Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek Mythology)

Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek
Mythology)
Introduction:
Ancient Greece is often called the cradle of Western civilization. It is famous for its profound
cultural achievements and historical influence on our modern world. From its philosophical ideas
to its impressive architecture and arts, Ancient Greek civilization has left an indelible mark on
our society. In this article, we will delve into the wonders of Ancient Greek civilization and
explore its remarkable cultural achievements.
Overview of the Article contents
1. Language: The ancient Greek language is part of the Hellenic branch of the Indo-
European family of languages, and it has several dialects
2. Philosophy: Ancient Greece is famous for its philosophical tradition, which began in the
6th century BCE with philosophers such as Thales, Pythagoras, and Heraclitus
3. Science: The Greeks made important contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and
medicine
4. Literature: Greek literature includes epic poetry, drama, and lyric poetry
5. Art and Architecture: The Greeks are renowned for their contributions to art and
architecture
6. Religion: The Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses, who were believed to
reside on Mount Olympus.
Athens Caryatid Greece
Historical Background
The early civilizations that influenced Ancient Greece;
 Ancient Greece was a civilization that emerged in the eastern Mediterranean region
around the 8th century BCE. However, before the emergence of Greece, there were many
early civilizations that had an impact on its development. Here are some of the
civilizations that influenced ancient Greece
The Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations

 Minoan Civilization: The Minoan civilization was based on the island of Crete from
around 2700 BCE to 1450 BCE. They were known for their advanced art and
architecture, and their influence on ancient Greece can be seen in the architectural styles
and frescoes used in the palaces of Mycenae and Tiryns.
 Mycenaean Civilization: The Mycenaean civilization emerged in Greece around 1600
BCE and lasted until 1100 BCE. They were known for their military prowess and their
influence on ancient Greece can be seen in the development of the Greek language and
the spread of their religious beliefs.
 http://infoarticles.co
 whistoryclub.comAlexander the Great
The Dark Age Of Greek
The Dark Age of Greece, also known as the Greek Dark Ages, was a period of Greek history
spanning from the end of the Mycenaean civilization in the 12th century BCE to the beginning of
the Archaic period in the 8th century BCE. It is called the "Dark Age" because of the relative
paucity of written records, which makes it difficult for historians to piece together a complete
picture of what was happening during this time.
During the Dark Age, many of the major Mycenaean cities were destroyed, and the population
declined significantly. There was a general breakdown of the economic and political systems that
had characterized the Mycenaean period, and trade networks disintegrated. Writing, which had
been widespread in the Mycenaean period, largely disappeared, and there are only a few
surviving inscriptions from this time.
Despite the relative lack of written records, archaeology has provided some insights into life
during the Dark Age. Many of the cities that had been destroyed were abandoned, and people
began to live in smaller communities. There was a shift from the large palace-based economies
of the Mycenaean period to a more decentralized system of small-scale agriculture. The material
culture of the period was also more modest than that of the Mycenaean period, with simpler
pottery and less elaborate burial practices.
The end of the Dark Age is marked by the beginning of the Archaic period, during which Greek
culture began to emerge in new forms. Writing was reintroduced, and new city-states emerged
that would eventually become the centers of Greek civilization. The Dark Age of Greece was a
time of great upheaval and transformation, and it laid the groundwork for the cultural and
political achievements of the Archaic and Classical periods.
The Archaic Period
 The rise of city-states in Ancient Greece
In Ancient Greece, city-states emerged as a dominant political structure in the 8th century BCE.
These city-states, or poleis, were independent political entities with their governments, laws, and
customs. The rise of the city-states was driven by several factors, including population growth,
agricultural expansion, and technological advancements.

