...Greek and Roman Comparison Lisa Lain HIS275CA June 1, 2015 Zachary Lenz Greek and Roman Comparison The Greek and Roman empires were very important to the history of the world. With their empires came religions and philosophies. While their religions were much different, both the Greeks and the Romans turned to Christianity at some point. Their philosophies were also quite different. They each studied the building blocks of the universe and created their own theories. With any empire come societal struggles. Both the Greek and Roman empires dealt with such struggles but the main aspect of the struggles varied. Territorial expansion was very important in both the Greek and the Roman empires. They both sought out to find more land and fought for the land they found through wars and battles. Trade and commerce were a major contribution to both empires as well. While both empires traded different things both within their empires, they also traded outside of it. The Roman and Greek civilizations also dealt with a decline in civilization. The reasoning behind their declines was different, but both empires contributed to their own decline. Religions and Philosophies While the Greek and Roman religions differed greatly, they both turned to Christianity at one point. In the beginning religions, the Greeks and Romans alike believed in many gods. Each of these gods was believed to be a god of certain events. Both the Greek and the Romans worshipped their gods at temples...
Words: 6976 - Pages: 28
...Topic | Greek | Roman | Government | Democratic * Prized law and order, but a passion for personal freedom * Hatred of corruption and prized integrity * Valued people as a whole * All were equal in the sight of law * Segmented into City-States | Totalitarian / republic * Laws protected roman citizens throughout empire * Civil law system * Created stoicisms (inalieible rights) * Rules by a Cesar (king) * - also had a senate * Efficiency and effectiveness were key | Geography | * Spanned 3000+ islands in Medterrainian Sea * Balkan Peninsula | * Worldwide empire * Centered in Rome Italy (Tuscany region) | Philosophy | * Man as Supreme Being, free agent. * Society of thinkers * Valued personal expression and artistic application in expression * Looked towards completion and balance of man in: athletics (physical appearance), judgment (wisdom), Philosophy (intellect), and Poetry (Artistic aptitude) | * Assimilation with adaptation and improvement * Great emphasis placed on structure and order. * Industrious and practical * Accepting to other ways and cultures but anything roman was always the greatest * Rome should rule the world | Economy | * Mainly agricultural * Main crops: barley, citrus, olives, wheat, grapes, and olives * Main exports: olive oil and wine | * Agrarian and slave based economy * Focus on feeding large population of Roman citizens domestic and abroad. * Agricultural attributes same...
Words: 631 - Pages: 3
...Greek and Roman Cultures the Contrasts and Comparisons Kasaundra Ottinger AIU Online- HUMA215 July 20, 2011 Elements of Culture | Greek Culture | Similarities/Differences | Roman Culture | Geography | Greeks would not permit the building of an empire. The city-states were isolated by the hill sides and were united by force from the Romans. They were more sophisticated and more advanced then the Romans. | Both are Mediterranean countries that started out as city-states. Greek city-states were separated by hilly country sides and all near water.Rome was inland and there were no hill sides to separate and no boarders (Gills, 2011). The East is bordered by mountains and the West is bordered by the sea. | Romans had an Empire that was due to the response of threats against them. The army that was formed would be the cause of the uprising of the empire and in the end its downfall. | Government | Monarchies (Kings)Oligarchies (Aristocrats)Tyrannies (one Aristocrat with power over the other Aristocrats)Democracies (Gave power to the poor people) (Carr, 2011). | Originally both countries were ruled by kings (Monarchies). In Greek civilization their government evolved into what we know today as a democracy (Gills, 2011). | Monarchy (King) Consuls (2 Men rule) Senators (Advisors to the Consuls) Prefects (Run the city) Tribunes (Speak for the poor) Assembly (All men grown, free and of Roman citizenship who vote on issues and elect the Consuls, Prefects and Senators) (Carr, 2011)...
Words: 902 - Pages: 4
...Compare Contrast Volcanic Eruption Roman- Vesuvius Volcano Buried Pompeii (Sonneborn) Archeological digs have been able to help us to know more about the people of Pompeii. The remains are virtually unchanged. Very detailed information has been gathered about Roman Life at that time. Greek- Island of Thera Buried Minoan settlement of Akrotiri (Thera Eruption ) Archeological digs have been able to help us to know more about the people of Akrotiri buildings. Roman The exact date of the eruption of Pompeii is widely known and accepted as fact. That is because the blast was so huge, that it caused tree rings to change showing that a significant event occurred. (Archaeology's Interactive Dig, 2001-2003) Greek We don’t have a clear picture of the date of the Eruption of Thera. There is a lot of controversy about the date. Because they are unable to link it to another event to establish the chronology with sufficient proof and the carbon dating has been inconsistent. However it is thought to be around 1630 to 1780’s . (The Eruption of Thera: Date and Implications, 2006) The eruption of Thera brought life to an end for the Cyclades culture. Although there are virtually no artifacts left there to help us understand the life there, we have uncovered buildings. Most of what we know of this region was found through the burial sites where we have found art and artifacts. (Sayre, 2010) Philosophy Greek: Homer- 800 BCE Socrates & Plato 469-347...
