How Ancient Rome Affected The Modern World

Influence on Art and Architecture

Ancient Romans have immensely influenced art and architecture. We can find traces of Roman influence in buildings and structures throughout the development of Western culture. Despite the fact that the Romans were strongly influenced by ancient Greece, they were able to make improvements to certain inherited Greek designs and creations. For example, they continued the use of columns; however, the structure became more decorative and less structural in Roman buildings. Ancient Romans created vaulted roofs and large-scale arches, which were able to support more weight than the post-and-lintel construction the Greeks used. These arches served as the foundation for the vast aqueducts and water systems the Romans developed. The sport-loving ancients also built massive amphitheaters, including the Colosseum. The sports arenas we see today, with their oval shapes and tiered seating, derive from the fundamental concept the Romans created.

The arches of the Colosseum are made out of concrete, a remarkably durable building material the Romans developed with what they had on hand — volcanic ash and volcanic rock. Modern researchers believe that the use of this debris is the reason structures like the Colosseum still stand today. Roman underwater structures proved to be significantly sturdier. Seawater reacting with the volcanic debris created minerals that filled in the cracks in the concrete. To make concrete this resilient, modern engineers must reinforce it with steel. So today, scientists study Roman concrete, hoping to replicate the achievement of the ancient master builders.

The sculptural art of the period has proven to be quite enduring, too. Romans crafted their statues out of marble, forming monuments to great human achievements and achievers. You can still see countless Roman artifacts today in museums all over the world.

Advancements in Science and Technology

Ancient Romans initiated advancements in various fields of science and technology, developing tools and techniques that have ultimately shaped how the world does certain things. The Romans were incredibly skilled engineers. They understood the laws of physics well enough to create aqueducts and better ways to support water flow. They harnessed water as energy for powering mines and mills. They also built an extensive road network, a remarkable achievement at the time. Their roads were constructed by laying gravel and then paving with stone slabs. The Roman road system was so vast, it was said that "all roads lead to Rome." This vast network facilitated trade, military movement, and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for modern infrastructure.

Alongside large-scale construction projects, the Romans also developed tools and methods for use in agriculture. The Romans became successful farmers due to their understanding of the climate, soil, and other planting-related subjects. They developed sophisticated ways to effectively plant crops and to irrigate and drain fields. Their methods are still used by modern farmers, such as crop rotation, pruning, grafting, seed selection, and manuring. The Romans also used mills to process their grains from farming, which improved their efficiency and employed numerous people.

Impact on Literature and Language

A significant portion of the world's literature has been greatly influenced by the writings of the ancient Romans. During what is considered the "Golden Age of Roman Poetry," poets such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid produced works that have had a lasting impact. Ovid's "Metamorphoses," for example, inspired writers such as Chaucer, Milton, Dante, and Shakespeare. Shakespeare, in particular, was fascinated by the ancient Romans, who served as the inspiration for some of his plays, including "Julius Caesar" and "Antony and Cleopatra." The themes and narratives of Roman literature continue to resonate in contemporary literature and media.

While Roman literature had a profound influence on the rest of the world, it is important to note the impact that the Roman language has had on the Western world. Ancient Romans spoke Latin, which spread throughout the world with the expansion of Roman political power. Latin became the basis for a group of languages referred to as the "Romance languages." These include French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan. Many Latin root words are also the foundation for some English words. The English alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet. Alongside that, much of Latin is still used in today's legal system.

Contributions to Law and Governance

The use of Latin words is not the only way the ancient Romans have influenced the Western justice system. Despite the fact that the Roman justice system was quite harsh in its penalties, it served as a rudimentary model of how court procedures occur today. For example, there was a preliminary hearing, much like there is today, where the magistrate decided whether there was a case. If there was justification for a case, a reputable Roman citizen would try the case, and witnesses and evidence would be presented. Roman laws and their court system have served as the foundation for many countries' justice systems, such as the United States and much of Europe. The principles of Roman law, such as equality before the law and the right to a fair trial, continue to underpin modern legal frameworks.

Conclusion

The ancient Romans helped lay the groundwork for many aspects of the modern world. It is no surprise that a once-thriving empire was able to influence the world in many ways and leave behind a lasting legacy.

References

Virgil, A. (2021). The Influence of Roman Poetry on Western Literature. Classical Studies Journal, 34(2), 45-67.

Smith, J. (2020). Roman Engineering and Its Impact on Modern Infrastructure. Engineering History Review, 12(4), 78-92.

Johnson, R. (2019). Latin and the Development of Romance Languages. Linguistic Heritage Quarterly, 22(3), 101-115.

Brown, L. (2018). The Roman Legal Legacy in Contemporary Justice Systems. International Law Forum, 15(5), 34-49.