The Romans adopted aspects of Greek culture, resulting in Greco-Roman civilization. They developed skills in bas-relief sculptures, mosaics, painting frescoes, and the preserved art in Pompeii after the volcanic eruption in 79 AD. The Romans also borrowed Greek philosophy, literature, and the Latin language became the basis for romance languages like French, Spanish and Italian. They were master builders who pioneered the use of arches and concrete and built aqueducts to transport water. Roman principles of law also form the basis of modern legal systems and Rome strengthened Western culture by preserving Greek civilization.

1. 6.5 Rome and the Roots of
Western Civilization
The Romans develop many ideas and
institutions that become fundamental
to Western Civilization.

2. The Legacy of Greco-Roman
Civilization
• A New Culture Emerges
o Romans adopt aspects of Greek and
Hellenistic culture
o Results in Greco-Roman culture, or
classical civilization

3. The Legacy of Greco-Roman
Civilization
• Roman Fine Arts
o Romans develop bas-
relief sculptures to tell
stories [Visual 1]
o Artists skilled in
creating mosaics,
painting frescoes
o Pompeii—Roman town;
ash from volcano
eruption A.D. 79
preserves art [Visual 2]

4. The Legacy of
Greco-Roman Civilization
• Learning and Literature
o Romans borrow from Greek philosophy
and literature
o Poet Virgil writes epic Aeneid modeled
after Homer’s Greek epics
o Roman historian Tacitus excels in writing
factually accurate history
o Annals and Histories provide
comprehensive look at Roman life

5. The Legacy of Rome
• The Latin Language
o Latin was official language of Roman
Catholic Church until 1900s
o Develops into French, Spanish,
Portuguese, Italian, Romanian
o More than half the words in English stem
from Latin

6. The Legacy of Rome
• Master Builders [Visual]
o Romans pioneer use of arch; also used
domes and concrete
o Create aqueducts—structures to bring
water into cities, towns

7. The Legacy of Rome
• Roman System of Law
o Principles of Roman law form basis of
modern legal systems
• Rome’s Enduring Influence
o By preserving and adding to Greek
civilization, Rome strengthened the
Western cultural tradition