Art and Architecture:
Roman art was heavily influenced by Greek art but developed its own distinctive style. Romans excelled in sculpting realistic portraits and creating intricate mosaics and frescoes. They also produced grand architectural structures such as temples, triumphal arches, amphitheaters (e.g., the Colosseum), aqueducts, and monumental buildings (e.g., the Pantheon). The Romans' use of arches, vaults, and domes revolutionized architectural techniques, leading to the development of enduring architectural forms like the basilica and the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Technology and Science:
Romans made significant technological advancements. They excelled in civil engineering, constructing extensive road networks (e.g., the Appian Way) and aqueducts to supply water to cities. They also developed sophisticated systems for sanitation, heating (e.g., the hypocaust), and urban planning. Roman engineers pioneered concrete, which revolutionized construction techniques.
In terms of science, Romans built upon earlier Greek knowledge. Prominent Roman scientists such as Pliny the Elder made notable contributions to fields like natural history, botany, and medicine. Romans also made advancements in astronomy, engineering, and mathematics, adopting and furthering the knowledge of ancient Greek scholars.
Literature and Language:
Roman literature produced seminal works that greatly influenced subsequent Western literature. Renowned Roman authors include Cicero, Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and Seneca. Their works covered a wide range of genres, including epic poetry (e.g., Virgil's Aeneid), satire (e.g., Juvenal), philosophy (e.g., Seneca's Stoic writings), and historical accounts (e.g., Julius Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico). Latin, the language of the Romans, became the foundation of the Romance languages (e.g., Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Romanian) and the lingua franca of the Catholic Church.
Law:
Roman law, codified in the Corpus Juris Civilis under Emperor Justinian, became the basis for modern legal systems in many parts of the world. Roman law emphasized principles such as legal equality, property rights, contracts, and due process. Its influence on concepts like the rule of law and individual rights has been substantial.