168 BC-AD 400 Roman

After Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC, his empire fragmented into numerous Hellenistic (Greek-cultivated) kingdoms as his family and his generals fought each other for control. Meanwhile Rome was gaining strength, first extending its control over Italy and then conquering the Carthaginians and absorbing their empire in the western Mediterranean. In the east, Rome became drawn into conflict first with Macedon. Over the next 50 years Rome fought several campaigns and Macedon (168 BC) and Greece (146 BC) eventually became provinces of the Roman Empire, as did very wealthy Hellenistic cities in Asia Minor (western Turkey) such as Pergamon and Ephesos.

The last of the Hellenistic kingdoms, Egypt, also became part of the Roman Empire with the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium in 31 BC. After this Rome was the dominant power in the Mediterranean and the surrounding lands. Although Athens had long since ceased to be a political force, her art and culture continued to exert a great deal of influence. Roman philosophers believed that Classical Greek art and thought were based on high moral values. Consequently, when Rome’s first emperor, Augustus (reigned 27 BC-AD 14), wanted to encourage a more moral society he established the new ‘Classical’ style which was adopted in the design of public buildings, and all aspects of the arts.