Ancient Greece was a civilization that flourished from about the 8th century BCE to about 200 BCE, centered on and around the Peloponnese peninsula. Its politics, philosophy, art, and scientific achievements have had a profound and lasting influence on Western civilization. One enduring legacy is the Olympic Games, which originated in Olympia, Greece.
Ancient Greek politics, philosophy, art and scientific achievements greatly influenced Western civilizations today. One example of their legacy is the Olympic Games.
Learn more: National Geographic - Ancient Greece
Key Historical Facts
- Timeline: c. 800 BCE – 200 BCE
- Location: Southeastern Europe, mainly on the Greek mainland and islands in the Aegean Sea.
- City-States: Ancient Greece was not a single country but a collection of independent city-states (poleis), such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes.
- Major Wars: The Persian Wars (against the Persian Empire), the Peloponnesian War (Athens vs. Sparta).
- Alexander the Great: Expanded Greek culture and influence across three continents.
Key Characteristics
- City-States (Polis): Each city-state had its own government, laws, and customs. Athens was known for democracy and culture; Sparta for military discipline.
- Democracy: Athens developed the first known democracy, where citizens could participate directly in decision-making.
- Philosophy: Home to famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose ideas shaped Western thought.
- Art and Architecture: Known for sculpture, pottery, and iconic buildings like the Parthenon.
- Theatre: Birthplace of Western drama, including tragedy and comedy.
Contributions to Human Civilization
- Democracy: The concept of rule by the people, first practiced in Athens, is a foundation of many modern governments.
- Philosophy: Greek philosophers explored ethics, logic, science, and politics, influencing later civilizations.
- Science and Mathematics: Pioneers like Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes, and Hippocrates made advances in math, physics, and medicine.
- Olympic Games: The tradition of athletic competition began in Olympia and continues today.
- Literature and Drama: Epic poems (Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey), tragedies (Sophocles, Euripides), and comedies (Aristophanes) are still studied and performed.
- Art and Architecture: Developed principles of symmetry, proportion, and harmony that influenced later art and architecture.
Religion According to the Ancient Greeks
ancient Greece Noun
loosely united civilization founded on and around the Peloponnese peninsula, lasting from about the 8th century BCE to about 200 BCE.
pantheon Noun
all the gods and deities of a particular mythology.
ritual Noun
series of customs or procedures for a ceremony, often religious.
superstitious Adjective
influenced by legends, spirits, or stories of the supernatural.
deity Noun
very holy or spiritual being, such as a god.
ZEUS
controlled the weather
POSEIDON
HADES
the underworld
ATHENA
wisdom
Religion and Mythology
- Pantheon: The Greeks believed in many gods and goddesses, each with specific powers and personalities.
- Zeus: King of the gods, controlled the weather.
- Poseidon: God of the sea.
- Hades: God of the underworld.
- Athena: Goddess of wisdom and war.
- Rituals: Religious ceremonies and festivals were important in Greek life.
- Mythology: Myths explained natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events.
Key Terms:
- Pantheon: All the gods and deities of a particular mythology.
- Ritual: Series of customs or procedures for a ceremony, often religious.
- Deity: A god or goddess.
- Superstitious: Influenced by legends, spirits, or stories of the supernatural.
Democracy: People Power
- Athenian Democracy: Citizens (free adult males) could vote, debate, and hold public office.
- Legacy: The idea of democracy spread and influenced the development of modern political systems.
Summary
Ancient Greece laid the foundations for Western civilization through its innovations in government, philosophy, science, art, and sports. Its legacy continues to shape the modern world in countless ways.