Words: 1000 - Pages: 4
...interior of the Parthenon, the actual decoration remains speculative (Greer 68-72). The Roman Pantheon however, was quite different. From an exterior view, the structure is somewhat unimpressive. Once inside though, it opens up into an enormous, well lit, domed space. Light flows in from the oculus, a thirty foot opening in the center of the roof which is over 143 feet above the floor (Janson 135-136). The spaciousness of the interior could only have been created by sacrificing the quality of the exterior. "Indeed, the Pantheon itself is the classic example of. . . the centrally planned building [designed] to support a circular dome" (Brilliant 49). The basic styles of architecture are initiated by the technique or type of form used. For instance, Greek architecture is most closely associated with the column and colonnade, while Roman architecture by the arch and vault. The columnar style externalizes architecture and lends itself to more of an ornamental character. The arch and vault lend themselves more to an interior perspective, but also have greater structural advantages. The development of the Roman arch and vault, considered by many to have been the chief architectural contribution of Rome, are structurally more sound than the post and lintel construction used by the Greeks. The arch and vault carry far heavier loads, at the same time they create large internal spaces without the [Greek] need for additional supporting columns within a central space....
Words: 313 - Pages: 2
...Greek vs Roman Comparison Chart | Comparison | The Greeks | The Romans | Greek vs Roman Attitudes | Greeks revered the poet | Romans revered the warrior | Greek vs Roman Mythology | Poetical & fanciful myths about individuals | Practical myths focussing on the gods relevance to everyday life and the Roman state | Greek vs Roman Creativity | The Greeks were highly imaginative and developed their fantastic mythology | The Romans borrowed existing mythology, names were changed. Stories of the wars and founders of Rome were included in their mythology | Greek vs Roman Time Period | Greek mythology was developed first | Roman mythology was developed 1000 years later | Greek vs Roman Nature of the gods | Greek mythology focussed on the personality traits of gods | Roman mythology focussed on practical roles and achievements | Greek vs Roman Actions | Individualistic, emphasis placed on the heroic deeds and achievements and actions of individuals | Non-Individualistic, emphasis placed on the achievements and actions of Romans and Rome | Greek vs Roman Politics | Greek religion had little influence on politics | Roman religion was officially endorsed by the state and exerted considerable influence over the government of Rome | Comparison | The Greeks | The Romans | Greek vs Roman Priests | Greek priests were revered as teachers and healers of individuals | Roman Politicians took the offices of influential priests, called...
Words: 534 - Pages: 3
...Unit 1 Individual Project Roman Geography: The geography that made up Rome was Mediterranean just like the geography of Greece, but at the same time was completely different. Rome was located inland on one side of the Tiber river and did not have the naturally occurring hills to keep tribes out. | Greek Geography: Another Mediterranean area Greek towns and cities unlike the romans have rolling hills that separated them and proved advantageous militarily to keeping enemies out. | Roman Art: Roman art is to be considered Imitative of Greek art. The Goal of roman artists was to create realistic portraits for décor. | Greek Art: Considered Superior to roman art, The goal of Greek sculptors was to create and ideal artistic form. | Roman Economics: Based off of agriculture, romans generally imported their wheat and annexed provinces the provided it the romans also farmed and engaged in trade Rome was depended on slave labor till late empire. | Greek Economics: Agriculturally based, Greeks lived in small wheat producing farms; Eventually big estates took over and started producing wine and olive oil, which where chief exports to the romans. | Roman Government: Originally Rome was rules by kings, it then switched over to a form of republic | Greek Government: Greek was originally rules by kings then it switched to a oligarchy and finally a democracy | Roman Religion: Roman religion was based around worship of Jupiter, optimus and Maximus, the roman equivalents of the Olympian...
