Artistic Themes from Ancient Cultures: Greece and Rome It is hard to think of the ancient world without looking at the Greek and Roman empires. Although similar, the Greek and Roman empires are two different cultures. They existed from 500 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. (Fiero, 2006). One constant in both cultures was their pursuit of perfection in their art and architecture. This paper will examine this pursuit of perfection in both cultures and how their impact is felt in the modern age.
One of the most stunning facets of ancient Greece was the art that was created. The Greek artisans made the jump from mere rough images during the Minoan time, to the startling life like sculpture and art of the Greek culture. This time is referred to as the …show more content…

This presented a realistic look at the Roman culture. The Romans did allow some idealized views into their sculpted pieces, but these were reserved for the Emperor; who better to flatter than the Emperor! While the sculpture of Roman artists is striking, the greater impact the Romans contributed to the humanities was the engineering expertise they showcased in their architecture. The Roman contribution to the architecture world is significant in many ways. The Greeks used their architecture to honor their gods; the Romans infused practicality into their architecture to honor the masses. The Roman Empire was known for its massive civil works projects that utilized their engineering know-how. The Romans created a road system that encompassed “fifty thousand miles of paved roads, many of which are still in use today” (Fiero, 2006). To meet the needs of a thirsty public, the Romans created an aqueduct system that provided “well over forty million gallons of water per day to a single site” (Fiero, 2006). Roman engineers harnessed the power of the arch to strengthen their designs. Domed and arched structures allowed the Romans to build bigger buildings than any before them. Many of these structures like the Coliseum and Pantheon are still standing today. This probably is owed to the utilization of the concrete in which they are constructed; concrete is yet another Roman innovation. These structures are a testament to the Roman pursuit of perfection.