From the earliest work of Roman literature to its decline at the introduction of Christianity, the era provided unique forms of poetry, prose, and history. Roman literature is important as it was influenced by prior works and consequently affected the works that came after. To the Romans, it was important because readership rates were high, and providing written works was essential both economically and culturally. The impact of Greek philosophy and politics carried over into Roman works, which then also influenced those in the next centuries such as Dante, Shakespeare, and others (Wasson, 2017). To this day, Roman poetry is prevalent through works by writers such as Cicero, Tacticus, and Horace. Poetry was perhaps the most important factor of Roman literature as it illustrated the daily life of those in Imperial Rome, their reactions to political changes, and other components that were vital to society. The spoken and written language of Ancient Rome was Latin, which was permeated across a large body of well-kept records. The majority of Roman literature was presented on a scroll made of papyrus which had to be unwound, and due to a high literacy rate, the demand for literature was high.
Ancient Rome is often crowned as the greatest of all ancient civilizations, largely due to the abundant leaps in knowledge, innovation, engineering, and democratic government (History, 2017). Likely, the innovative methods of governing and law that emerged due to the size of the Roman Empire are the most continuously utilized approach in the ancient world. To this day, the tactics of Imperial Rome can be seen in modern democratic bodies of government. The far-reaching influence of these methods during the peak of Imperial Rome and its presence to this day can place Ancient Rome as the greatest ancient civilization.
Works Cited
Wasson, Donald. L. “Roman Literature”. World History Encyclopedia, 2017.
History. “Ancient Rome”. History, 2020.