Lecture Notes: Transition from Greece to Rome

Overview

• Transition from art, culture, and philosophy in Greece to practical action in Rome.
• Context of geographical setting: Europe, Middle East, North Africa.
• Historical journey from Mesopotamia to Egypt, Aegean, and Greece.

Mesopotamia

• Known for conflict and creativity.
• Cultural innovations due to survival needs.

Egypt

• Stable, secure, focused on religion.
• Creativity centered around religious life.

Aegean Culture

• Influenced by Phoenician sea traders.
• Regional ease of living, leading to cultural advancements.
• Minoan culture known for advanced aspects of the time.

Greece

• Known for art, culture, and philosophical thought.

Early Rome and Etruscans

• Latins as farmers and laborers under Etruscan control.
• Etruscans ruled central western Italy (750-500 BCE).
• Etruscans were sea traders and competitors to Greeks.
• Mysterious origins, possibly from the east.

Etruscan Culture and Influence

• Mystery due to lack of written records.
• Known from Greek accounts, biased due to competition.
• Etruscans’ artwork shows possible Asian influence.
• Few written records like Piergi tablets exist.
• Superstitions preserved Etruscan graveyard inscriptions.

Roman Superstition and Ancestral Worship

• Romans were superstitious, valuing ancestors for guidance.
• Preserved Etruscan graveyards due to ancestor-related fears.

Etruscan Tombs and Legacy

• Etruscan tombs depict individuals realistically.
• Focus on lifelikeness and preserving personality in burial practices.

Roman Legends and Mythology

• Romans valued mythology to tell history.
• Aeneas and Venus: Roman ancestral myth tracing back to Trojan War.
• Romulus and Remus: Mythical founders of Rome; story involves honor and rivalry.
• The Sabine Women: Allegorical tale about honor and integration into Roman society.
• Tarquinas Kings and Lucretia: Story about honor and revolt against Etruscan rule.

Roman Values and Cultural Themes

• Central theme of honor in Roman culture.
• Roman gods and mythology heavily influenced by Greek counterparts, with adaptations.
• Importance of legends in explaining values of courage, honor, and ancestral pride.

Conclusion

• Rome transitions from mythical foundations to embracing values of practicality, honor, and cultural absorption.