Words: 333 - Pages: 2
...American intercontinental university | Compare and Contrast | The comparison and contrasting of Greek and Roman Cultures | | Misty Thornton | 11/11/2012 | The comparing and contrasting that distinguish elements or features of early Greek and Roman cultures, including illustrative or significant examples of the various features. | Contrast | GREEKS | ROMANS | ART | Had sculptures that consisted of small figurines and life-size statues. Showed the beauty of the human form in nudes and combined realism and idealism. | Had sculptures and statues. Mosaics were popular because they were created a desired look. | | Sculptures created told stories of heroes, Gods, mythical creatures, important events and the culture of Greece. | Sculptures designed for the purpose of telling the significant history of the culture. | | Pottery was another form of important art. Architecture typically more rectilinear and of post and lintel construction. | Created paintings. Buildings they mastered were ones that had arches and domes. Made concrete better. | GEOGRAPHY | Greece land is covered with many mountains. It is a peninsula composing of even smaller peninsulas on its land. | Rome was located near the Mediterranean Sea and the volcanic mountains. The land is composed of large hills made of tufa rocks. | RELIGION | Built temples. Temples were ornate on the outside and plain on the inside. Worshiped many Gods like Zeus, Hera, and Apollo. | Temples built were...
Words: 487 - Pages: 2
...Ancient Greeks and Romans Stephanie Bumpase AIU Abstract There were a little similarity between the ancient Greeks and Romans that would be detailed out. There were towns of differences between the two cultures. In this paper, you would know how the ancient Greeks ran their land and how Romans did theirs. By the end of this paper, you would see how each culture adapted in their way of living. Ancient Greeks and Roman When you think about ancient Greeks and Romans, the most that pops out of people mind is the art work and architectures. These people were more than art work and architecture. The ancient Greeks and Romans both started as city-states. They both had some similarities and differences in their culture. Between the Greeks and Romans they had a few similarities in their culture life. Geographically, they both establish life on the Peninsula by the Mediterranean Sea. Both culture had farmers to where they did the farming. However, the only thing that they farm the same was wheat and olives. The Greeks and Romans both made vases. They also love going to the theater for arts and entertainment. Both culture had temples to worship the gods and goddesses. There was quite a bit of differences between the Greeks and Romans culture. The Greeks was surrounded by water (http://chalk.richmond.edu), therefore they would capture fish, squid, and octopus (http://chalk.richmond.edu) to eat. The Romans would grow a few items, but mostly shop in the market...
Words: 625 - Pages: 3
...Elements of early Greek and Roman Cultures: Government | Compare•Kings originally ruled both Athens, Greece and Rome | Contrast• Rome eventually formed a mixed form of Republican government, followed by emperors• Greece eventually changed to oligarchy, and then to democracy | Geographical Terrain | Compare• Both are located in the Mediterranean | Contrast• Greece was separated by hilly countrysides located by water• Rome was inland without natural hilly borders | Economics | Compare• Both Rome and Greece economies were based upon agriculture• Both major producers of wine and olive oil• Both had forms of coinage | Contrast• Romans farmed, while Greeks thought that it was degrading• Greece had slaves, but Rome was dependent on slave trades | Trade Practices | Compare• Both exported wine and olive oil | Contrast• Romans imported wheat as a staple, while Greeks used wheat as a household food | Art | Compare• Both are very well-known featured in museums across the globe | Contrast• Greek art is considered superior to Roman art • Greek sculptors goal was to create ideal artistic form, whilst a Roman artist goal to produce realistic portraits meant for decorating | Architecture | Compare• Both have buildings and structures that are still standing today, proving excellent workmanship• Both cultures architectures can be seen in courthouses in America through columns | Contrast•Greeks had three styles of architecture: Doric, Iconic and Corinthian• Each Greek building had a political...
Words: 455 - Pages: 2
...Early Greek and Roman Civilizations Charles Inabnitt Abstract The early Greek and Roman empires or civilizations shared a lot of similarities in geography for they both are Mediterranean countries. They had similar religions also. These are some of the cultural aspects that are compared and contrasted. Early Greek and Roman Civilizations The following are examples of cultural elements of comparison and contrast: geography, government, economy, art, philosophy, religion. Furthermore, the graph below will go into more detail in all of the subjects discussed above. Greece Roman Geography Some of the Greek poleis or city states as they were called where naturally separated by the sea from the mainland. Now the mainland was very mountainous. Geographically, Rome was built on seven hills on the east bank of the Tiber River. The lower lying areas were prone to flooding. Government Greek governments were divided in groups by the great Aristotle, and are still used today by historians, into monarchies, oligarchies, tyrannies, and democracies. Rome was ruled by kings at the beginning of their time. Then it became a republic with emperors of royal blood and a senate and an assembly. Economy The Greeks since their poleis where unreachable by land they were reached by sea. Thus in the early part of the history of Greece the main source of economy was through fishing and trading. Later led onto agriculture and the growing of wheat. Romans where known for their trading and...
