Greek and Roman Environment

In examining the impact that the ancient world has had on modern Western civilization, the two ancient civilizations which are frequently understood as having had the greatest influence are Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. These two civilizations would eventually come to shape much of what would become the modern European culture, politics and society, and by extension, a vast proportion of global culture and society. In examining the trajectory of modern history in an era of globalization of Western ideas and modes of living, the importance of these civilizations in world history is extensive, contributing to cultural, political and social trends which may well dominate the globe in the future.

     The ancient Greek and Roman civilizations of Europe began to progress toward a more civilized order of society. As there were no previous establishment to base their ideals on, it was understandable that there were some difficulties in their progression as a society. Although the ancient Greek and Roman governments fell, both had similar paths of creation, conquest, and destruction.

Thesis: The Greek influence of outstanding culture, gods, and their beautiful art to the Romans’ they took this inspiration on to their own creation. Both ancient build devotion to their gods they would bring the most precious things to them temples, however, they would focus on making large empire to rule and to take control of their city-states.

One theme of AP World History very relevant here today is the interaction between humans and the environment. Our community relies on agriculture, winemaking to be specific. In fact, our very survival as a community depends on a berry the size of a marble. The economy is very dependent on environmental factors, all of which affect the

Environmental history explores a variety of topics in order to connect nature to humans. In doing so, a new history emerges. As this history unveils itself, it becomes evident that throughout time, humans have taken it upon themselves to improve the nonhuman world for their own gains. Numerous scholars have contemplated this idea, and while they do not all agree on the meaning or the means of improvement upon the land, it remains a constant theme. By exploring the theme of improvement to land, a clear path forms. The idea of improvement in environmental history creates artificial agency for humans, as well as revealing that improvement cannot happen without having an adverse effect on humans.

Throughout Pan’s Travail, J. Donald Hughes explains how the Greeks and Romans abused the environment, and how environmental issues are not just a modern time, but a problem that has existed in the ancient world as well. In chapter two of Pan’s Travail, the main focus is a detailed description of the regions specific climate, geographical, and biological conditions of the Mediterranean area. Hughes also defines the Mediterranean area as both a biogeographical region and as an ecosystem. The two most accessible resources at the time for civilization were plants and animals. Hughes explains how plants and animals had to adapt due to disruption of civilization.

History of Environmental Problems Part 2: “The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race” by Jared Diamond Society has evolved over the years in a processes called the Neolithic revolution, the transition from food foraging to farming. In this article The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race by Jared Diamond challenges this revolution, illuminating a supported opinion that farming was the worst mistake the human race has made. In the beginning of the article, Mr. Diamond starts off by addressing the time it takes to gather food vs farming for food, he says “It turns out that these people have plenty of leisure time, sleep a good deal, and work less hard than their farming neighbors. For instance, the average time devoted each

Ancient Greece and Rome are some of the most famous time periods in the world, but what influenced them? Ancient Greece lasted roughly from 1000-400 B.C.E while ancient Rome was from 753 B.C.-476 A.D (Cole and Symes, 75). The Greek alphabet was influenced by Phoenician sea traders and their art was mostly influenced by Egypt and western Asia. On the other hand, Rome was influenced by the Greek and derived the alphabet, many of their religious beliefs, and much of their art (Cole and Symes, 147). Ancient Greece and Rome were influenced by the Ancient Near East sedentary societies through art, religion, and architecture.

Since the beginning of the industrial age, the scientific enquiry has largely been limited to a materialistic understanding of natural and technological processes. At one stage, science comprised the spiritual sciences of Alchemy and Metaphysics. With the taking of the industrial path, the spiritual enquiry was neglected by the mainstream scientific establishment. Technology has become increasingly complex without questioning its basic foundations and long term effects, and has moved further and further away from the simple basic workings of nature. Environmental, pollution, exploitation and dereliction have intensified with the increase in sophistication of technology.

In around 428-65 BC, Greece and Rome were both creating new cultural ideals, ways of using government, and built allies to help benefit the country. Both Empires created similar cultures including cities,technology, complex institutions, record keeping and specialized works. Eventually when they began to expand into a vast empires, they had to come up with ways of organizing and obtaining enough resources for their people. This lead to complex trading tactics, forms of government, and social structure. Even though Rome and Greece were both critical to the creation of the United States, Rome was more influential due to the way it trades with other countries, glorified people of certain social positions, and structured its government.

Ancient Greece and Rome have continued to influence the modern world tremendously. The Greeks and Romans have impacted our architecture and art today. The Greeks actually created most of the architecture, however, the Romans imitated most of it. They copied the domes, arches, and vaults from the Greeks. The Romans created bath houses which are just like pools. Today people have pools in their backyard. The Romans have influenced people to have “bath houses”. Because of the creation of the Colosseum in Rome, there are numerous stadiums in the modern world. The Greeks also created three different style columns; the Doric, Ionic, and the Corinthians. The Greeks and Romans have definitely impacted the modern world in architecture and art.

Mindless waste, greed, and disregard for environment, all too well, relate the ancient Pythagorean teaching that consequences of our daily actions alter our natural and individual worlds in harmful and destructive ways that we know

White’s thesis in The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis states that in order to confront the expanding environmental crises, humans must begin to analyze and alter their treatment and attitudes towards nature. The slow destruction of the environment derives from the Western scientific and technological advancements made since the Medieval time period. “What people do about their ecology depends on what they think about themselves in relation to things around them” (RON p.7). Technology and science alone will not be able to save humans until we adjust the way of thinking and suppress the old ideas of humans power above nature. Instead, we need to learn how to think of ourselves as being

Nearly everything that a human does is in response to the environment. Our lives are defined by what is around us and what we find in front of us, whether this means accepting, dealing with or changing it. This has been the pattern since primates first stood up and became Homo erectus, and has continued until we considered ourselves doubly wise. The shape of the land affected where humans moved. Weather was something with which to contend. Fire affected humans until they conquered it – and herein lies the core of the relationship. The earth affects humans, and humans affect it back, viewing characteristics and patterns as problems and challenges, and finding a solution.

From the first chapter the Pope assumes the latest scientific findings on environmental matters as a way to hear the cry of creation, to ' ' become personal suffering what happens to the world, and thus recognize what is the contribution that each can contribute ' '. ' ' Various aspects of the current ecological crisis ' ' is so rush. The Pope speaks of austerity of life saving measure of the great crisis which we live.