Roman Literature
The idea of formal Latin literature began in the year 240 BC, when Romans watched a Latin version of a Greek play. The adaptor was Livius Andronicus, a Greek who was brought as of prisoner of war in 272 BC. Andronicus translated Homer's Greek epic the Odyssey as well into an old type of Latin verse called Saturnian into an old type of Latin verse called Saturnian (a mostly lost language). Gnaeus Naevius around 200 BC was the first to write on a Roman theme. He mostly took Greek originals and changed them to Roman based myths. Latin literature was at its height from 81 BC to AD 17. This period began with the first known speech of Cicero and ended with the death of Ovid.
Early Latin literature ended with Gaius Lucilius, who created a new type of poetry in his 30 books of Satires. He wrote in easy and conversational tone about literature, food, and current events. In the early AD 100s, Juvenal managed to perfect a biting form of satire that influenced a lot of writers that has influenced many later writers.
A lot of ancient thinkers in Rome wrote poetry on what they observed in nature. These men were usually referred to as Presocratic Philosophers
The idea of formal Latin literature began in the year 240 BC, when Romans watched a Latin version of a Greek play. The adaptor was Livius Andronicus, a Greek who was brought as of prisoner of war in 272 BC. Andronicus translated Homer's Greek epic the Odyssey as well into an old type of Latin verse called Saturnian into an old type of Latin verse called Saturnian (a mostly lost language). Gnaeus Naevius around 200 BC was the first to write on a Roman theme. He mostly took Greek originals and changed them to Roman based myths. Latin literature was at its height from 81 BC to AD 17. This period began with the first known speech of Cicero and ended with the death of Ovid.
Early Latin literature ended with Gaius Lucilius, who created a new type of poetry in his 30 books of Satires. He wrote in easy and conversational tone about literature, food, and current events. In the early AD 100s, Juvenal managed to perfect a biting form of satire that influenced a lot of writers that has influenced many later writers.
A lot of ancient thinkers in Rome wrote poetry on what they observed in nature. These men were usually referred to as Presocratic Philosophers
Art-
Roman art did not get a start until 500 B. C. Before this the Romans copied the art of the Etruscans. About 200 B. C. the Romans conquered the Greeks and began copying their art style. They brought the art home. They also captured sculptors and brought them to Rome as slaves.
In A.D. 79, an eruption of the volcano Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii, covering it with layers of lava that hardened into rock. The wall paintings preserved in this rock tell us nearly everything we know about Roman painting.
The artistic output of each of the Roman provinces represents a mix of local and imperial traditions. Metal work was a highly developed craft. The Romans adopted the Gallic craftsmen style and redesigned it to fit their desires. They produced vessels and tableware for fine dinning. Mosaics were also popular. These were made with small pieces of tile that fit together like a puzzle.
By the 300's A. D. Christianity influence began to show up in Roman art. The artwork had less blood and gore. Some figures were sculpted with the eyes looking towards heaven. At this time the body was less important. Sculptors took less time with the body and at times the body was not in the correct proportions.
Roman art did not get a start until 500 B. C. Before this the Romans copied the art of the Etruscans. About 200 B. C. the Romans conquered the Greeks and began copying their art style. They brought the art home. They also captured sculptors and brought them to Rome as slaves.
In A.D. 79, an eruption of the volcano Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii, covering it with layers of lava that hardened into rock. The wall paintings preserved in this rock tell us nearly everything we know about Roman painting.
The artistic output of each of the Roman provinces represents a mix of local and imperial traditions. Metal work was a highly developed craft. The Romans adopted the Gallic craftsmen style and redesigned it to fit their desires. They produced vessels and tableware for fine dinning. Mosaics were also popular. These were made with small pieces of tile that fit together like a puzzle.
By the 300's A. D. Christianity influence began to show up in Roman art. The artwork had less blood and gore. Some figures were sculpted with the eyes looking towards heaven. At this time the body was less important. Sculptors took less time with the body and at times the body was not in the correct proportions.