homework help

I need the following answered:

In comparing Greece and Rome, what would you say initially are some of the major cultural differences?  Use art and philosophy in your response. So, Rome had some really amazing technological advances and they were very strategic about how they used it to maintain and grow the empire.  What do you think about this compared to the Greek more expansive and creative focus? (350 words)

Respond to students answer:

I get so hung up on the idea of philosophy being something bigger than it is. I stewed over this question for some hours before the light bulb came on- philosophy is no more than the ideas, way of thinking/life, or belief system. One significant difference is the way each culture viewed the role of a woman. In Greek culture woman were viewed as the lowest class of people, however the Romans viewed their woman as citizens (only restricting their right to hold office).

Political philosophies in Greece progressed from Monarchy, to Oligarchy to Democracy, where as the Romans had all three in one eventually turning towards Empire. As we have studied in the past few weeks we have learned that the Greek were very artistic. Over time they perfected their artistic expressions, ever reaching for perfection. Most of the Greek forms of art we have studied have been large statues, and architecture-very large scale. However the Romans were said to have mimicked this style on a more decorative scale, more realistic form.

The Greek taught the Romans to read and write. Much of their mythology and subsequently their religion are derived from the Greeks. Due to this literacy there are earlier records of their history were as the Romans were a bit behind, much of their history as John Green puts it “made up.” I am not sure why the Greek culture had more of an advanced literateness, was it because their culture was older or because they put more of an emphasis on intellectual growth?!

Respond to students answer:

From what I’ve read of Rome, a lot of their culture started with the Greeks, for example, philosophy. The Greeks made Philosophy what is and always has been not only because they were the first to do it, but they also had some really great philosophers! First, they had the Sophists who questioned all aspects of life and challenged ancient beliefs that spirits were responsible for everything. Next, you’ve got the Stoics who told us that happiness comes from within. We are all responsible for our own well-being. Additionally, one should live a humble life and not over indulge, but instead live through balance. (Fiero 2013) On the other hand, the Romans were not known for their great philosophers. They had studied what the Greeks taught them (especially from the Hellenistic age) and for the most part, they were content with that.

            The Romans also learned about painting from the Greeks, but they refined this skill and developed their own unique styles. The Greeks used ceramic vessels as the canvas for their paint. They often painted scenes from everyday life, mythology, and literature on various ceramic objects such as vases, cups, wine jugs, bowls, etc. (Fiero 2013) The artworks were simple; the shapes were very geometric and almost cartoonish. Additionally, because they used black paint to decorate clay the works only contained two colors. (Fiero 2013) Overall, the two color technique has dramatic contrast, but is not very aesthetically pleasing.

            Similar to the Romans, the Greeks also used painting to depict scenes from everyday life, mythology, and literature. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans learned to paint using color, light, and shading. (Fiero 2013) With their knowledge of art they created beautiful frescoes which were vibrant and colorful, almost bursting with life. The Romans changed the art of painting for all of mankind. In addition to frescoes, the Romans were the first to master still lifes and landscape scenes (Fiero 2013); two commonly used genres even to this day that artists still strive to master.