Cultral Studies: Roman Vs Greek
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Category
Romans
Greeks
Government
-Romans controlled neighboring communities
-outsiders could become Roman citizens -women were citizens
-woman could own property and even divorce their husbands.
-Greek city-states were ferociously independent
-outsiders were not allowed
– women were not considered citizens
-the Greeks invented democracy
Geography
The city of Rome is located in the middle of the Italian Peninsula. It was on the trade migration route between northern and southern Italy.
The Greek mountains cause each city-state to develop self-sufficiently. The mountainous terrain also affects trade.
Economy
– agriculture
-slaves
-tribute paid by conquered nations
-coins are used as currency.
-agriculture and fishing
-slaves
-coins are used as currency.
Trade
Roman trade was more of a national project. The Romans traded much more than the Greeks. Many times the Romans would triumph over or seize regions that produced a good or had a natural resource Rome wanted rather than attempt to make that good themselves.
Greek trade was an extension of each individual city-state rather than a national effort.
-realistic and practical in their expression.
-Paintings of daily life and actual people were common.
-portray idealistic images.
-Greek mythological creatures and gods also featured in Greek art.
Architecture
-practical buildings
-the Coliseum
-perfected the use of concrete
-extensive system of roads and channels
-baths were also built and were a focal point
-temples
-marble and granite
-temples were art for the gods
-typically fancy on the outside and plain on the inside
Philosophy
-more pragmatic and functional
-debated how to conquer or overpower an enemy
-well-known philosophers
-Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
-debated issues like truth, virtue and beauty.
Religion
-adopted the gods of the countries they conquered