1. 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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. The Poems of Catullus

9. Cicero’s On Duty

10. The Poems of Horace

12. Seneca On Tranquility of Mind

13. Tacitus Dialogue on Oratory

14. Juvenal’s Against Women

15. Juvenal’s Against the City of Rome