When Romans encounterred Greek culture, there was admiration for the superior culture, but there was also hostility to change as the Greeks were called 'decadent' by Roman rulers. Roman values would have to undergo a reversal from an agrarian culture to a sophisticated, literate urban culture of the Greeks in order to conform to Greek ways. Italy had already undergone significant Greek influence with Etruria using Greek art and Lucanian and Campania using the Greek language and writing. Art and architecture were being influenced in Rome itself despite the more conservative elements such as Cato the Elder(234-149 BCE) attempting to eliminate Greek influence. Roman nobility thought that Hellenism threatened their traditional doctine of subordination of self to family, class, state, and the gods and considerred it a threat to their rule. However the anti-Hellenic movement completely failed and every branch of Roman learning was surrendered to Greek influence. However as Greek influence continued to be absorbed into Roman culture, conservative elements, such as Cicero(106-43 BCE), continued to attempt to suppress it.

Rome borrowed Greek forms and styles. Portraits in marble busts were made particularly of statesman as they had been made of monarchs in Hellenistic empires.

Greek works were copied for Roman patrons. In architecture Rome adopted a Greek composite form the Ionian, Dorian and Corinthian. Religion was also affected as the Greek pantheon was added with the introduction of the Sibylline books. Roman rulers were worshipped as gods during the empire.

Greek philosophy became more a part of Roman culture, when the Athenian government sent three heads of the philosophical schools; Carneads the Academic, Diogenes the Stocia and Critolaus the Peripatetic. Carneads made a spectacular impression on the Romans by arguing both sides that Hellenism took Rome by storm again. The Roman Senate again tried to get rid of Hellenism except for the Stoics, who believed in an uncomplaining performance of duty and paramount virtue, which were welcome in Rome. Yet that failed, and besides Stoicism as stated by Panaetius fit in with the Roman moral code of ethics and their ancient traditions and ideals. Literature, philosophy, rhetoric, and other disciplines became part of the liberal arts curriculum in Rome. Rome adopted the principle of indirectly ruling cities and permiting autonomy in the local cities. Roman citizenship and law were brought in and conformed with local laws. Greek cities were given a "free city" designation and were excused from tribute and a garrison, permitted to keep their own laws. Cities in Africa enjoyed similar rule. New cities and colonies were added in Asia Minor and they followed Roman law and acquired Roman citizenship.