Government
Greek and Roman cultures differed significantly in various aspects, such as governance, gender roles, and how religious and cultural beliefs were expressed in the arts. The political systems of the Greek polis and the Roman republic and empire were particularly distinct. The Greek polis was a small urban state community in which citizens could participate in political life and make decisions in assemblies (Spielvogel, 2016). The Roman Republic had a more complex structure, including a senate and consuls, and citizens had less opportunity to participate in political life (Spielvogel, 2016). Later, with the establishment of the Roman Empire, power became concentrated in the hands of the emperor, and the political participation of citizens decreased even further.
Gender Roles
Women’s and property attitudes vary across Greek and Roman civilizations. In Greek society, women had few rights and were rarely involved in politics. They were only allowed to be housewives and mothers (Lyein, 2014). Women had more independence and privileges in Roman culture; they could own property and engage in business. However, in Roman society, their function was still limited, and they could not assume critical political posts.
Men’s rights differed in both civilizations. In Greek culture, men were the head of the household and enjoyed greater rights and benefits than women. They could participate in politics and make choices at meetings. In Roman society, men also had more rights, but at the same time, the Roman legal system provided some protections and guarantees of rights for all citizens, including men.
Religious and Cultural Aspects of Sculpture and Architecture
The reflection of religious and cultural beliefs in Greek and Roman sculpture and architecture was vivid and significant. Greek sculpture and architecture were characterized by harmony, proportion, and elegance (The Art Story, 2018). They often depicted gods and heroes and reflected ideals of beauty and harmony. Roman sculpture and architecture, on the other hand, were more realistic and practical (Spielvogel, 2016). They often depicted emperors and heroes and reflected the grandeur and power of the Roman Empire.
Summary
Overall, Greek and Roman cultures had significant differences in polity, gender roles, and the reflection of beliefs in art. The Greek polis and the Roman Republic and Empire represented different forms of government and political organization. Attitudes toward women and property also differed, although they were limited in both cultures. The art of the Greek and Roman cultures reflected their religious and cultural beliefs and differed in their style and expression.
References
Lyein, B. (2014). Art of the Western World – Episode 2: Imperial Stone – The Art of Rome [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Spielvogel, J. J. (2016). Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume I: To 1715. Cengage Learning.
The Art Story. (2018). Greek and Roman Art and Architecture. The Art Story. Web.