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Greek and Roman Cultures the Contrasts and Comparisons

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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). | Society(Social Class) | Slaves Servants and Laborers)Freedmen (Divided between Metics and Citizens)Metics (Born foreigners)Citizens (Athenian Parents)Women (Social class specified by husbands static) | Both societies had slaves and thought little of the Women in their society.Greeks separated classes by birth. Romans separated classes by wealth. | Freedmen (Peasants) Plebeians (Lower

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