How Did Greece Become Rome?

By Michael Ferguson

How Did Greece Become Rome?

Greece and Rome are two ancient civilizations that have had a profound impact on the world. While they are often discussed separately, it is important to understand the relationship between these two cultures and how Greece played a significant role in shaping the Roman Empire.

The Influence of Greek Culture

The Roman Empire was established in 27 BCE, but its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece. The Romans admired Greek art, literature, philosophy, and architecture and sought to incorporate these elements into their own society. This cultural exchange began during the Roman Republic and continued into the Roman Empire.

Greek Art:

The Romans were inspired by Greek art and adopted many of its styles and techniques. They were particularly influenced by Greek sculpture, which emphasized realism and human anatomy. Roman statues often depicted gods, heroes, and emperors in a similar manner to Greek sculptures.

Greek Literature:

Greek literature had a profound impact on Roman writers. Many famous works of Greek epic poetry, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, were translated into Latin and became staples of Roman education. Roman poets also drew inspiration from Greek tragedy and comedy.

The Hellenistic Period

In addition to this cultural exchange, Greece also experienced a period known as the Hellenistic period (323 BCE – 31 BCE), which was marked by the spread of Greek culture throughout the eastern Mediterranean region under Alexander the Great’s conquests.

Alexander’s Conquests:

Alexander the Great’s military campaigns brought Greece into contact with various cultures, including Egypt, Persia, and India. As a result, Greek culture spread and became a dominant influence in these regions. This cultural diffusion laid the groundwork for the later Roman Empire.

The Spread of Greek Language:

During the Hellenistic period, Greek became the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean. It was spoken by administrators, traders, and intellectuals throughout the region. This widespread use of Greek language further facilitated cultural exchange between Greece and other civilizations.

Roman Conquest of Greece

Despite their admiration for Greek culture, the Romans eventually conquered Greece in 146 BCE. This marked a turning point in the relationship between these two civilizations.

Romanization of Greece:

After their conquest, the Romans sought to incorporate Greece into their empire. They established Roman colonies, built roads and infrastructure, and promoted Roman customs and traditions. However, they also respected Greek culture and allowed Greek cities to maintain a certain level of autonomy.

Greek Influence on Roman Society:

Even after conquering Greece, Rome continued to be heavily influenced by Greek culture. Many Romans adopted Greek names, learned the Greek language, and studied Greek philosophy. The Romans also imported Greek artwork and commissioned artists to create works in a similar style.

The Byzantine Empire

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, the Eastern Roman Empire (also known as the Byzantine Empire) continued to thrive. The Byzantines inherited much of Greece’s culture and preserved it through their own society.

Greek Language and Christianity:

The Byzantines continued to speak and write in Greek even as Latin declined in importance. Additionally, they played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout Europe by translating religious texts into various languages including Latin.

Preservation of Greek Works:

The Byzantines also played a vital role in preserving Greek works of literature, philosophy, and science. Many ancient Greek texts would have been lost if not for the efforts of Byzantine scholars who meticulously copied and preserved these works.

In conclusion, Greece played a pivotal role in shaping the Roman Empire through its cultural influence, conquests, and subsequent Romanization. The relationship between Greece and Rome was one of admiration, assimilation, and preservation. This interaction between the two civilizations laid the foundation for Western civilization as we know it today.