World HistoryChapter 6E

Rome and the Roots of Western Civilization

The Legacy of Greco-Roman Civilization

• Romans were proud of their ability to rule, but they realized the Greeks led in the fields of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.

• The mixture of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman cultures produced a new culture called Greco-Roman culture. It is also called Classical Civilization.

Parthenon

Roman Fine Arts

• Roman art was practical in its purpose• Bas-relief was a Roman type of sculpture.

This art is where images project from a flat background.

• Roman artists were experts at creating mosaics. These mosaics were located in public places and especially in Roman villas (Pompeii).

Bas-relief

Roman Mosaic

Continued

Roman artists were also skilled at mural painting and these were called frescoes

Learning and Literature

• Romans followed the philosophy of Stoicism which encouraged virtue, duty, moderation, and endurance.

• Marcus Aurelius was the last of the “Good Emperors” and he was also a Stoic philosopher.

Marcus Aurelius

Continued

• The poet Virgil wrote The Aeneid which was modeled after the Greek epics by Homer.

• Ovid wrote poetry for enjoyment.• Livy and Tacitus were excellent writers of

history.

Virgil

Roman Achievements

• Latin was the language of learning well into the second half of the 20th century.

• Roman architecture was admired all over the ancient world. The dome, the Roman arch, and concrete were great Roman achievements.

• Roman law was Rome’s most lasting and widespread legacy. These laws were based on common sense and practical ideas.

Pantheon

Aqueducts-Roman Arch