The ancient civilization of Rome and Greece

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Though the Rome had taken over Greece, yet it could not thrive much. The Ancient Greece flourished in the 5th century, where as Rome was unable to do so. The reason behind Rome's downfall was bad economic condition and poor military control.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Social Structure2

Military strategy2

Political Structure3

Economy3

Political Leaders4

Conclusion4

End Notes6

The ancient civilization of Rome and Greece

Introduction

Greece and Rome were the two greatest civilizations of the ancient world. The locality of both the civilizations was different, yet they had so many things in common. The Romans and Greeks shared similar art, religion and literature; but their governments and few of the military strategies were different. There were numerous social class differences as well; with different traditions and values for life. The Romans had adopted a lot of things of daily life from the Greeks, with minor modifications. Socially, both the societies had a hierarchal system. Their economy was based on trade. The Romans believed in expanding their control, while the Greeks aimed at conquering not oppressing. Julius Caesar and Augustus were the two political leaders of Rome. Julius Caesar suggested some new laws but had failed to create a new method of governing. Augustus's political strategy had fit the society. Pericles and Leonidas were the leaders of Greek. Though they both had great militaries, yet their strategies differed.

Thesis Statement

The Greek civilization was more advanced than the civilization of Rome.

Discussion

The Romans had adopted a lot of things of daily life, such as sophisticated culture, advanced learning and philosophy, from the Greeks, with minor modifications.

Social Structure

Socially, both the societies had a hierarchal system. The social systems of Greece were divided into the following classes: slaves, freedmen, metrics, citizens and women. Women did not have any status in their society. In Greece, social status was dependent upon the land holdings and culture, where as in Rome the society was divided into the: freedmen, slaves, plebeians, and patricians. Women were treated as equal individuals and even citizens, if their ancestors were not slaves. Yet the political offices and the right to vote had been restricted for them. The families were considered the basic unit of society, and emphasis was laid upon loyalty and obedience.

Military strategy

The Greek States were geographically isolated from one another. Therefore, two different political styles were followed there. Sparta was a military state and Athens was a democratic State only for the adult males. In Sparta, women were encouraged in military, while in Athens, they were considered lower than slaves. Both of the states had strong military organizations. The army was divided into legions, and emphasized upon the good organization and gratifying military talent. Their technique was to conquer, not oppress. The Athenians wanted to create their empire in the Delian League, but it was reversed after the Peloponnesian Wars.

The Romans, on the contrary, invaded the communities of the Italian peninsula and brought them under their ...