EUROPE'S FOUNDATIONS OF ANCIENT ROME

When Roman forces conquered Greece, they shipped home thousands of Greek statues. Roman architects studied and then copied the design of Greek buildings. Roman writers adopted Greek literary forms, adapting the Greek style to their Latin language. Wealthy Romans employed educated Greek slaves to tutor their sons. No wonder Horace thought that in winning control of Greece, Rome itself had been conquered.

On every side he sawGreek influences. Founding the Roman Empire.At the height of its power 2,000 years ago, Rome ruled a vast area . Roman lands surrounded the Mediterranean and Black Seas. To the north in Europe, Rome governed territories that now are the Balkans, Austria, some of

Germany, all of France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and the southern half of Britain. Yet Rome, much as ancient Greece, rose from humble beginnings. About 2,750 years ago, some bands of people moved from the North into the Italian peninsula. They settled in several small villages that grew together to form Rome, the city that eventually built the empire. The people who founded Rome were farmers and shepherds. Their struggles with neighboring groups of people shaped a belief in duty, discipline, and patriotism.

Roman armies grew into a strong fighting force. Rome’s founders also recognized that they could use ideas from more advanced civilizations. Early in their history they came into contact with the Greeks, who had built settlementson the Italian peninsula. Roman leaders ordered careful study of Greek ideas, architecture, and government.