Roman & Greek Civilization
Roman & Greek Civilization
Roman & Greek Civilization
Philosophical Influences
Philosophers: Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle questioned traditional beliefs, leading to a
blend of rational thought and spirituality.
Mystery Religions: Groups like the Eleusinian Mysteries offered personal salvation and secret rituals.
Peplos Kore (Archaic Period) Discobolus (Classical Period) Venus de Milo (Hellenistic Period)
Theater
It serves as a form of entertainment, education and religious
ritual.
There are three main type of Greek theater:
‣ Tragedy: deals with serious themes such as human
suffering, fate and consequences of hubris.
‣ Comedy: Often satirical, humorous and poking fun at
social and political issues.
‣ Satyr plays: - A combined element of tragedy and
comedy.
Theater
Amphitheater was a large, open space
structure consist of seating areas
(theatron).
The place where they perform is called
orchestra.
The building located behind the
orchestra is called skene.
The Roman version of the theater was
inspired from Greek.
Weapons
Spears
also known as dory or doru
Ranged Weapon
2-3 meters long with a leaf-shaped blade Bow: made out of wood, surrounded by
on one end and a short spike on the other. a sheath, horn or sinew.
usually made out of iron or bronze Javelin: were light spears around 1.5 m
long used to throw at opponents on the
Sword battlefield that has a bronze point.
Slings are made of cords and leather.
also known as Xiphos
a double-edged sword and a leaf shaped
blade that measures 0.5 meters long.
Armor
Shield
An ancient Greek shield is called aspis
A large round shield made out of layers Body Armour
of wood, leather and bronze and Designed to protect soldiers from enemy
measures a meter in diameter. weapons and provide them with tactical
Pelte or wicker shield is a lighter advancements.
Ancient Greek soldiers is known for
Helmet heavy armor particularly hoplites
There are various types of helmets: Showcase social status
Corinthian helmet
Chalcidian helmet
Thracian helmet
Government
Ancient Greek Government Modern Greek Government
Monarchy: Early city-states, like Mycenae, were Executive: The President is a ceremonial head of
ruled by kings with centralized power. state, while the Prime Minister, as head of
Oligarchy: In places like Sparta, a small group of government, leads the administration.
elites, including two kings and a council, held Legislative: The Hellenic Parliament is unicameral
power. with 300 members elected for four years,
Tyranny: Tyrants seized power by force or popular responsible for making laws and approving budgets.
support, often ruling without legal authority. Judicial: The judiciary is independent, with the
Democracy: Athens developed a direct democracy Council of State and Supreme Court as the highest
where male citizens voted in an assembly on laws courts.
and decisions. Political System: Greece has a multi-party system,
Aristocracy: Cities like Corinth were governed by with major parties like New Democracy and SYRIZA.
noble families, passing power through hereditary Local Government: Divided into Regions and
lines. Municipalities, handling local services and regional
development.
ANCIENT ROMAN
CIVILIZATION
Mathematics
The Romans used numbers in their everyday living. Around 9th
to 8th century BC, Romans began to use a number system that
was named after them, the Roman numerals, that were
developed out of the necessity for a common method of
counting.
ROMAN CITIES
Forum - The forum was the heart of any Roman city. It was a large public square used for
political gatherings, religious ceremonies, and as a marketplace.
Basilica - basilica was a public building used during the Roman empire. It served as a law
court, marketplace, and a space for public business and administration.
Law Courts - Law courts were specifically designated for legal proceedings and judicial
matters. They were often housed within basilicas or nearby public buildings.
Markets - Roman cities had organized markets where goods like food, clothing, and crafts
were sold. These markets were often located near the forum and basilica, making trade easy
and accessible for citizens.
Latrines - Latrines in Roman cities were public restrooms, widely used and highly advanced for
their time. They were designed to accommodate multiple people at once, often in a
communal setting, with rows of seats over a flowing water system that carried waste away.
ROMAN CITIES
Public baths - Roman public baths, or thermae, were more than places to bathe—they were
social and cultural hubs. Citizens gathered here to relax, exercise, and socialize.
Colonnades - Colonnades were rows of columns creating covered walkways, protecting
pedestrians from sun and rain. They were common along streets and in public spaces.
Fountains - Fountains were not just decorative; they also provided fresh drinking water from the
city’s aqueducts. They were often found in public squares.
ROMAN CITIES
Colonnades
COMPOSITE ORDER
Arch of Titus
WELL KNOWN
ARCHITECTURE
THE PANTHEON
Temple of the Roman gods, The Pantheon has one of the most perfect interior
spaces ever constructed. The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant
dome, with its famous hole in the top (The eye of the Pantheon, or oculus).
The dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and to present remains
the largest unsupported dome in the world. Its diameter is 43.30 meters (or
142 ft.). Since 609 AD it became a catholic church it is called the Basilica
Santa Maria ad Martyres or Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.
THE COLOSSEUM
A giant amphitheater built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. It is an
elliptical structure made of stone, concrete, and tuff, and it stands four
stories tall at its highest point. It could hold as many as 50,000
spectators. The Colosseum was famously used for gladiatorial combat.
RELIGION
The Roman Empire was a primarily polytheistic civilization, which meant that
people recognized and worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. These gods
included Jupiter (king of the gods), Juno (goddess of marriage), Mars (god of war),
and Venus (goddess of love).
Christianity - Christianity originated in the 1st century CE as a sect of Judaism,
centered around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. After Jesus' crucifixion, his
followers, including the apostles, spread his teachings throughout Judea and
beyond, particularly in key cities like Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome. In 380 CE,
Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity the official state religion of the Roman
Empire through the Edict of Thessalonica (a significant declaration that established
Christianity as the official state religion of the Roman Empire)
WEAPONS
Weapons at the time of the roman empire were varied and sophisticated,
reflecting the military prowess and technological advancements of the time.
Caltrop - A spiked device used to slow down enemy cavalry or infantry by
puncturing their feet. Deployed on battlefields and roads to create hazards for
pursuing enemies. Here are some contributions of caltrop:
‣ Caltrop has evolved from a historical weapon of war to a multifaceted tool
with applications in military and law enforcement.
‣ Modern law enforcement agencies utilize spiked devices similar to
caltrops, known as "spike strips," to stop fleeing vehicles.
‣ Caltrops are still used in modern military strategies and tactics to impede
enemy movement, particularly in conflict zones.