Rome Essay

  1. Explore the cultural connections between ancient Rome and Greece. In this essay, students
    should:
    a) Write an introduction that lays out the topic and presents a thesis (about the cultural
    connections between Rome and Greece). Also, note which cultural areas will be covered.
    b) Explore the cultural connections between Rome and Greece in the body of the essay. Students
    must examine at least 3 of the following areas (but may cover more): literature, philosophy,
    religion, art, and architecture. Be sure to give examples of buildings, literature/authors, gods,
    and so forth in order to show the connections, similarities and differences.
    c) As you explore the topic, but sure to note how Rome was indebted to the Greeks. In what
    ways did they borrow from the Greeks, build off Greek foundations, or merge their traditions
    with them? Also, note how the Romans surpassed the Greeks or fell short of them in your
    chosen areas (if at all).
  2. Examine Rome’s achievements and advances in architecture and why they are considered the
    greatest engineers and architects of the ancient West (and perhaps the world). In this paper,
    students should:
    a) Write an introduction that lays out the topic and presents a thesis (about the greatness of their
    architecture).
    b) Examine the elements of Roman architecture. What did they borrow from previous
    civilizations? What new elements did they use? What materials did they use?
    c) Examine what major structures they built and what sort of art adorned them. Give specific
    examples.
    d) Note what these structures imply about Roman values.
  3. How did Judaism and Christianity influence ancient western culture and religion (especially
    Roman) and how were they impacted in return? In this essay, students should:
    a) Write an introduction that lays out the topic and presents a thesis about it.
    b) List the major ideas and concepts these religions contributed.
    c) Examine the religious and cultural (art, architecture, philosophy, etc.) impact of Christianity
    upon Roman civilization.
    d) Explain the impact Rome had on both these religions.