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Greeks in Augustan Rome: The Intellectual Heart of the Empire

Jon Reed

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Published in Strabo Of Amasia: A Greek Man Of Letters In Augustan Rome

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The reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) marked a golden age for Roman literature and culture. This cultural awakening was in no small part due to the influx of Greek scholars into Rome. These scholars brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise in philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, and the arts, which had a profound impact on Roman intellectual life.

Strabo of Amasia: A Greek Man of Letters in Augustan Rome

by Daniela Dueck

4.6 out of 5

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Greeks and Romans: A Cultural Exchange

The relationship between Greeks and Romans was complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the Romans admired and respected Greek culture, which they saw as superior to their own. On the other hand, the Romans were also fiercely proud of their own achievements and were eager to assert their own cultural identity.

This cultural exchange between Greeks and Romans is evident in the works of Roman writers from this period. Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, three of the most famous poets of the Augustan era, all drew heavily on Greek literary traditions in their works. Virgil's Aeneid, for example, is a Roman epic poem that is modeled on Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Horace's Odes are inspired by the Greek lyric poets, while Ovid's Metamorphoses is a retelling of Greek myths.

Greek Scholars in Rome

The most visible manifestation of Greek influence in Augustan Rome was the presence of Greek scholars. These scholars came to Rome from all over the Greek-speaking world, seeking patronage from wealthy Romans. They taught rhetoric, philosophy, grammar, and other subjects to Roman students. Some of the most famous Greek scholars in Rome included:

Apollonius of Rhodes: A poet and scholar who taught rhetoric in Rome.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus: A historian and literary critic who wrote about Roman history and culture.
Strabo: A geographer and historian who wrote about the geography of the Roman Empire.
Cicero: A philosopher and orator who wrote extensively on politics, philosophy, and rhetoric.

The Impact of Greek Thought on Roman Culture

The influx of Greek scholars into Rome had a profound impact on Roman culture. Greek thought and ideas permeated every aspect of Roman life, from literature and art to politics and religion. Roman thinkers and writers adopted Greek philosophical ideas, such as Stoicism and Epicureanism. They also borrowed Greek literary forms, such as epic poetry, tragedy, and comedy.

The influence of Greek thought on Roman culture is perhaps most evident in the works of the Roman historian Livy. Livy's history of Rome is a monumental work that draws heavily on Greek historical traditions. Livy's work is full of Greek concepts and ideas, such as the idea of a cyclical view of history and the importance of individual virtue.

The Greeks played a vital role in the intellectual and cultural development of Augustan Rome. Their scholars brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise that had a profound impact on Roman thought and culture. The influx of Greek scholars into Rome helped to create a vibrant and cosmopolitan intellectual environment that was conducive to the flourishing of literature, art, and philosophy.

The legacy of the Greeks in Augustan Rome can still be seen today. The works of Roman writers from this period continue to be read and studied by people all over the world. And the ideas and concepts that the Greeks introduced to Rome have had a lasting impact on Western civilization.

Strabo of Amasia: A Greek Man of Letters in Augustan Rome

by Daniela Dueck

4.6 out of 5