Roman science and philosophy

Roman science has not reached the scope of the Greek, because it was depending on the specific needs of the growing Roman Empire. Mathematics, geography, natural history and other sciences had narrow applied character among the Romans. Noticeable trace in science left Menelaus of Alexandria (spherical geometry and trigonometry), Ptolemy's geocentric model of the world, works on optics, astronomy (the catalog of more than 1600 stars), experiments on animals in physiology. Physician Galen came very close to discovery of importance of nerves for motor reflexes and blood circulation. Construction machinery was developed, which allowed to create Flavian Coliseum, 1.5-kilometer bridge over the Danube under Trajan, and so on. Mechanics were improved, hoisting machines came to be used. According to Seneca, "despicable slaves" each time invented something new: pipes, which steamed heat to the premises, special technic of polishing of marble, mirror tiles to reflect sunlight. Mosaic art was spread: even in the homes of the Rhine glass was inserted in windows. Both Menelaus of Alexandria and Ptolemy were Greek scientists working in Rome.

Claudius Ptolemy

Astrology, which occupied the major astronomers, had a great popularity. Basically, the Roman scientists studied and commented Greeks. A special place in the culture of the ancient Romans had philosophy and jurisprudence. In ancient Roman philosophy eclectically combined the principles of various teachings of the Greek philosophers, especially of the Hellenistic period. Philosophers have adopted their scientific apparatus, terminology, the most important directions.

The representative of the stoicism Seneca saw the meaning of life to achieve absolute peace of mind, overcoming the fear of death. A large part of efforts, according to Seneca, a man shall devote to his own improvement.

Seneca

Epicureanism was the only materialist philosophy in ancient Rome. Its most striking representative - Titus Lucretius Carus - was known for his philosophical poem "On the Nature of Things."

Titus Lucretius Carus

The passion of skepticism was also the characteristic of the Roman mentality. Founder of skepticism, Sextus Empiricus, built his teaching on the critical reassessment of current knowledge. The edge of skepticism was directed against the concepts of philosophy, mathematics, rhetoric, astronomy, and grammar. Skepticism has become the specific expression of progressing crisis of Roman society.

Cynics were also close to the stoic ideals of renunciation of material goods and life in harmony with nature, they referred to urban lower ranks in a language they understood. The pattern of development of Roman philosophy doesn't confine on Stoics and Cynics activity. Philosophical moralistic treatises of Plutarch were also popular. His works have plenty of vivid language, common sense, love of life,  and tolerance.

The golden age of the Roman science was not much in multiplication of knowledge, as in encyclopedism, the desire to learn and systematically present the achievements already accumulated. Greek theories were taken for granted, without discussion. At the same time, a keen interest in the scientific, rational knowledge of nature was maintained, there emerged a whole galaxy of outstanding creative minds, great scientists.