Rome vs Greece

Among of the ancient cultures there are two impact of which cannot be overestimated: ancient Greece and Rome. I've been lucky to have heard some parts of a conversation between Alexander the Great and Emperor Constantine, people who stand out of the herd of great Ancient World's people. Unfortunately I was standing too far and couldn't hear everything, but I was able to record something. Let's listen..

.- ...

yes, of course I can't deny that your people developed a significant culture, but in my opinion it were Greeks who made greater impact to the development of civilization. Humanism, for example, is very popular nowadays not only in literature but in architecture and art too. Greek artists were the first to establish mimesis (imitation of nature) as a guiding principle for art even as Greek philosophers debated the intellectual value of this approach. The repeated depiction of the nude human figure in Greek art reflects a belief (which, by the way, was also established by my folks) that Man is the measure of all things.This literary and cultural movement we had founded spread through Western Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries.

A new era of art - period of Renaissance - began due to us.- Oh, don't overestimate your influence on the future. Humanism was in Roma too. And if you though started talking about this aspect, here is what I'll say to you: we were the first to create a Republic! How about that?! Look, it became a foundation of modern policy and organization of states!- But what about your literature? What is your literature? - You took our myths, which now are worshiped all over the world as great and nearly first literature works, and redid it to fit you pantheon of gods! Plagiarism!!!Importance of Greek art and architecture for the history of Western civilization can hardly be overstated for the Greeks established many of the most enduring themes, attitudes and forms of Western culture. The stories told in Greek art and literature of gods and heroes have been retold ever since and continue to form a common ground for art, literature and even popular culture of the Western World.

Architecture is another Greek legacy that the West has inherited as we established many of the structural elements, decorative motifs and building types still used in architecture today.- But we were the ones to advance architecture and engineering. Before the Romans, the most commonly used building style was the post and lintel. Our invention of the arch allowed architects to build larger structures than ever before.

We built the largest dome, the Pantheon which is still being admired as a great masterpiece. The idea of the arch we invented was further extended in the middle ages with the barrel vault and other types of vaults which became the central theme of the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals. In addition to the arch we began the use cement in our building which again allowed the builders to expand buildings. Our architecture is very famous today.- No, you'll never convince me with such miserable examples.

Greece created four Wonders of the World. They are the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Colossus of Rhodes and Lighthouse of Alexandria.The Lighthouse of Alexandria for sailors ensured a safe return to the Great Harbor. For architects it meant even more: it was the tallest building on Earth.

And for most scientists it was the mysterious mirror that fascinated them most. The mirror reflection of which could be seen more than 5km off-shore.- There are many places of interest in Rome too. Coliseum is a great example of Roman architecture.

It was a place for fights of gladiators. It's the biggest amphitheatre in the world. Besides that, we developed over 500 km Aqueduct to bring fresh water into capital city and it became a prototype of modern running water systems all over the world. We created Pantheon and started printing coins..

.- And we...I'm sorry, but it happened that they had walked too far and I wasn't able to hear them any more.

What a pity! It'd be awesome to know whether they'd come to any conclusion. But I believe they are most likely not to for the impact of each culture on the further development of the world is too significant and it cannot be overestimated. Each of the cultures gave us something special and unique.By the way, may be You've heard the end of their argument? - If yes, please, let me know how these great people solved their problem because I think only they can judge their work, only they may be responsible to answer such a question: which culture was the greatest?..