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Art: Decline in Intellectualism in Ancient Western Culture

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How did Roman times show the gradual decline in the importance of intellectualism in ancient western culture. How does this manifest itself in their art?

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This solution addresses these questions in detail: How did Roman times show the gradual decline in the importance of intellectualism in ancient western culture. How does this manifest itself in their art?

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Rome has also had a tremendous impact on Western cultures following it. Its significance is perhaps best reflected in its endurance and influence, as is seen in the longevity and lasting importance of the intellectual works of Virgil and Ovid. Additionally telling are the many aspects of Classical culture that have been incorporated into the cultures of those states rising from the ashes of the Roman Empire. Latin, the empire's primary language, remains used in religion, science, and law. Christianity, a religion adopted by the culture as the Roman Empire's downfall neared, has over two billion followers today. Its survival can be partly attributed to its promotion by Roman authorities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ancient_Rome

The goal of education in Rome was to make the students effective speakers. School started on March 24 each year. Every school day started in the early morning and continued throughout the afternoon. At first, boys were taught to read and write by their father, or by educated slaves, usually of Greek origin. Village schools were also established. Later, around 200 BC, boys and some girls were sent to schools outside the home around age 6. Basic Roman education included reading, writing, and counting, and their materials consisted of scrolls and books. At age 13, students learned about Greek and Roman literature and grammar in school. At age 16, some students went on to rhetoric school. Poorer people did not go to school, but were usually taught by their parents because school was not free. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Roman#Education

Art, literature and music
Roman sculpture was at its most original in the production of strongly characterized portraits such as this bust of Cato the Elder.
Main articles: Roman art, Roman literature & Roman music

Most early Roman painting styles show Etruscan influences, particularly in the practice of political painting. In the 3rd century BC, Greek art taken as booty from wars became popular, and many Roman homes were decorated with landscapes by Greek artists. Evidence from the remains at Pompeii shows diverse influence from cultures spanning the Roman world. Portrait sculpture during the period utilized youthful and classical proportions, evolving later into a mixture of realism and idealism. During the Antonine and Severan periods, more ornate hair and bearding became prevalent, created with deeper cutting and drilling. Advancements were also made in relief sculptures, usually depicting Roman victories. Roman literature was from its very inception influenced heavily by Greek authors. Some of the earliest extant works are of historical epics telling the early military history of Rome. As the Republic expanded, authors began to produce poetry, comedy, history, and tragedy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Roman#Education

The Arts: Literature

Livy, the author of Ab Urbe Condita, a monumental history of Rome.
Main article: Latin literature

Roman literature was from its very inception influenced heavily by Greek authors. Some of the earliest works we possess are of historical epics telling the early military history of Rome. As the republic expanded, authors began to produce poetry, comedy, history, and tragedy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ancient_Rome)..

During the reign of the early emperors of Rome there was a golden age of historical literature. Works such as the 'Histories' of Tacitus, the 'Gallic Wars' by Julius Caesar and 'History of Rome' by Livy have been passed down to us. Unfortunately, in the case of Livy, much of the script has been lost and we are ...

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