Overview
This lecture compares the main differences and similarities between Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, focusing on government, culture, religion, technology, and their lasting impact on Western society.
Greek Civilization
- Ancient Greece spanned from 1200 to 146 BCE and consisted of independent city-states called polis.
- Greeks did not see themselves as one country, but as individual cities sharing language and some religious beliefs.
- Athens was known for democracy and culture, but limited women's rights.
- Sparta focused on military education, had dual kingship, and gave women more freedoms and property rights.
- Greek city-states sometimes fought each other but united against external threats like Persia.
- Greeks expanded through colonization across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Roman Civilization
- Rome began in 753 BCE as a small monarchy, evolving into a republic and later an empire lasting until 476 CE.
- Romans considered themselves a unified people, speaking Latin and sharing state religion.
- Conquered territories could keep local languages/traditions, but Latin was official.
- Rome conquered Greece in 146 BCE and absorbed much of its culture and knowledge.
- Romans adopted and adapted many Greek customs, gods, and architectural styles.
Religion and Mythology
- Greek and Roman gods often had similar roles due to shared Indo-European roots (e.g., Zeus/Jupiter).
- Romans did not simply rename Greek gods, but blended their own deities with Greek stories and attributes.
- Some Roman gods (e.g., Mars, Mercury) existed before Greek influence but were later merged with Greek equivalents.
- Romans also adopted gods from other cultures, including Egyptian Isis and, later, Christianity as the state religion.
Architecture and Technology
- Romans borrowed Greek columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) and symmetry but added arches and domes.
- Invented cement, improving building strength and enabling large-scale constructions like aqueducts and roads.
- Developed advanced road systems and built apartment-like housing.
- Both cultures painted their sculptures and temples, although today they appear white.
Military and Society
- Greek soldiers (hoplites) and Roman soldiers differed mainly in formation and equipment.
- Sparta exemplified extreme military discipline; Rome's military was highly trained and technologically advanced.
- Greeks valued physical and intellectual development; they invented athletic competitions and ball games.
- Romans prioritized practical innovations, inventing surgical instruments and the census.
Cultural Legacy
- Greeks are known for philosophy and sciences; Romans are noted for engineering and administration.
- Greek and Roman art, philosophy, government, and technology still influence modern society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Polis — an independent Greek city-state.
- Republic — Roman government system with elected leaders and a senate.
- Census — population count and data collection, invented by Romans.
- Testudo — Roman military formation resembling a tortoise.
- Hoplitic formation — Greek phalanx military formation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review main differences between Greek and Roman civilizations.
- Compare Greek and Roman architecture and religious systems.
- Study the influence of both societies on modern Western culture.