The men of the Company saw themselves as modern-day Romans as they explored the Congo, comparing themselves to the expeditions sent from Rome to England. Just as the Roman expedition saw the British Isles as barren wastelands, inhabited by savages they sought to “civilize”, Marlow and his men are sent into the Congo with the stated goal of colonization of the “cannibals” they encountered. With Conrad's references to Roman wine (“Falernian wine” on page 40) and a naval base (“Ravenna” on page 41) the men exploring the Congo realize they can live without the comforts of home just as the Romans did, especially if it will gain them the notoriety of their predecessors.
Sources:
"Ravenna definition by Babylon's free dictionary." Free Online Dictionary. Web. 24 Aug. 2009.
http://dictionary.babylon.com/Ravenna.
http://dictionary.babylon.com/Ravenna.
"Wine and Rome." Sir Thomas Browne. Web. 24 Aug. 2009.
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