The geography of Greece also played a significant role in the rise of city-states. The mountainous
terrain made it difficult to establish a centralized government, leading to the development of
small, self-governing communities. The city-states were often located near the coast or on
islands, which facilitated trade and commerce.
One of the most important city-states in Ancient Greece was Athens, which became a dominant
force in the 5th century BCE. Athens was known for its democratic system of government and its
cultural achievements, including the development of philosophy, art, and literature. Another
important city-state was Sparta, which was known for its powerful military and strict social
hierarchy.
The city-states of Ancient Greece were often in conflict with one another, but they also formed
alliances and cooperated for mutual benefit. The most famous of these alliances was the Delian
League, which was formed in 478 BCE and was led by Athens. The Delian League was a
military alliance that was designed to protect Greece from Persian invasion.
The rise of the city-states in Ancient Greece had a profound impact on the development of
Western civilization. The political and cultural achievements of Athens, in particular, have had a
lasting influence on Western philosophy, art, and politics.
 The influence of Athens and Sparta
Athens and Sparta were two of the most powerful and influential city-states in ancient Greece.
Their influence on the culture, politics, and society of Greece was significant, and their legacy
can still be seen today. Here are some of the ways in which Athens and Sparta had an impact on
ancient Greek civilization:
1. Political System: Athens is known for being the birthplace of democracy. Its system of
government, which gave power to the people, has influenced modern democratic systems
around the world. Sparta, on the other hand, was known for its military aristocracy, where
power was held by a small group of elite warriors.
2. Military: Both Athens and Sparta had powerful militaries, but they differed in their
approach to warfare. Sparta had one of the most feared armies in the ancient world, and
its soldiers were known for their discipline and bravery. Athens, on the other hand, was
known for its powerful navy and its strategy of using sea power to dominate the
Mediterranean.
3. Education: Athens was home to some of the greatest philosophers, writers, and thinkers
of the ancient world, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Athens also had a highly
developed system of education, which included music, poetry, and physical education, as
well as academic subjects. Sparta, on the other hand, placed a strong emphasis on
military training, with boys starting their military education at the age of 7.
4. Arts and Culture: Athens was a center for the arts, literature, and theater. It was the
birthplace of drama, and many of the greatest playwrights in history, such as Sophocles,
Euripides, and Aristophanes, wrote for the Athenian stage. Sparta, on the other hand, did
not place as much emphasis on the arts, and its culture was largely centered around
military training and physical fitness.

5. Legacy: The influence of Athens and Sparta can still be seen today in Western culture.
The ideals of democracy, freedom, and individual rights that were developed in Athens
are still important to modern society. The discipline and warrior ethos of Sparta have also
influenced modern military training and the concept of the citizen-soldier.
The Persian Wars and their impact on Greece
The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts fought between the Persian Empire and the Greek
city-states that took place between 492 BCE and 449 BCE. The wars had a profound impact on
Greece and shaped the course of Western civilization.
The Persian Wars began in 492 BCE when the Persian Emperor Darius I launched an expedition
to punish the Greek city-states of Athens and Eretria for their support of a rebellion in Ionia, a
region of western Anatolia under Persian rule. The Persians were successful in capturing and
burning the city of Eretria, but their attempt to invade Athens was thwarted by a small Greek
force led by the Athenian general Miltiades at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE.
The Persian Wars had a significant impact on Greece. They established Athens as the
dominant power in Greece, both militarily and politically. The victories at Marathon and Salamis
also had a profound impact on the Greek psyche, as they were seen as proof that a united Greece
could defeat even the most powerful empire in the world
Furthermore, the wars contributed to the development of democracy in Athens, as the victories
of the Athenians in the Persian Wars gave them a greater say in the political affairs of Greece.
This led to the establishment of the Athenian Empire, which was based on the principles of
democracy, and helped to spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the Mediterranean world.
The Classical Period
Describe the Golden Age of Athens
The Golden Age of Athens is a period in ancient Greek history that is generally considered to
have lasted from around 480 BC to 404 BC. This period is characterized by a flourishing of art,
architecture, philosophy, and politics, and is often seen as a high point of Greek civilization.
The Golden Age of Athens was marked by several key developments. In the wake of the Persian
Wars, which ended in 479 BC, Athens emerged as a dominant power in Greece. The city-state
became the center of a powerful maritime empire, which included colonies and allies throughout
the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. This empire brought immense wealth to Athens, which in
turn allowed the city to become a center of culture and learning.
Under the leadership of Pericles, who was elected as the chief magistrate of Athens in 461 BC,
the city became a center of democracy and philosophy. Pericles oversaw the construction of
many of Athens' most iconic buildings, including the Parthenon and the Propylaea, and he also
supported the development of drama, philosophy, and literature.

