The arts of ancient Rome can be compared to those of the Greek's. They do have their similarities. This can be attributed to the fact that when the Romans decided to conquer the Greeks, the former noticed how art was infused into the lifestyle of the latter. Out of curiosity and love for Greek art, Roman soldiers decided to bring such culture right at their own land. They also brought artists-slaves with them. Thus, if you will take a good look Ara Pacis, you will notice the fancy swirls, which are so Greek. Romans are also fond of creating portraitures and busts of famous persons. However, unlike the Greeks who love to dwell on the ideals of their artwork, the Romans were more focused on their design and technical aspects.
Roman Religion
Ancient Rome also shares almost the same beliefs and rituals practiced by the Greeks. For one, they both believed in too many gods, who had dominance over different portions of their lives, including marriage, occupation, and nature. Moreover, in Ancient Rome, their gods have their own Greek equivalent. A good example is the Zeus of Greece and Jupiter of Rome. Emperors too were being regarded as gods, especially by those who were living in eastern side of the Roman Empire. Though paganism could be the first religion of Romans, let's not forget that Roman Catholicism also found its birth in the Eternal City.
Roman Clothing
It could have just been one wool piece they used to wrap around themselves. However, when Ancient Rome saw the more advanced dressing habit of Greece, they opted to adopt linen tunics, and they became even more comfortable. Footwear of both men and women were made of leather. On special occasions, Roman men were required to wear togas; however, they have to take note of the different ways to wear them, depending on their stature. Women, on the other hand, have to wear not jut one tunic, in addition to the veil or wool scarf they have to wrap around their tunics. This gave them warmth whenever the weather gets cold or it's raining.
Roman People
People in ancient Rome enjoyed more freedom and equality than other countries and empires at that time. Even women were protected by their laws, though people who are located at the west side of the empire became more liberal than those who lived in the east. The Roman Empire was also open even to travelers; thus, there was so much interaction and increase of knowledge in ancient Rome. Nevertheless, the rise of minority groups in the empire also paved the way for cultural wars and tensions.
The disparity of men and women can be felt when it comes to education. Girls were left at home, while boys were sent to school. Those who are living in the villages, meanwhile, were illiterate, simply because they couldn't afford to get an education. The privileged ones, children who grew up in well-off families, had the opportunity to study in other cities, such as in Athens and Alexandria.
Walking around Rome is more than being inspired by its culture and history. It means reliving it, even if it's going to be just for a day.
Formerly part of Yugoslavia, Croatia declared its independence in 1991, sparking a war with Serbia that lasted for over four years. Following elections in 2000 which brought defeat of the former right wing nationalist government, the country has undergone democratic reform. It currently has EU candidate status and is next in line to join after Romania and Bulgaria. Membership could come as early as 2009, but EU officials have indicated that reform of the EU's own constitution make full membership unlikely by then, with 2012 suggested as a more realistic date.
Bordering the Adriatic Sea and having borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia is one of the richest countries in the region. Recently it has experienced annual growth rates in the order of 4 per cent, although unemployment is as high as 13 per cent.
Comprising both mainland and a multitude of islands (1,185 in total), Croatia has a spectacular coastline extending some 5,835 km (the mainland coastline is 1,777 km long). Although boasting a Mediterranean type climate with hot dry summers and mild winters along on the coast, Croatia is also subject to earthquakes (mostly in the Dubrovnik area).
Since 2000 the Government has strived to encourage tourism and investment, and although the Croatian property market is still relatively immature, local agents say prices have been moving up sharply in coastal areas with annual gains of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent.
Direct ownership by foreigners of Croatian property is regulated by the Croatian Property Law (amended in July 2006) which generally requires approval from the Ministry of Justice before a purchase can be made (MFA). The ultimate proof of ownership is entry of the owner's name against the property in the local Land Registry and Katastar maps. Local courts will not allow the names of foreign citizens to be entered in the Land Registry without MFA approval. However, common practice is for foreigners to set up a Croatian company, a procedure which does not require permission and which can be used to buy the property.
Foreign nationals are not permitted directly to own their property if they wish to let it out to tourists. This activity is strictly regulated and requires a rental licence which can only be obtained for properties owned by Croatian companies, and not foreign citizens.
Despite the seeming simplicity of the system title can sometimes be in doubt, especially as the aftermath of the war has left a backlog of civil cases involving land tenure.
The potential problem most affects property seized from Serbs during the war. Any overseas investor buying such a property should take care and generally have their lawyer verify the validity of title.
Properties can sometimes be unsaleable because they are jointly owned by members of large families - there are sometimes as many as 60 joint owners, some of whom may have died since the property was registered without leaving a will. And as Croatians have frequently emigrated, there are now significant numbers of people living in other countries who each own tiny shares in Croatian houses. This means buyers must have their lawyer or estate agent check ownership papers against court records to ensure they tally.
The Croatian Government has taken steps to preserve the country's unspoilt coastline, which means planning regulations are tight. In the past illegal building has been common, although generally authorities turned a blind eye. More recently they have started to issue knock down orders on illegal buildings or extensions. So again care needs to be taken to verify that necessary permissions have been issued.
According to the US Department of State, while foreign investors enjoy equality under the law with domestic investors, in practice foreign investors often face difficulties arising from institutional weaknesses in government bodies, and in some cases because of corruption which remains a problem. Red tape also presents difficulties.
Even so, it concludes that 'Croatia offers a number of attractions for investors. It is an official EU candidate, and as such will be continually improving its legislation and administrative capacity over the next several years'.
Both Paolo Pedica & Karl Hopkins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Paolo Pedica has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Museum Guide and Family Travel. Paolo Pedica writes articles for Rome tours. The author gives valuable information about Sistine Chapel and Rome excursions, and Vatican gardens whic. Paolo Pedica's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Karl Hopkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Property Investment and Vacation. A focus on is one of many dedicated country sections that can be found at Fly2let.net the free unbiased resource for. Karl Hopkins's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.