impulse to this branch of literature was
given by the introduction of the systematic study of rhetoric under the
influence of Greek orators and teachers.

*Juristic writings.* In the field of jurisprudence the Romans at this
period, were but little subject to Greek influences. The codification of
the law in the fifth century B. C. had been followed by the introduction
of new principles and forms of action, chiefly through the praetor's
edict. The necessity arose of harmonizing the old law and the new, and of
systematizing the various forms of legal procedure. Roman juristic
literature begins with Sextus Aelius Paetus (consul in 198 B. C.),
surnamed Catus "the shrewd," who compiled a work which later generations
regarded as "the cradle of the law." It was in three parts; the first
contained an interpretation of the XII Tables, the second the development
of the law by the jurists, and the third new methods of legal procedure. A
knowledge of the law had always been highly esteemed at Rome and the
position of a jurist consult, that is, one who was consulted on difficult
legal problems, was one of especial honor. Consequently the study of the
law, together with that of oratory, formed the regular preparation for the
Roman who aimed at a public career.

*Religion.* Greek religion, like Greek literature, had attained a more
advanced stage than that of Rome, and possessed a rich mythology when the
Romans had barely begun to ascribe distinct personalities to their gods.
Hence there came about a ready identification between Greek and Roman
divinities to whom similar powers were ascribed and the wholesale adoption
of Greek mythological lore. By the close of the third century B. C. there
was formally recognized in Rome a group of twelve greater divinities who
were identical with the twelve Olympic gods of Greece. There ensued also a
rapid neglect of the minor Latin divinities whose place was taken by those
of Greek origin. The old impersonal Roman deities had given place to
anthropomorphic Hellenic conceptions. This is reflected in the acceptance
of Greek types for the plastic representations of the gods, a strong
demand for which arose with the acquaintance of the works of art carried
off from Syracuse and other Greek cities. An important factor in this
hellenization of the Roman religion was the influence of the Sibylline
Books, a collection of Greek oracles imported from Cumae in the days of
the Roman kings and consulted in time