Battle of the Ancients: Was Ancient Rome more Influential than Ancient Greece?

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​Debate Motion

​“The House believes that Ancient Rome has a more pronounced impact on contemporary life than ancient Greece”

​Potential Areas For Discussion

​Proposition

• ​Roman law became the structural basis for most modern European legal systems.

• ​Romans perfected practical marvels like durable concrete, massive road networks, and aqueducts that lasted for millennia.

• ​Rome conquered the Mediterranean basin and Western Europe.

​Opposition

• ​Thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates created the core systems of Western philosophy, logic, and ethics

• ​Athens introduced the concept of democracy, which serves as a forerunner to modern political systems.

• ​Through trade and colonies, Greece influenced the wider Mediterranean long before Rome rose to power.

​Starting Point For Further Readings

• ​https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/blog/greek-and-roman-culture-a-comparison

• ​https://www.thoughtco.com/comparisons-ancient-greece-and-ancient-rome-118635

• ​https://roman-empire.net/rankings/ancient-rome-vs-ancient-greece

​“With their idea of democracy and their philosophical schools, the Greeks established the foundations for our modern way of thinking. The Romans, on the other hand, created the basis for many of today's state structures with their sophisticated legal system and efficient administration.”  - Hendrik Pahl

​​Our November Skills Series

​For the month of November, we hosted "The Language of Debate", a four-week skills block that culminates in this debate.

​Our “The Language of Debate” skills sessions were designed to help new and seasoned debaters build their skills. We shared actionable advice you can use to form arguments in both your debates with the Debate Society and outwith the society.