Cultures > Roman Greece

Roman Greece

Background

Roman Greece refers to the period in which Greece came under Roman control, following a series of military conquests and political maneuvers. This period began in the 2nd century BCE and continued until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. During this time, Greece experienced significant changes in administration, culture, and society, while also making substantial contributions to the Roman world.

Conquest and Integration

Conquest of Greece:

• Macedonian Wars (214-148 BCE): The conquest of Greece began with Rome's involvement in the Macedonian Wars against the Kingdom of Macedon. The decisive Battle of Pydna in 168 BCE resulted in the defeat of the Macedonian king Perseus, leading to the annexation of Macedon as a Roman province.
• Achaean War (146 BCE): The final subjugation of Greece came with the Achaean War, culminating in the sack of Corinth in 146 BCE. The destruction of Corinth symbolized the end of Greek political independence and the establishment of Roman hegemony over Greece.

Roman Provinces:

• Greece was divided into several Roman provinces, including Macedonia, Achaia, Epirus, and others. These provinces were governed by Roman officials and integrated into the administrative structure of the Roman Empire.
• Athens and Sparta, while losing their political autonomy, retained some degree of local self-governance and continued to be significant cultural centers.

Administration and Economy

Roman Governance:

• Roman administration in Greece was characterized by the establishment of provincial governors who oversaw local affairs, tax collection, and the maintenance of public order. Roman law and order were imposed, although local customs and traditions were largely respected.
• The Roman practice of granting certain cities the status of free cities allowed them to maintain a degree of autonomy and self-administration.

Economic Integration:

• Greece was fully integrated into the Roman economic system. The region's agricultural output, including olive oil, wine, and grain, was vital for the Roman economy.
• Greek ports like Corinth and Piraeus became major hubs in the Mediterranean trade network, facilitating the exchange of goods, people, and ideas.

Cultural and Social Changes

Hellenization of Rome:

• The cultural influence of Greece on Rome was profound. Greek art, literature, philosophy, and science were highly esteemed in Roman society. Educated Romans often spoke Greek, and Greek tutors were common in Roman households.
• Many Greek works of art and literature were copied or imported to Rome, contributing to the Hellenization of Roman culture.

Roman Influence on Greek Society:

• Roman architectural styles, public works, and infrastructure were introduced in Greece. The construction of roads, aqueducts, theaters, and public baths transformed the urban landscape.
• Roman social and political institutions, such as the forum and the concept of citizenship, were integrated into Greek cities.

Key Cities and Sites

Athens:

• Athens remained a significant cultural and intellectual center during Roman rule. The city continued to attract students and scholars from across the Roman Empire, particularly for its schools of philosophy.
• The Romans contributed to the city's infrastructure, building structures like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Library of Hadrian.

Corinth:

• Rebuilt as a Roman colony in 44 BCE by Julius Caesar, Corinth became one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Roman Greece. Its strategic location made it a crucial commercial hub.
• The city was known for its luxury, wealth, and diverse population, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Roman Greece.

Delphi:

• The sanctuary of Delphi, with its famous oracle, continued to be a major religious and cultural site during Roman times. Roman emperors and officials often sought the guidance of the Delphic Oracle.
• Delphi also benefitted from Roman patronage, which helped maintain and restore its temples and other structures.

Contributions and Legacy

Philosophy and Education:

• Greek philosophical schools, such as the Academy and the Lyceum, continued to thrive under Roman patronage. Prominent philosophers like Plutarch and Epictetus were active during this period.
• The fusion of Greek and Roman thought led to significant developments in philosophy, science, and literature.

Art and Architecture:

• Greek art and architecture influenced Roman styles, leading to the creation of iconic structures such as the Pantheon and the use of classical orders in Roman buildings.
• Roman patronage supported the continuation of Greek artistic traditions, resulting in a blend of Greek and Roman styles in sculpture, painting, and decorative arts.

Historical Impact:

• The integration of Greece into the Roman Empire helped preserve Greek cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations. The classical tradition continued to inspire art, literature, and philosophy throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
• The concept of a unified Greco-Roman cultural heritage emerged, shaping the intellectual and cultural foundations of the Western world.

Decline and Transformation

Late Antiquity:

• During the late Roman Empire, Greece faced invasions by various barbarian tribes, economic decline, and political instability. However, cities like Athens and Thessalonica remained important centers of administration and culture.
• The spread of Christianity led to significant religious and social changes, as pagan temples were converted into churches, and Christian institutions began to dominate public life.

Byzantine Period:

• Following the division of the Roman Empire, Greece became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine period saw the continuation of Roman administrative structures and the further integration of Greek culture into the Christianized empire.
• The legacy of Roman Greece persisted through the Byzantine era, influencing the development of Byzantine art, architecture, and scholarship.

In summary, Roman Greece was a period marked by the integration of Greece into the Roman Empire, resulting in significant administrative, economic, cultural, and social changes. The profound influence of Greek culture on Rome and the reciprocal Roman impact on Greek society created a rich and enduring legacy that shaped the Mediterranean world and laid the foundations for Western civilization.

Sources

Bernhardt, Rainer (1977). "Der Status des 146 v. Chr. unterworfenen Teils Griechenlands bis zur Einrichtung der Provinz Achaia". Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte (in German). 26 (1): 62–73. JSTOR 4435542.

Boardman, John The Oxford History of Greece & the Hellenistic World 2nd Edition Oxford University Press, 1988. ISBN 0-19-280137-6

Rothaus, Richard M. Corinth: The First City of Greece. Brill, 2000. ISBN 90-04-10922-6