Final answer:
Roman values were based on themes such as Romanitas, self-sacrifice, and family importance. Romans believed in their own virtues and distinguished themselves from Greek culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roman values were based on a number of common themes. One of the key themes was Romanitas, which encompassed the ideals of being civilized, strong, honest, a great public speaker, a great fighter, and working within the political structure in alliance with other Romans. Romans also valued self-sacrifice for the greater good of Rome.
Another theme was the distinction between Roman virtues and Greek ideas. Romans believed that they possessed virtues such as strength, honesty, straightforwardness, and effective political organization, while considering Greeks as shifty, untrustworthy, and lacking in virtue.
The family unit was also central to Roman life. The father held ultimate authority within the family, while women oversaw the household. The education and careers of children were tailored to benefit the family, and the family home was where business was conducted. Roman values about the family extended to politics and culture, where those who embodied Rome's cultural ideals were viewed favorably.