The part about modern standards can't be overlooked, though. Somebody from before the 1600s would lack egalitarian values, does that failure deserve blame? That's like saying they should have invented and promoted egalitarianism early. I mean sure, in principle, but it's a lot to ask, and they should have invented transistors too.
Yes, I agree that Romans could be the least cruel and the most humane at their times actually (well, except for Christians). Still, "the Joys of discovering" feels... distasteful.