Essays in the Legacy of Greece and Rome

Essays in the Legacy of Greece and Rome provides readers with an introduction to the subject of the classics and an exploration of how the Greco-Roman world has influenced and shaped modern civilization and culture.

The book discusses the essence of the common Greco-Roman legacy; political and cultural contrasts within the classical world; particular features of the Greek and Roman cultures; the inner dynamics between the Greek and Roman traditions; and the appropriation of the classical legacy by European intellect in a variety of cultural contexts. Students examine the literature, arts, philosophy, religion, history, social values, traditions, and political concepts of Greek and Roman antiquity. Focusing on human and moral aspects of the subject, the book outlines the role of Greeks and Romans in the formation of our civilization; identifies masterpieces of antiquity that we continue to enjoy today; and spotlights the individuals throughout history who left their mark and influenced the ways we see and understand our world today.

Featuring a plethora of primary sources and a unique approach to the study of antiquity, Essays in the Legacy of Greece and Rome is an ideal resource for courses and programs in classics.

Olga R. Arans is an assistant professor and instructor of classics in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at George Mason University. She holds a Ph.D. in classical philology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.A. in classical philology from the University of St. Petersburg, Russia. Dr. Arans' areas of interest include the sphere of Greek and Roman epic and dramatic genres, early philosophy, and comparative mythology and folklore.