Roman culture

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Roman Culture
Culture
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Origin
Region	Ancient Rome
Notable aspects
Languages
Religions
Festivals
Symbols
Music and dance
Literature
Media
Cuisine
Related articles
This culture-related article is a stub.

Roman culture refers to the social norms, artistic achievements, laws, and customs that characterized the civilization of Ancient Rome from the founding of the city in the 8th century BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. Roman culture was heavily influenced by the Etruscan civilization and Ancient Greek civilization, and it has had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization.

History

Roman culture evolved through different phases, starting from the Roman Kingdom (753–509 BC), through the Roman Republic (509–27 BC), and culminating in the Roman Empire (27 BC – AD 476 in the west). Each period saw different cultural developments and contributions.

Language

The primary language of Ancient Rome was Latin, which served as a lingua franca in the Roman Empire and later became the foundation of Romance languages.

Religion

Initially, Roman religion was based on the polytheistic belief in the Roman gods and was heavily influenced by Greek mythology. However, with the spread of Christianity in the 1st century AD, it became the dominant religion by the end of the empire.

Law and Government

Roman law, as codified in the Twelve Tables, laid the foundation for Western legal systems. Roman governance evolved from a monarchy to a sophisticated republican structure, characterized by institutions such as the Senate and the election of magistrates.

Art and Architecture

Roman art and architecture were renowned for their innovation and grandeur. Significant contributions include the development of the arch, the dome, and the aqueduct. Notable examples include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum.

Literature and Philosophy

Roman literature was greatly influenced by Greek authors. Prominent Roman writers include Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, who contributed to the genres of epic, lyric, and elegiac poetry. In philosophy, figures such as Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Cicero are notable for their works on Stoicism and political theory.

Social Structure

Roman society was hierarchically structured, with distinct classes including the patricians, plebeians, and slaves. The family was a central institution in Roman social life, headed by the paterfamilias.

Legacy

The legacy of Roman culture is vast, influencing the legal, political, linguistic, and architectural traditions of Western culture. The concept of the Roman citizenship, Roman law, and Republican ideals have shaped modern democratic and legal systems.

See also

• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• Latin literature
• Roman architecture
• Roman law