Greek Influence On Roman Civilization

Roman civilization grew on the Tiber River in the central part of the Italian peninsula. Founded by shepherds and traders, Rome began as a republican society with the government of the state shared by the citizens.

This state gradually expanded its control of the surrounding territory until it had conquered the entire peninsula of Italy. It then looked to other parts of the Mediterranean, always with the excuse that Rome was only protecting itself against potential invaders.

The essential characteristic of the Roman civilization was practicality: What would work in a given situation? While the Greeks had been thinkers and philosophers, the Romans were doers.

The Greeks built philosophies, and the Romans built roads. The Roman society of the early years was a

There also was a trend away from the military orgin of physical training as the old part-time army of citizens became mercenaries or noncitizens who were paid to serve in the army.

Education in the home had made early Rome strong, but as the Empire grew, schools were developed outside the home. Much of the instruction was done by Greek slaves, who had a broader education than the Romans.

They provided the grammar part of the traditional Greek education, but since the Romans saw no practical use for the gymnastics or music, these studies were not included in the program.

The educational program was unbalanced, for the Romans were interested primarily in education that had practical uses. Their contributions to civilization were notably in the practical areas of law and engineering.

The great wealth that came into the Roman Empire from the conquered nations and the many slaves who did much of the work previously done by the poorer Romans led to a breakdown of the societal morals of the roman