Philosophy: New Schools of Thought The Cynics: focused on the philosophy of life Sceptics: the philosophy was accept things as they appear to them Epicureanism: Happiness was the goal of life, and the means of achieving it was the pursuit of pleasure, the only true good

Stoicism This movement began in Greece and eventually flourished in the Roman Empire Its teacher and founder was Zeno Stoic philosophy lied in the view that there can be no authority higher than reason Thought people should enjoy the good things life has to offer Believed that we are one with Nature

Stoicism in Rome Scipio Africanus was the founder of Roman Stoicism Romans adapted the Stoic doctrine to suit their needs. Roman Stoics goal was to attain virtue and tranquility Why did the Roman Stoics give the attainment of tranquility a more prominent role than their Greek predecessors did?

Roman Stoics Seneca – considered the best Stoic writer in the Roman Empire Gaius Mosonius Rufus – he believed that philosophy should affect us personally & profoundly Epictetus – he expected his pupils to want to benefit from philosophy & be committed to philosophy Marcus Annius Verus – “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing”

Roman Literature Influenced by Greek Literature Cattullus, ancient Rome’s best lyric poet Cicero, ancient Rome’s greatest prose writer Romans had a great respect for oratory since the ability to persuade people in public debate meant success in politics On the Laws and On the Republic provided fresh insights into political thought including the need for a mixed constitution

Emperor Augustus supported and encouraged writers and other artists of his day Themes included Augustan politics, the return of peace (pax romana), the importance of the land and agriculture, and restraining from luxuries and instead resorting to a simpler lifestyle Virgil’s Aeneid was a poem intended to honor Rome and the emperor Augustus

The Poems of Catullus

Cicero’s On Duty

The Poems of Horace

Seneca On Tranquility of Mind

Tacitus Dialogue on Oratory

Juvenal’s Against Women

Juvenal’s Against the City of Rome