About This Chapter
Roman Culture & Society - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
You've likely heard stories about Roman gods and goddesses, but there's so much more to Roman culture and society than mythology. The lessons in this chapter will teach you about Roman religion and philosophy as well as art and architecture. By the time you complete all the video lessons, you'll have knowledge on topics such as:
- What architectural styles were used in Rome
- How the Greeks influenced Roman mythology
- What stoicism is
- What styles and qualities define Roman art
- Who Cicero was
- What the theories of Lucretius were
|Roman Engineering and Architecture||Discover Roman engineering advancements and the characteristics of Roman architecture.|
|Roman Myths and Religion||Find out about Roman gods and the influence of Greek culture.|
|Roman Art: History, Characteristics & Style||Learn about mosaics, portrait sculptures and other forms of Roman art.|
|Stoicism: Understanding Roman Moral Philosophy||Explore Roman morality and learn about important Stoic philosophers.|
|Atomism: Natural Philosophy and Lucretius||Get details on the theories of Lucretius and why atomism was controversial among Romans.|
|Cicero: History & Philosophy||Examine Cicero's life, philosophical beliefs and legacy.|
1. Roman Engineering and Architecture
This lecture covers Roman advances in architecture and engineering. First, Rome's debt to Greece is explored. Next, Roman advances in material science are enumerated: cement, mortar and concrete. After that, we will look at a few distinctly Roman techniques: the arch and the dome.
2. Roman Myths and Religion
This lesson compares Roman gods to their Greek predecessors and enumerates the similarities and differences between Greek and Roman religion. Finally, Roman religion's relationship with mystery cults, especially Christianity, is briefly explored.
3. Roman Art: History, Characteristics & Style
This lesson offers a basic outline of Roman art. We begin by examining the Greek roots of Roman art. Then, we look at the three predominant forms of Roman art: sculpture, murals and mosaics.
4. Stoicism: Understanding Roman Moral Philosophy
This lesson looks at Roman moral philosophy, beginning with the unwritten laws and customs governing Roman social life. Then, we follow the introduction of Stoic philosophy to Rome. Finally, we take a look at some of Rome's greatest stoic philosophers.
5. Atomism: Natural Philosophy and Lucretius
This lesson will discuss the theories of the Roman philosopher, Lucretius. As it focuses on Lucretius and his works, it will highlight his belief in atomism and his famous poem, 'On the Nature of Things.'
6. Cicero: History & Philosophy
This lesson recounts the life and accomplishments of Cicero. We follow his political career through the collapse of the Roman Republic. We take a look at his philosophy. Finally we examine his legacy in western civilization.
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Other chapters within the History 112: World History I course
- Prehistory & the Development of Humankind
- Civilization Begins at Mesopotamia
- Early Egyptian Civilization
- Early Civilizations of the Ancient Near East
- The Rise of Empires in the Ancient Near East
- Early Indian Civilizations & Empires
- Early Chinese Civilizations & Empires
- Early Greek Civilizations
- Classical Greek Culture & Philosophy
- Alexander & the Spread of Hellenistic Culture
- Rise of the Roman Republic
- The Roman Republic Becomes an Empire
- The Development of Christianity
- Fall of the Roman Empire
- The Birth of the Muslim World
- Early African Civilizations
- Early Civilizations in Asia
- The Roman World in Transformation
- Feudalism in Europe & the Early Middle Ages
- The Byzantine Empire & the Crusades
- Rise of the Russians & the Turks
- Society & Culture in the Medieval Warm Period
- Medieval Civilization & Christianity
- European Kingdoms Emerge
- Culture of the High Middle Ages
- The Late Middle Ages
- Early Civilizations in the Americas
- The Muslim World Expands
- The European Renaissance