They established sea trade routes, which helped in the spread of ideas and goods
control of the seafaring trade in the Mediterranean
You must define what you mean by "culture". Do you mean a conflict between someone who has not had the benefit of social graces and upper class behaviour mechanisms? For someone who has not benefited...
It can affect your sport's performance by the characteristics you have that affect play.
Of course it does, culture effects almost every aspect of a human beliefs.