Words: 555 - Pages: 3
...Greeks and Romans HUM 100 August 2nd, 2011 Greeks and Romans Greeks and Romans The Greeks and Romans are two civilizations that are constantly compared thought out history. People tend to compare their beliefs, views on life, politics, religion just to name a few. The Greeks and Romans were two very powerful entities throughout history. Rich in history, science and the arts. One constant comparison between the Greeks and Romans are their gods. Although they each have different names for their gods, they are quite similar. Greeks views on the individual or the individual and society were that they understood themselves to belong to a common Greek genos their first and foremost loyalty was to their city and country and didn’t see anything wrong with fighting with other Greek city states. The most famous of these was the Peloponnesian war. Which was a civil war between Sparta and Athens. Many variations of this great civil war have been told. From history books to movies, cartoons and children’s storybooks. Through these movies, cartoons and children’s story books gods and heroes have been highlighted and praised. Same way the Greeks praised their gods and heroes. This was called the Heroic Age. Some scholars believe that certain Greek heroes and gods were based on a real men and women living in that time. One hero that stands out would be Hercules. Throughout his complicated mythology perhaps Hercules really existed as a chieftain of the kingdom...
Words: 972 - Pages: 4
...elements or features of early Greek and Roman cultures. It includes a table that illustrates significant examples of the various features. It also includes the elements of culture such as government, geographical terrain, economics and trade practices, art, architecture, philosophical and religious beliefs. Elements | Greek | Roman | Government and geographical terrain | Is a Mediterranean country. But Greek city states were separated by hilly country sides and water. “Greece communities began to organize themselves and exercise authority over their own limited geographical regions, which were defined by natural boundaries- mountains, rivers, and plains (Henry Sayre, 2013, pg 49)”. Greeks had many different types of governments. They all changed over time due to new beliefs or ideas. “Greece began by having monarchies, then oligarchies, then tyrannies and then democracies, but at each period there were plenty of city stated using a different system, and there were many which never did become democracies or tyrannies at all ( History for kids, 2012)”. That could because of a lot of things, distance from the other Greek city’s, population, production, etc. | Is a Mediterranean country. Rome was an inland country on the side of the Tiber river. It did not have much of a hilly geographical terrain. In Italy, around Naples, mt. Vesuvius produced fertile land by blanketing the soil with tephra which aged into rich soil (N.S. Gill, 2012). The romans didn’t really change their type...
Words: 862 - Pages: 4
...paper compares and contrasts the Greek and Roman Cultures. These are the different kinds of Greek columns that were used in there arhecture. The Doric column has no base at the bottom where the Ionic does to give more stability. This is roman art it depicts the realistic image of the person but used for more decorations than anything. This is Greek Art it portrays the same as the Roman’s Topic | Greek | Roman | Government | Ruled by aristocrats in a democracy setting. | Had a monarchy ruled by kings then adapt a mixed government around c.509 b.c. | Geographical Terrain | Hilly countryside that was near water | More inland near two mountain ranges the Alps to the north and the Apennine to the East. Stayed on one side of the Tibet River | Economics | Main wheat harvest then started wine and olive oil | Main focus was wine and olive oil but also participated in trade | Art | Was big and beautiful focus on artistic forms, | Realistic mainly for decoration copied a lot from the Greeks in the way it was portrayed | Architecture | Had two different types of columns they use 1.) Doric 2.) Ionic one had a base the other did not | Copied from the Greeks mostly | Religion | Worshipped many gods and felt that the gods had many human characteristics | Same as the Greeks | | | | References Culture and Society. (2012). Retrieved from Http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/cuture/ Gill, N.S. (2012). Comparisons Between Greece and Rome. Retrieved...
Words: 291 - Pages: 2
...In this research paper, I will examine how Greek education, Greek lifestyles, and Roman ideologies apply to understanding the founders of our nation. To create the foundation for American democracy today, our founders utilized their knowledge of the classics to formulate ideas create and create effective communication. Starting from the as young as the age of eight, our founders began Greek classical condition in order to be able to recite pieces of work for college admission (F.1, 2). These pieces of literature included Greek works such from Isocrates, Homer, Xenophon and the Greek New Testament (F. 2). Because grammar masters focused little else besides literature, teachers “required young scholars to display their knowledge of Latin and...
Words: 866 - Pages: 4
