Art

From the twelfth to the eighth century B.C the inhabitants of the present day Greece settled into small communities for their common protection. Gradually, these scattered settlements developed into city-states. Each city-state was a separate entity, with its own government, its own code of laws, and its own distinct personality (Berkshire 1995). These city-states produced different philosophical and literary works as well as works of art. For the sake of comparison and evaluation, Homers literary masterpieces the Iliad and Odyssey will be compared with Ancient Romes literature. The Parthenon in Greece will be used to compare and contrast the differences and similarities between Greek and Roman architecture. Lastly, the sculpture of the Charioteer of Delphi will be compared to the Roman sculpture. Both Greece and Rome had their starts at roughly the same time. But Greek culture peaked with a brilliant climax in the fifth century B.C, while Rome was still slowly developing.

The Parthenon, the most brilliant surviving example of Greek architecture was completed in 433 B.C. The crudeness of early Greek temples was gradually refined upon the completion of the Parthenon. Under Egyptian influence, stone was substituted for wood and an elaborate system of proportions was established. The Greeks believed that all things were in measure of man. Mans body is proportional, that is, the size of his arms, legs and head are all related so that none is too big or too small.  The Greek planned their temple much in the same way. Greek temples are based on Doric, ionic and Corinthian orders. These set of orders were used in constructing the Parthenon. Taking into account the influences of the Greeks in Rome, the Colosseum showcases the utilization of Ionic, Doric and Corinthian orders that were likewise used in the Parthenon (Walsh 2000). Observing the buildings alone will easily showcase the relationship. The differences between these architectural pieces would be their uses and size. In Rome, the majestic Colosseum served as a stage for battles and a venue for people. In Greece, majestic structures like the Parthenon serve to intellectual people and the government.

In Literature, Ab Urbe Condita Libri which discusses the ancient history of Rome by Titus Livius is of the most important ancient texts that can be traced back. Titus Livius was a Roman historian who lived after Homer. However, Homers work ethic cannot be compared any where near Roman literature because Homers work has surpassed most literature during his time. In Rome, Homers work influenced a lot of writers how ever due to differences in subject (history, plays, and drama) an equal comparison cannot be made. However, since the Greeks have the greatest influences on Romans it is only logical to think that during the early civilization of Rome and Greece, Greek Literature was very much superior. Lastly, in terms of art sculptures, Roman sculptures of Roman Gods depict power and artistry similar to Greek sculptures which also depict power, war and the Gods. The differences between the styles of these sculptures are small. History tells us those Greco-Roman sculptures flooded Rome and vast influences on art was traced back to the Greeks. Overall, the styles in Architecture and in Art doesnt differ that much. Indeed there were massive influences in style and philosophies including literature however Rome has succeeded in personalizing and developing their unique mark.