Roots of Western Civilization

Greco-Roman Culture admired Greek culture –art, literature, architecture and philosophy mixing of Greek, Roman and Hellenistic Culture –classical civilization Roman art and literature conveyed Roman ideals –strength, permanence and solidity – rt.htmlhttp:// rt.html

Roman Fine Arts learned sculpting from Greeks realism bas-relief or low-relief –told stories created mosaics –small pieces of stone, tile or glass painting –bright, large murals

Learning and Literature Stoicism –encouraged virtue, duty, moderation and endurance Virgil –wrote epics –government most important contribution

Legacy of Rome Latin –developed into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian Master Builders –arch, dome and concrete –Colosseum –Aqueducts transported water

Roman system of law early law –strengthened rights of citizens as it grew –equality for everyone basis of legal systems –US, Europe and Britain

Enduring influence Combined with Greek culture to strengthen Western cultural tradition Roman “idea” is immortal