Introductory Lesson on Greek and Roman Civilisations

INTRODUCTORY LESSON ON GREEK AND ROMAN CIVILISATIONS

1.1 What are Classical Studies?

A study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome, i.e. ofthe literature, philosophy, art, architecture, political and social life of the Greeks and Romans. Chronologically Greek Civilisation is earlier than Roman Civilisation.

1.2 Origin and spread of Greek Civilisation:

1. In Greece the basic unit was the "polis", or city state. Greece, therefore, was a country comprised of city states.
2. Greece and Macedonia with Philip II
3. Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor, the Middle East and Egypt, with Alexander the Great.

1.3 Origin and spread of Roman civilisation:

Rome expanded through:-

1. Italy
2. East Mediterranean (destruction of Carthage)
3. West Mediterranean (much of the area earlier controlled by Alexander the Great).

1.4 The concept of empire needs to be explained.

It is not just a country but extends over a wide area. Use of maps helps to simplify the explanation of this concept.

1.5 Meeting of Greek and Roman Empires

Alexander the Great had no heir

His generals took over and quarrelled

Rome was strong and expanding, and moved in

1.6 Why are Greek and Roman Civilisations so similar?

Romans admired what the Greeks had done

Through the process of education they absorbed the literature, philosophy, art and science of the Greeks

They also added new features e.g. amphitheatre

1.7 Languages

Greeks - Greek

Romans - Latin

1.8 Why are Greek and Roman Civilisation so important today?

How have they influenced our world?

The following is a list of areas of contemporary life which have been influenced by Greek and/or Roman Civilisation. Practical illustrations of this influence are given in relation to each area.