not only the most civilized. they were considered as the paradigm of manners and kindness of all peoples in the world.
these opposite extremes undoubtedly were to teach the Jewish People a lesson.
unfortunately so many lessons that we have been taught over and over and over again, continually fall on blind ears and eyes.
nevertheless we are obligated to act with menchlikeit to goyim that we see, because this is what Hashem wants as Rav Auerbach said.