Both Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations have significantly influenced the western culture in various ways, from literature, art, philosophy to politics. Both civilizations had both similarities and differences in their influence of western culture. The English language has borrowed many words and phrases from ancient Greek and Latin. Greek and Latin terminologies are widely used in medical and scientific fields. Additionally, ancient Greek philosophy laid the groundwork for the development of western philosophy, which is still studied today. However, the ancient Greek civilization had a greater impact on western culture than the Roman civilization, especially in their philosophy, literature, art, and democratic government concepts, which continue to influence the western world today.

Ancient Greek vs Roman Civilization: Which Had a Greater Impact on Western Culture?

Both Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations have significantly influenced the western culture in various ways. From their literature, art, philosophy, and even politics, there is no denying their instrumental role in shaping the modern-day western world. However, the two civilizations had both similarities and differences in their influence of western culture.

Similarities

Language

Both ancient Greek and Roman languages still influence the modern-day western language. The English language, for instance, has borrowed many words and phrases from ancient Greek and Latin. Greek and Latin terminologies are widely used in medical and scientific fields.

Architecture

Ancient Greek and Roman architecture had a significant impact on western architecture. Many architects during the Renaissance era embraced the classical architectural ideas, including the use of columns, arches, and domes from ancient Greece and Rome.

Philosophy

The western philosophy owes its origin to ancient Greek philosophy. Greek philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates laid the groundwork for the development of the western philosophy, which is still being studied today. Similarly, Roman philosophers like Cicero and Seneca also had significant contributions to western philosophy.

Differences

Government

The ancient Greek city-states relied on a democratic government, where citizens had equal rights, including participating in the decision-making process. In contrast, the Roman republic was a representative government, where citizens elected representatives to make the decisions on their behalf. This form of government significantly influenced the modern-day concept of democracy.

Religion

The ancient Greek religion was polytheistic, and the gods were believed to control natural phenomena. In contrast, Roman religion, though also polytheistic, believed in a concept of divine reward and punishment based on personal moral behavior.

Art

The ancient Greek art mainly focused on humanism and idealism- the natural human forms in perfect physical beauty. Roman art, on the other hand, also depicted realistic human forms, but their art was more about realism and portrayal of historical events like battles and conquests. Greek art continues to inspire modern-day art and architecture, while Roman art remains significant in historical artwork.

Conclusion

Both ancient Greek and Roman civilizations played critical roles in shaping western culture. However, the ancient Greek civilization had a greater impact on western culture than the Roman civilization. Their philosophy, literature, art, and democratic government concepts continue to influence the western world today. Nonetheless, the Roman civilization still had significant contributions to western culture, including its language, law, and architecture, which remain foundational in the modern-day society.