CONTRIBUTIONS OF

ROME TO SOCIETY
CONTRIBUTIONS OF GREECE TO
SOCIETY
1. Math and Science
2. Philosophy
3. Architecture
4. Drama and Theater
5. Athletics
6. Arts
7. Language
8. Law
GG

Greco-Roman Civilization
⦿Romans borrowed ideas from the Greeks.
⦿Romans believed that Greek art,
literature, philosophy, and scientific
genius were above others.
⦿Blending of Greek, Hellenistic (Greek,
Persian, Egyptian, Indian), and Roman
culture = Greco-Roman Civilization
Roman Math
The Greeks built the knowledge of math on
the mathematics of the Egyptians,
Babylonians
Lead to Algebra and Calculus

Romans did not contribute that much to

mathematical thought.
Roman Numerals
No zero
Additive system (I+I+I+I+I=V)
Can’t do anything complex.
Roman Medicine
⦿Had a love-hate relationship with all
things Greek
⦿The Romans saw the Greeks as being
dreamers whilst they were do-ers
⦿But they accepted that the Greeks had
the best doctors in the world and
transported many of them to Rome
Claudius Galen, 129 AD- 210 AD

⦿Born in Turkey – studied at Alexandria

⦿Most influential figure in medicine for the
next 1000 years
◼Wrote many books that were used all throughout the
Middle Ages
⦿Revived the ideas of Hippocrates –Developed
an interest in anatomy – but got lots of
details wrong as he only officially dissected
pigs
Roman Public Health
⦿Realized the connection between dirty water
and poor health
⦿Had Aqueducts and Sewers
⦿Realized that you had to build towns and
settlements away from swamps and near rivers
⦿Army had clean hospitals with good ventilation
Roman Public Health
⦿Most Roman towns had public baths
⦿These served both public health and social
purposes
⦿They also had public lavatories
⦿These public health ideas benefited the people
who lived in the empire as well as Rome
Roman Religion
⦿Romans were initially polytheistic. Borrowed
gods and goddesses from the Greeks.
⦿They put their own spin on the gods
⦿Toward the end of the Roman empire they
turned to Christianity
⦿Greek gods are: Zeus, Poseidon, Hestia,
Hermes, Hera, Haphaestus, Hades, Dionysus,
Demeter, Athena, Artemis, Ares, Apollo and
Aphrodit
⦿Roman myths are: Jupiter, Neptune, Vesta,
Mercury, Juno, Vulcan, Pluto, Liber, Ceres,
Minerva, Diana, Mars, Apollo and Venus
Philosophy
1. MATH AND SCIENCE
⦿ Roman men didn’t begin studying
philosophy until about 200 BCE when
Roman armies were conquering Greece.
(Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)

⦿ First
Roman to write about Greek
philosophy was Lucretius.

◼ Poem On the Nature of Things

• Explained Epicurean Philosophy
• Moderation
Philosophy
1. ⦿MATH AND Cicero
Roman named SCIENCE
wrote about
◼ Skeptics Philosophy
• Question ideas or facts you heard about
● How do they know that?

◼ Stoic Philosophy
• Men should try to be as good as possible
• Improve their minds by studying philosophy
Roman Architecture
⦿Romans emphasized grandeur to show power
and dignity
Roman Architecture
⦿One of the Roman inventions that made
Architecture possible - CEMENT
⦿Roman Cement is incredibly durable. - -
Harbors made with it 2000 years ago still
stand even with constant contact with sea
water
⦿The difference is that Roman Concrete was
made with lime and volcanic ash which
bonded with any water. It was an
exceptionally strong bond.
Roman Architecture
⦿Romans learned from the Greeks how to put
columns and arches in their buildings
They improved it and used it to invent the
dome. (a roof formed by rounded arches)
Roman Aqueducts
⦿The need for a water supply in cities led
Romans to build aqueducts
⦿Canal-like concrete structures that could
bring water from springs and distant lakes
District of Southern nia, via
Associated Press
⦿Colorado River Aqueduct, a lifeline to Southern
California.CreditMetropolitan Water District of Southern California,
via Associated Pres Colorado River Aqueduct, a lifeline to
Southern California.CreditMetropolitan Water District of Southern
California, via Associat The Colorado River Aqueduct, a lifeline to
Southern California.CreditMetropolitan Water District of Southern
California, via Associated Press ed Press s
Pantheon
⦿A temple to all Roman Gods
Architecture - Transportation
⦿Romans designed and built roads to connect
all parts of their empire
Drama, Theater,
⦿Romans borrowed from Greek dramas
◼Similar themes ( comedy and tragedy )
⦿Romans borrowed from Greek Theaters
◼Similar themes ( comedy and tragedy )
Roman Athletics
⦿Romans followed the Greeks and had a few
examples of sports events. But nothing like
the Greek Olympics. Roman participation was
limited.

⦿Huge exception – Gladiatorial Games

⦿First recorded fight to the death – 264 BCE
⦿Became a part of Roman Culture
⦿It was Drama, Theater and Athletics all in
one.
Gladiatorial Games
⦿Large open spaces were built that sat 20,000
– 60,000 people
⦿Gladiatorial Games became very popular
⦿Gladiators were unfree individuals
◼Condemned criminals, prisoners of war, slaves)
⦿Day at the game began with procession
⦿Display of exotic animals, hunting, fighting
⦿Lunch - Public executions (Criminals,
Christians)
⦿Afternoon – Fights between Gladiators
Gladiatorial Games
Arts - Sculpture

◼Romans created realistic potraits in stone

◼Bas-relief – images project from a flat
background
Arts - Mosaics

◼Mosaics were pictures or designs made by setting

small pieces of glass, stone or tile onto a surface
Arts - Frescos

◼Wealthy Romans had large, bright murals called

frescos painted directly on their walls.
Roman Language
Latin – was the spoken and written language or
Rome
Roman Law
⦿Most lasting and widespread contribution
⦿Laws were fair and applied equally to all
people.
◼All persons had the right to equal treatment
under the law.
◼Innocent until proven guilty
◼The burden of proof lies with the accuser,
not the accused.
◼A person should be punished for actions, not
for thoughts.
◼Guilt must be established “clearer than
daylight” through evidence.
⦿Theselaws became the basis for legal
systems in Europe and Latin America
◼