Question: Who were the great poets and writers of each?
Ancient Rome Major writers and poets in Ancient Greece included Virgil, Ovid, and Seneca the Elder. Virgil was most known for the Eclogues, the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid. Ovid was known for Metamorphoses. Seneca the Elder was known for some of his quotes and philosophical ideologies. Ancient Roman writing was often about the history of Rome. As the civilization expanded, the wingspan of topics for writing expanded, reaching theater and dramas all the way to poetry and music.
Writing in Ancient Rome was very important to the modern development of writing. |
Ancient Greece The most famous writers of Ancient Greece were Homer and Hesiod. Homer wrote the epics Illiad and Odyssey. Hesiod wrote Theogony and Works and Days. The major forms of writing were the epics (long poems about combat), poems ("a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical" -dictionary definition), dramas (plays), histories, and political speeches. Writing in Ancient Greece was very important to the culture and helped us (modern historians) learn about the daily life of Ancient Greeks.
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Comparison
Ancient Roman and Ancient Greek writing was very similar and very contrasting. Both civilizations hosted some of the best writers that the human race has ever seen, and each civilization interpreted things differently, including (and especially) writing. The writers that emerged from these cultures had some of the most different and eye opening perspectives ever seen in those areas at that time. They brought new things to the table and had special individual talents. Luckily enough, they were recognized for their talent and contributions to society.