Greek and Roman Cultures

Alicia Battles AIU-Online Cultural Topics November 11, 2012 Abstract In this assignment I will compare and contrast Greek and Roman Culture. I will discuss the likes and differences of their government, geographical terrain, economics, trade practices, art, architecture, philosophies, and religious beliefs. Greek Terrain- city states separated by hilly countryside and all near water Art- ideal artistic form (Superior to Roman art) Economy- grew wheat, produced, booze and olive oil thought trading was degrading Social classes- slaves, freedmen, metics, citizens, women women were not considered citizensGovernment- kings originally ruled, then oligarchy, then democracy Religion- cupid God of Love, Ares God of war, ground on human personality traits, Love, Honor, Hatred, Dignity, also their roles in life determined what they were divinity of Zeus sky/weather, Hades destruction, Poseidon sea, aquatics Physical life was of importance kind of of eventuality of the afterlife Each god h ad characteristics that determined their actions Deities were important for progression of life but mortals were just as Both Geographic Terrain- Mediterranean countriesEconomy- based on agriculture, worked mines, had slaves, produced wine and olive oil, coinage, divided by wealth Religion- same gods but different names and traits Government- originated by kings Philosophy- slowly emerged out of religious bewilderment into curiosity about the principles and elements of the natural world. When Greek population moved to their cities interest changed to social living. Roman Terrain- Rome was inland, and on one side of the Tiber River Art- realistic portraits for palm tree Economy- imported wheat, farmers, and also engaged in trade Social Classes- slaves, freedmen, plebeians, patriciansWomen were considered citizens Government- Kings originally ruled, then mixed republican form, then emperors Religion- Eros god of love, Mars god of martial fertility, Deities named after objects mortal s did good deeds to be rewarded in the afterlife they strove to gain their place with the gods in heaven Religion- gods not gender specific so their individual characteristics were not central to the myths myths based in brave, heroic deeds of gods not mortals as mortal life was not important after death Not individualistic a warrior found sacred actions more important than words gods had no physical mportant as it was their contribution in society that mattered in the end Individualistic individuals had more consequences for their actions than that of a group Physical work not as important as creativity Gods were beautiful, bodies, muscles, eyes and hair make them more beautiful. Architecture- Buildings made of wood, clay, or mud bricks, limestone, marble, terracotta, plaster, and bronze buildings were of the type of religious, funerary, domestic, civic, or recreational themes ppearance Architecture- Rome adopted most of its architecture from Greek architecture References http//www . britannica. com/EBchecked/ root word/1350843/Western-philosophy/16256/Shifts-in-the-focus-and-concern-of-Western-philosophy http//www. differencebetween. com/difference-between-greek-and-vs-roman-archit ecture/ http//www. diffen. com/difference/Greek_Gods_vs_Roman_Gods http//ancienthistory. about. com/od/greecevsrome/ss/GreecevsRome_8. htm