I. Roman cultural achievements in art, literature, philosophy and religion were greatly influenced by the Greek culture and show very little originality. Only in the area of law do the Romans provide a significant new contribution. Roman architecture is very utilitarian and simple. The vault and arch are perfected. Greatest artistic contribution was the development of cement.
Roman literature is very similar to Greek literature.
Greek Epicurean and Stoic philosophy greatly influenced Roman philosophy. During the early Republic, the Roman pantheon was almost a carbon copy of the Greek pantheon. Eventually the Roman state religion came to be challenged by Christianity. Roman amusements often take the place of religion for the bored and unemployed masses. These amusements began to grow more cruel and bloodthirsty.