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JA2. Learning Journal 2

Statement

Making reference to resources listed in this unit’s Reading Assignment, please address the following:

  • What were your impressions of ancient Greece and Rome before you began this course?
  • How has studying their art and architecture changed your impressions of these ancient cultures?
  • What specific monuments, sculptures or paintings helped you change your thoughts?

Answer

The Roman and Greek civilizations were one of the most inferential civilizations of all times. The contributions of these two cultures are scattered around the world, with many modern and important buildings resembling old Greek and Roman temples to ensure continuity. Not to forget the philosophers and mathematicians who every student knows their names with many concepts named after them. Art was no different with the Roman and Greek sculptures and paintings being the most important part of any museum.

Impressions of ancient Greece and Rome before the course.

My knowledge about the two civilizations was limited and mostly derived from the famous films that were based on the mythology of that era. I knew that the Olympics were connected somehow to those civilizations and that the Romans were the first to build long-lasting roads. I also enjoyed the sculptures of that era, and I was fascinated by how perfect they were. I also thought that Romans and Greeks were eternal enemies, especially after the Romans conquered Greece.

Impressions after the course.

The first impression that changed was that the Romans loved the Greek culture; they did not destroy it after the conquest, but they copied it and improved upon it. The close naming of the Athenian Parthenon and the Roman Pantheon was a clear indication of this. The Romans were also great engineers and architects, while the Greeks were more focused on the human body and the ideal human form (Khan Academy, n.d.).

Parthenon and the Pantheon.

Both buildings are great examples of each of the two civilizations. Each summarizes the characteristics of an entire civilization in one momentum. The Parthenon is a Doric temple that is characterized by its simplicity and elegance; with a rectangular shape and features inside that reflect the perfect mathematical formula. Raising above the Acropolis hill, featuring Athena, the god of wisdom, and protecting the wealth of the city approving the city’s success in war and economy (Reed.edu, n.d.).

The Pantheon of Rome, on the other hand, is an engineering miracle. Circular in shape with a huge open-top dome that lies on a circular concrete-walled room. Devoted to the all gods of Rome, reflecting the unity and inclusivity of the Roman culture. Continuing to stand tall and strong as a church today, the Pantheon is one of my favorite buildings in the world (Ranogajec, 2023).

Conclusion.

We saw the Greeks’ focus on philosophy, mathematics, and artistic perfection, while the Romans stood out for their engineering, practicality, and cultural inclusivity. Despite the lengthy texts, I enjoyed this week’s content very much and I learned a lot about the two civilizations. The next time I come upon a Roman or Greek artwork, I will look at it differently.

References