What did 18th century Americans learn from ancient Greece and Rome?

Answer 1

The importance of classical learning rested for Thomas Jefferson in the sole fact that they are 18th-century Americans chose to draw on antiquity in their political discourse. To a certain extent, the ancient Roman concept of "republic" was known, as imperfect as it was, and it was a model that 18th century political thinkers believed could be improved upon. !8th century thinkers found the Roman model to be a giant leap forward, and centuries later it was seen as an alternative to monarchies.