--- title: 4 Ancient Roman Philosophers to Explore When You Study in Italy description: Students looking to study abroad in Rome get to explore the city’s rich history and ancient Roman philosophers. Here are popular figures to learn about! image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Feature%20Resizer%20(30)-1.jpg --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # 4 Ancient Roman Philosophers to Explore When You Study in Italy July 12, 2021 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/4-ancient-roman-philosophers-to-explore-when-you-study-in-italy](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/4-ancient-roman-philosophers-to-explore-when-you-study-in-italy) ![Class being taught next to the Colosseum ](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Feature%20Resizer%20(30)-1.jpg) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/4-ancient-roman-philosophers-to-explore-when-you-study-in-italy](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/4-ancient-roman-philosophers-to-explore-when-you-study-in-italy) ![John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/JCUCrestWhiteonBlue-1.jpg) Written By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) Topic [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/rome) Studying in Rome offers students the unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture and history. This includes the chance to discover ancient philosophers from the Roman Empire who helped shape modern-day western philosophy.  Although Roman philosophers were inspired and influenced by their Greek counterparts, many of them have contributed important ideas that remain relevant and noteworthy today. Students in Rome can learn all about these impressive philosophers during their studies at [John Cabot University](https://www.johncabot.edu/), embarking on a journey to better understand themselves and the world around them.  Here’s a brief introduction to four memorable ancient Roman philosophers for students to look into during their study abroad adventure!     ##### 1. Discover the Works of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 – 180 CE) is a notable figure in Ancient Roman history, identified as one of the Five Good Emperors of Rome—symbolizing a part of the Roman Golden Age. In addition to being emperor, Antoninus was an influential thinker best known for the *Meditations*, his work on Stoic philosophy.  The *Meditations* contained his ideas and reflections on Stoicism, the school of philosophy that views happiness as accepting the present and promoting a worldview that aligns with nature’s plans. Much of our understanding of stoicism has been shaped by Antoninus’ work, which simplified and solidified this school of thought for generations of scholars and thinkers. Written in Greek, the *Meditations* also signifies the impact of Greco-Roman culture on ancient philosophy. ![IMG_2108-jpg](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2108-jpg.jpeg?width=725&name=IMG_2108-jpg.jpeg) *JCU students can learn about key Roman philosophers by taking an Ancient Philosophy course*   ##### 2. Learn about Cicero’s Notable Achievements Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 – 43 BCE) is considered one of the most famous figures of Ancient Rome, contributing greatly to the field of politics. As an influential statesman and orator, Cicero had a significant impact on the development of the Roman Republic, even becoming its consul in 63 BCE. His most notable work, *De Officiis*, expressed his thoughts and beliefs on moral obligations, though he provided a more expansive body of work that includes explorations into various other subjects. With the aim to provide Rome with a range of philosophical knowledge, Cicero incorporated Stoic, Academic, Epicurean, and Peripatetic philosophies into his writing.   Students who choose to [**study abroad in Rome**](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx) at JCU can learn more about Cicero, visiting the Roman Forum, and reliving the city’s history firsthand.    ##### 3. Get to Know Seneca While You Study in Italy Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE – 65 AD), also known as Seneca the Younger, was a Roman politician and dramatist. The tragedies he wrote were heavy with intense emotions—contrasting many of his philosophical works, which promoted and defended Stoicism.  Serving as an imperial advisor during Nero’s reign, Seneca wrote *De Clementia,* in which he emphasized mercy as a sovereign quality. His writing typically focuses on virtue as expressed in stoic philosophy, often exploring aspects of life (as seen in *De Vita Beata* and *De Brevitate Vitae*, for example). Although Seneca was once exiled and later sentenced to death, he became known as one of Ancient Rome’s most notable philosophers. As you continue to [**study in Italy**](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx), you can explore the impact of his work and learn more about ancient Roman philosophers.   ![Class looking at details fo a fountain](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2175-jpg.jpeg?width=725&name=IMG_2175-jpg.jpeg) *JCU students in Rome can explore the city to get inspired as they study ancient philosophy*   ##### 4. Be Inspired by Hypatia’s Pioneering Role and Contributions  When looking at influential philosophers from Ancient Rome, Hypatia (370 – 415 CE) should not be ignored. Considered to be Alexandria’s greatest female scholar, Hypatia was a skilled mathematician and astronomer who focused on knowledge and science—viewed as a form of philosophy at the time.  In addition to her scientific contributions, Hypatia was a self-established philosopher who carried on teaching Neoplatonism, an aspect of Platonic philosophy that incorporates mysticism—where reality derives from “The One.” Her public lectures drew in many people and solidified her role as a memorable philosopher of her time.      **Are you interested in attending a** [**Rome University**](https://www.johncabot.edu/)**?** **Contact John Cabot University for more information!** [Previous Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/make-meaningful-connections-through-small-class-sizes-at-jcu?hsLang=en) [View all posts](https://blog.johncabot.edu) [Next Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/eager-to-go-back-to-school-jcu-is-open-and-ready-for-students?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recommended Reading [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/rome?hsLang=en) ##### [John Cabot University’s Campuses in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) / May 6, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/rome?hsLang=en) ##### [What Is It Like to Move Alone to Rome for University? 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