do we know that this modern civilization is extending its area of influence?

2、我们怎么知道这个现代文明正在扩大它的影响范围？

Whereas previously Tyre had imposed only economic  control over its trade empire, Carthage instilled a cultural hegemony over its areas of influence,   making it look more like a conventional empire.

此前，提尔仅对其贸易帝国施加经济控制，而迦太基则在其影响范围内灌输了文化霸权，使其看起来更像是一个传统帝国。