In what way are Greece and Rome similar in terms of:

 Architecture

The architecture between the two groups is relatively similar. They are founded in
symmetry, the use of stonework (especially marble), columns, and esplanades. They erected
numerous statues and glorified the human form. They also built sports arenas and temples
in similar architectural appearance.

E.g., The Greeks constructed their temples using limestone or marble and leading to us
having many similar examples today. Similarly the Romans used the same materials, more
limestone and marble.

Greek influence over Roman architecture was dominant in almost all matters of
architectural style and 3-D decorative art. The most obvious similarity between Greek and
Roman architecture is the use of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian - from which the Romans
developed two more: Tuscan and Composite. Furthermore, when making a clear
comparison of Greek structures with that of Romans, both give an ornate from inside and
outside giving an impression of quest pleasure, an important portion of lifestyle or
traditional practices of Romans.

 Art

Greek and Roman arts are both classified as classical art that can be looked up in three
major areas: (1) architecture, (2) sculpture, and (3) painting. Classical art in Greece was the
primary influence on the Roman art. After the Greek empire fell to the Romans in 146 B.C.,
they adopted all aspects of Greek art and architecture. However, they molded the borrowed
techniques of the Greeks to create art that catered to their own distinctive values and
ideals. Many works of art that have been believed to be Roman are actually replicas of
Greek artworks. There are many similarities to Greek and Roman artwork; however the
differences are both interesting and important for identification.

E.g., In terms of (1) Architecture, Roman architecture was significantly influenced from
the Greeks but eventually reformed their architecture into a distinct identity. Greek
buildings were usually constructed with marble and granite materials, while Romans used
concrete and brick. The Parthenon and Pantheon are good examples about the distinction
between Greek and Roman Architecture. While in terms of (2) Sculpture, Greeks were
driven by the notion of perfection and was reflected in the way the constructed sculptures.
Sculptures portray an idealized perfection and were greatly concerned with poise and
proportions. Romans were interested in conveying the ideal realism through natural looking
portraiture. Lastly, in terms of (3) Paintings, Roman paintings were directly derived from
 earlier Greek antiquity. Greeks were known to make pottery, figurines and sculptures and
were incorporated into Roman culture. Most of Roman artwork is a copied version of the
Greeks. Eventually, Romans formed their own interpretation of artwork. Mosaic paintings
and portraitures are Roman artwork characteristics.

 Mythology

There are many similarities between Greek mythology and Roman mythology. First off,
the Romans borrowed heavily from the Greek pantheon. The Greek gods are the same as
the Roman gods only with different names in terms of their theology. Many, if not all,
Roman myths focused more on morality and politics.

There is only one distinct difference, the god of war. In Greek mythology, the name is
Ares. In Roman mythology, the name is Mars. However, that is not the distinct difference
between the two. Mars is also known as the god of agriculture and fertility asides being
known as the god of war. Ares is known simply as the god of war. The major distinct
difference is that Mars is considered to be more benevolent and revered. Ares is considered
to be very fearsome.

In Greek mythology, the following Olympian gods are known as: Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares,
Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Dionysus, Hades, Haphaestus, Hera, Hermes, Hestia, Poseidon,
and Zeus.

In Roman mythology, the following Roman gods are known as: Venus, Apollo, Mars,
Diana, Minerva, Ceres, Liber, Pluto, Vulcan, Juno, Mercury, Vesta, Neptune, and Jupiter.

(1) Aphrodite and Venus share the same title of being the goddess of love, lust, sex,
beauty, and vanity.
(2) The name of Apollo remains the same in both Greek and Roman mythology. He is
considered the god of music, prophecies, poetry, and archery. However, he is also
known as the sun god. He is said to have rode on a chariot of flames.
(3) Ares and Mars both share the title as the god of war. However, Ares is more feared
while Mars is more revered. Ares is considered to be known as the god of war,
murder, and bloodshed. Mars is considered to be known as the god of war, fertility,
and agriculture. Ares is the god of war and death while Mars is the god of war and
life. Murder and bloodshed both equal to death. Fertility and agriculture both equal
to life.
(4) Artemis and Diana both have the title of the goddess of the hunt.
(5) Athena and Minerva both have the title of the goddess of wisdom.
(6) Demeter and Ceres both have the title of the goddess of fertility, grain, and harvest.
In short, this is a goddess of life.
 (7) Dionysus and Liber both have the title of having of being the god of wine, parties,
madness, and merriment. Liber could be the original of the word “libations.”
(8) Hades and Pluto both have the title of god of the underworld.
(9) Hephaestus and Vulcan both have the title of being the god of the fire and smiths.
The word “volcano” is inspired from the name of Vulcan.
(10)Hera and Juno both have the title of the queen of the gods.
(11)Hermes and Mercury both have the title of being the god of flight. An additional title
would be the messenger of the gods.
(12)Hestia and Vesta both have the title of being the goddess of the hearth.
(13)Poseidon and Nepture both have the title of being the god of the sea.
(14)Zeus and Jupiter both have the title of being the king of the gods along with being
the god of the sky and thunder.

On the other hand, the Greeks had created their own gods from scratch and were
concerned more with nature and cosmogony than the Romans. But heroism served as a
common theme to both mythologies. Overall, the Greek and Roman gods are similar.
However, they are merely different just by name. The only significant difference would
be between Ares and Mars.

 Writing

Roman literature was Latin literature. It had epics, tragedies, comedies and satires. It
started with translations of Greek works of literature or works modeled on Greek styles. It
then developed more of a character of its own.

The Roman Empire and its predecessor the Roman Republic produced an abundance of
celebrated literature; poetry, comedies, dramas, histories, and philosophical tracts; the
Romans avoided tragedies. Much of it survives to this day. However, Roman literature
cannot stand alone. They owe a debt to their neighbor, the Greeks (more specifically
Athens). Most educated Romans were well aware of their own literary inferiority, and
because of this Roman writers could easily copy Greek classical themes, even going so far as
to translate many of the notable Greek works into Latin.