The Latinisation of Greek refers to the process of adopting or adapting Greek language, culture, or customs into the Latin language, culture, or customs. This phenomenon occurred primarily during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, when the Romans came into contact with the ancient Greek civilization and recognized its significant contributions in various fields such as philosophy, literature, science, and arts.
In terms of language, Latinisation of Greek involved incorporating Greek words and grammatical structures into the Latin language. This was done to express concepts that the Romans did not have specific terms for, or to enhance the vocabulary and linguistic richness of their own language. Examples of Latinised Greek words include "philosophia" (philosophy), "astronomia" (astronomy), and "thesaurus" (treasure).
Moreover, the Latinisation of Greek extended beyond language and encompassed cultural and social aspects as well. It entailed the adoption of Greek customs, architecture, sculpture, and other artistic practices, which the Roman elites found appealing and prestigious. This fusion of Greek and Roman cultures created a unique blend known as Greco-Roman or Hellenistic culture, which heavily influenced the development of Western civilization.
Overall, the Latinisation of Greek denotes the assimilation of Greek elements into the Latin language and Roman culture, illustrating the profound impact Greek civilization had on ancient Rome and subsequent Western societies.
