classics
Quick Summary
Classical scholarship is the comprehensive study of ancient Greece and Rome, encompassing their history, languages, literature, and culture. This field, often referred to as "classical philology" in continental Europe, aims to understand the ancient world from roughly the 2nd millennium BCE to 500 CE.1
Roman education was heavily influenced by Hellenistic civilization, adopting Greek language and literary traditions. Initially, education was private, but public schools eventually developed. The curriculum focused on grammar, literature, and rhetoric, with Latin literature gaining prominence alongside Greek. While sciences were part of the theoretical curriculum of the seven liberal arts, the practical focus remained on letters. The study of classical languages, particularly Latin, was considered a mark of an educated person for centuries, though its teaching in schools declined in the mid-20th century.234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
history of EuropeNature of the changes…to 1804—was influenced by the classical education of most of its public men. They had been brought up on Roman history and the tales of Plutarch’s republican heroes, so that when catapulted into a republic of their own making, the symbols and myths of Rome were often their most natural…
Read More…to 1804—was influenced by the classical education of most of its public men. They had been brought up on Roman history and the tales of Plutarch’s republican heroes, so that when catapulted into a republic of their own making, the symbols and myths of Rome were often their most natural…
Read More
FranceEducation…preserved an interest in traditional Classical culture. Beginning in the 7th century, the Columbanian monasteries insisted on the study of the Bible and the celebration of the liturgy. In the Carolingian era these innovations shared the focus of education with works of Classical antiquity.
Read More…preserved an interest in traditional Classical culture. Beginning in the 7th century, the Columbanian monasteries insisted on the study of the Bible and the celebration of the liturgy. In the Carolingian era these innovations shared the focus of education with works of Classical antiquity.
Read More
William Pitt, the ElderBackground and educationHis classical education made him think, act, and speak in the grand Roman manner. His favourite poet was Virgil, and he never forgot the patriotic lessons of Roman history; he constantly read Cicero, the golden-tongued orator who could yet lash offenders with his indignation. Later, in…
Read MoreHis classical education made him think, act, and speak in the grand Roman manner. His favourite poet was Virgil, and he never forgot the patriotic lessons of Roman history; he constantly read Cicero, the golden-tongued orator who could yet lash offenders with his indignation. Later, in…
Read More
Edmund SpenserYouth and education…and some of the Greek classics but also of the Italian, French, and English literature of his own and earlier times. His knowledge of the traditional forms and themes of lyrical and narrative poetry provided foundations for him to build his own highly original compositions. Without the Roman epic poet…
Read More…and some of the Greek classics but also of the Italian, French, and English literature of his own and earlier times. His knowledge of the traditional forms and themes of lyrical and narrative poetry provided foundations for him to build his own highly original compositions. Without the Roman epic poet…
Read More

