Read about ancient Greek pottery, sculpture, architectural orders, Roman portraits, concrete, and the Parthenon and Pantheon through nine passages.
These nine passages examine art and architecture from ancient Greece and Rome. Read about painted Greek pottery, classical architectural orders, sculpture, portraiture, and the Roman use of concrete. A passage comparing the Parthenon and Pantheon follows how a Greek temple and a Roman building reflect different design choices.
The collection includes informational texts as well as arguments about classical art. “The Great Column Debate: Beauty or Strength?” asks readers to weigh competing priorities, while the portrait passages compare idealized Greek features with the more individualized Roman approach. Together, the texts offer several ways to discuss how artistic choices connect with the values and practical needs of a society.
Use the level shown on each passage card to select a text for your readers. Ask students to support a comparison with details from the passage: What did an object or building do? Which materials or forms were chosen? What does the text say those choices communicate?
For a wider look at classical history, browse the Ancient Greece reading collection. For another focused art topic, explore Maya and Aztec art passages. Open each passage to check its available questions and print options.
