Rome and Western Civilization
Rome and Western Civilization
Rome and Western Civilization
5
Rome and the Roots of
Western Civilization
MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES
SETTING THE STAGE Romans borrowed and adapted cultural elements freely,
especially from the Greek and Hellenistic cultures. However, the Romans created
a great civilization in their own right, whose art and architecture, language and
literature, engineering, and law became its legacy to the world.
In addition, Romans excelled at the art of painting. Most wealthy Romans had
bright, large murals, called frescoes, painted directly on their walls. Few have sur-
vived. The best examples of Roman painting are found in the Roman town of
Pompeii and date from as early as the second century B.C. In A.D. 79, nearby Mount
Vesuvius erupted, covering Pompeii in a thick layer of ash and killing about 2,000
residents. The ash acted to preserve many buildings and works of art.
Learning and Literature Romans borrowed much of their philosophy from the
Greeks. Stoicism, the philosophy of the Greek teacher Zeno, was especially
influential. Stoicism encouraged virtue, duty, moderation, and endurance.
In literature, as in philosophy, the Romans found inspiration in the works of
their Greek neighbors. While often following Greek forms and models, Roman
writers promoted their own themes and ideas. The poet Virgil spent ten years writ-
ing the most famous work of Latin literature, the Aeneid (ih•NEE•ihd), the epic of
the legendary Aeneas. Virgil modeled the Aeneid, written in praise of Rome and
Roman virtues, after the Greek epics of Homer. Here he speaks of government as
being Rome’s most important contribution to civilization:
PRIMARY SOURCE
Romans, never forget that government is your medium! Be this your art:—to practice
men in habit of peace, Generosity to the conquered, and firmness against aggressors.
VIRGIL, Aeneid
While Virgil’s writing carries all the weight and seriousness of the Roman
character, the poet Ovid wrote light, witty poetry for enjoyment. In Amores, Ovid
relates that he can only compose when he is in love: “When I was from Cupid’s
passions free, my Muse was mute and wrote no elegy.”
The Epic
While many know the epics of Virgil and
the Greek poet Homer, other cultures
throughout history have created their
own narrative poems about heroic
figures. India’s Mahabharata tells the
story of a battle for control of a mighty
kingdom, while the Spanish epic El Cid
Image not available for use
celebrates a hero of the wars against the on this CD-ROM. Please
Moors. And while it is not a poem, The refer to the image in the
Lord of the Rings, the fantasy trilogy by textbook.
English writer J.R.R. Tolkien, is considered
to contain many aspects of the epic.
Most epics follow a pattern derived
from the works of Homer. However, the
emergence of epics around the world
was not so much the result of one
writer but the common desire among
civilizations to promote their values
and ideals through stories.
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Page 4 of 6
water
The Romans also wrote excellent prose, especially history. Livy compiled a
multivolume history of Rome from its origins to 9 B.C. He used legends freely, cre-
ating more of a national myth of Rome than a true history. Tacitus (TAS•ih•tuhs), ▲ This Roman
another Roman historian, is notable among ancient historians because he presented aqueduct in mod-
the facts accurately. He also was concerned about the Romans’ lack of morality. In ern France has
survived the cen-
his Annals and Histories, he wrote about the good and bad of imperial Rome. turies. The cross
Here, Tacitus shows his disgust with the actions of the Emperor Nero, who many section indicates
consider to be one of Rome’s cruelest rulers. how the water
moved within the
aqueduct.
PRIMARY SOURCE
While Nero was frequently visiting the show, even amid his pleasures there was no
cessation to his crimes. For during the very same period Torquatus Silanus was forced to
die, because over and above his illustrious rank as one of the Junian family he claimed to
be the great grandson of Augustus. Accusers were ordered to charge him with prodigality
[wastefulness] in lavishing gifts, and with having no hope but in revolution. . . . Then the
most intimate of his freedmen were put in chains and torn from him, till, knowing the
doom which impended, Torquatus divided the arteries in his arms. A speech from Nero
followed, as usual, which stated that though he was guilty and with good reason
distrusted his defense, he would have lived, had he awaited the clemency of the judge.
TACITUS, Annals
The Colosseum
The Colosseum was one of the greatest feats of Roman engineering and a
model for the ages. The name comes from the Latin word colossus, meaning
“gigantic.” Its construction was started by the Emperor Vespasian and was
completed by his sons, emperors Titus and Domitian. For centuries after its
opening in A.D. 80, spectators, both rich and poor, cheered a variety of free,
bloody spectacles—from gladiator fights to animal hunts.
▲ The Colosseum in Rome as it appears today
RESEARCH LINKS For more information exits—giant staircases that allowed the
on the Colosseum, go to classzone.com building to be emptied in minutes
Elevators and
ramps led from
the cells and
animal cages in
the Colosseum
basement to
trapdoors con-
cealed in the
arena floor.
arena—central area
where spectacles
took place
passageways—walkways that
led to seats
Because Roman architectural forms were so practical, they have remained pop-
ular. Thomas Jefferson began a Roman revival in the United States in the 18th cen-
tury. Many large public buildings, such as the U.S. Capitol and numerous state
capitols, include Roman features.
Roman roads were also technological marvels. The army built a vast network of
roads constructed of stone, concrete, and sand that connected Rome to all parts of
the empire. Many lasted into the Middle Ages; some are still used.
Roman System of Law Rome’s most lasting and widespread contribution was its
law. Early Roman law dealt mostly with strengthening the rights of Roman citi-
zens. As the empire grew, however, the Romans came to believe that laws should
be fair and apply equally to all people, rich and poor. Slowly, judges began to
recognize certain standards of justice. These standards were influenced largely by
the teachings of Stoic philosophers and were based on common sense and practi-
cal ideas. Some of the most important principles of Roman law were:
• All persons had the right to equal treatment under the law.
• A person was considered innocent until proven guilty.
• The burden of proof rested with the accuser rather than the accused.
• A person should be punished only for actions, not thoughts.
• Any law that seemed unreasonable or grossly unfair could be set aside.
The principles of Roman law endured to form the basis of legal systems in
Analyzing Issues many European countries and of places influenced by Europe, including the United
How did States of America.
Roman law protect Rome’s Enduring Influence By preserving and adding to Greek civilization, Rome
those accused of
crimes?
strengthened the Western cultural tradition. The world would be a very different place
had Rome not existed. Historian R. H. Barrow has stated that Rome never fell because
it turned into something even greater—an idea—and achieved immortality.
As mighty as the Roman Empire had been, however, it was not the only great
civilization of its time. Around the same period that Rome was developing its
enduring culture, different but equally complex empires were emerging farther
east. In India, the Mauryan and Gupta empires dominated the land, while the Han
Empire ruled over China.
SECTION 5 ASSESSMENT
TERMS & NAMES 1. For each term or name, write a sentence explaining its significance.
• Greco-Roman culture • Pompeii • Virgil • Tacitus • aqueduct