Contributions of the Graeco-Roman World to Jesus' World Flashcards
What is the primary contribution of the Greeks?
CULTURE
What is the primary contribution of the Romans?
1) EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT
2) MILITARY GENIUS
3) POLITICAL PEACE
Characteristics of the Hellenistic Period
This is the interpenetration and amalgamation (blending) of arts, philosophies, and faiths (felt & modified).
SYNCRETISM OF ITS CULTURE
Characteristics of the Hellenistic Period
This is the concept of “one world under the control of Greek culture”. Mass marriages between his troops and native population; disappearances of old national boundaries, mixtures of peoples, and denationalization of religion.
UNIVERSALISM
Characteristics of the Hellenistic Period
This is an emphasis on the importance of the individual as a person.
INDIVIDUALISM
Characteristics of the Hellenistic Period
Education was made available for all people.
DEMOCRATIZATION OF LEARNING
Roman Contributions
This was established when faction fighting was suppressed.
PEACE (PAX ROMANA)
Roman Contributions
Roman roads were built and secured, pirates were suppressed, and freedom of trade and travel was ensured.
CERTAINTY AND SAFETY OF LIFE
Roman Contributions
Augustus restored religion and emphasized its importance so local cults and different schools of religious thought flourished; philosophies grew.
FREEDOM OF IDEAS
Roman Contributions
Class discrimination was discouraged, and foreigners were given a chance to become Roman citizens.
COSMOPOLITAN SPIRIT CONTINUED
Whose contribution is this?
Support Hellenistic education and culture.
ROMANS SUPPORT HELLENISTIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Darker Side of the Greco-Roman World
Moral degeneration was common, paiderastia (homosexuality), fornication (fornix - “arch” or “vault”) Brothels of Rome were located in underground vaults (slave girls and undesired infants were usually the victims) temple prostitution was common - temple of Aphrodite at Corinth housed thousands of sacred slaves or temple prostitutes. It was on account of these prostitutes that Corinth became crowded and rich for sailors squandered their money with them.
FORNICATION
Prisoners of war were sold into slavery. Corsairs, made a business of
capturing inhabitants of Syria and the Greek islands and selling them into slavery
RAMPANT SLAVERY
This is a common method of executing slaves and political criminals;
CRUXIFICATION
Who is this individual who crucified 2,000 Jews in quelling disorder in Palestine shortly after the death of Herod.
VARUS
Who is this individual who crucified as many as 500 Jews daily outside the walls of Jerusalem in plain view of the city.
TITUS (66-70)
What are examples of cruel means of punishment during the Greco-Roman?
1) BURNING AT THE STAKE
2) FORCING TO FIGHT AS GLADIATORS