The intellectual and artistic achievements of the Golden Age of Athens were remarkable. The
city was home to some of the most famous philosophers of all time, including Socrates, Plato,
and Aristotle. It was also the birthplace of Greek tragedy, with playwrights such as Aeschylus,
Sophocles, and Euripides producing some of the most enduring works of Western literature.
In addition to its cultural achievements, Athens during the Golden Age was also a center of
political and military power. The city's navy was one of the largest and most advanced in the
world, and Athens was able to use its military might to expand its influence and secure its
position in Greece.
Overall, the Golden Age of Athens was a period of extraordinary cultural, intellectual, and
political achievement, and its legacy can still be felt in the arts, philosophy, and politics of the
modern world.
Discuss the achievements in philosophy, art, and literature
Greek ancient civilization is widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant
periods in human history. This civilization produced an impressive body of work in philosophy,
art, and literature that continues to inspire and influence contemporary thought and culture. Here
are some of the most significant achievements in each of these fields:
Philosophy:
Greek philosophy is the foundation of Western philosophy, and its influence can be seen in
nearly every aspect of modern Western thought. Some of the most significant achievements of
Greek philosophy include:
1. The establishment of the first systematic and comprehensive philosophical tradition by
the Presocratic philosophers.
2. The development of the Socratic method of questioning, which has influenced Western
thinking to this day.
3. The establishment of the first formal school of philosophy, the Academy, by Plato, which
became the model for all subsequent Western universities.
4. The work of Aristotle, which contributed significantly to the development of logic,
metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology.
Art:
Greek art is known for its emphasis on proportion, balance, and harmony, and its focus on the
human form. Some of the most significant achievements of Greek art include:
1. The development of the classical style in sculpture, which emphasized the idealized
human form.
2. The creation of monumental architecture, including the Parthenon and other famous
Greek temples.

3. The development of the red-figure technique in pottery, which allowed for greater detail
and complexity in the decoration of ceramic vessels.
4. The creation of mosaics and frescoes that decorated public and private spaces with
elaborate scenes from mythology and daily life.
Literature
Greek literature is renowned for its epic poetry, drama, and lyric poetry. Some of the most
significant achievements of Greek literature include:
1. The works of Homer, including the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are considered the
foundational texts of Western literature.
2. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, which explore complex ethical
and political issues and continue to be performed and studied to this day.
3. The lyric poetry of Sappho, Pindar, and others, which celebrated love, beauty, and nature.
4. The historical works of Herodotus and Thucydides, which laid the groundwork for
modern historiography.
Overall, the achievements of ancient Greek philosophy, art, and literature continue to inspire and
influence contemporary culture, and their legacy is still felt in many areas of human thought and
expression.
The death of socrates
The Peloponnesian War and its impact on Greece
The Peloponnesian War was a conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 BCE to
404 BCE. It is named after the Peloponnesian peninsula, where Sparta was located. The war was
fought in three phases, with each phase having different objectives, strategies, and outcomes.
The immediate cause of the war was a dispute between Athens and Corinth over the city of
Corcyra (modern-day Corfu), which was an ally of Athens. Sparta, a rival of Athens, saw an
opportunity to weaken its enemy and formed an alliance with Corinth and other city-states to
fight against Athens.
The first phase of the war saw Athens and its allies dominate on land and sea, thanks to their
superior navy. However, Sparta's strength on land allowed it to lay waste to the Athenian
countryside, causing hardship for the Athenian people.
The second phase of the war saw a change in Sparta's strategy, with the Spartans invading and
occupying Attica, the region surrounding Athens. The Athenians, in turn, launched a disastrous
expedition to Sicily, which ended in defeat and the loss of many of their soldiers and ships.

The third and final phase of the war saw Sparta blockade Athens and cut off its supply lines,
leading to a prolonged siege that finally ended with Athens' surrender in 404 BCE. Sparta
emerged victorious and became the dominant power in Greece.
The impact of the Peloponnesian War on Greece was significant. The war caused widespread
destruction and loss of life, and it weakened the power of Athens and its democratic system of
government. The victory of Sparta and its allies created a new political order in Greece, with
Sparta becoming the dominant power.
The war also had a profound impact on Greek philosophy, literature, and art. The experiences of
the war led to a new focus on individualism and self-interest, as well as a questioning of
traditional values and beliefs.
In the long term, the Peloponnesian War contributed to the decline of Greek city-states and their
vulnerability to conquest by outside powers, such as Macedonia and Rome.
Hellenistic Period
The rise of Macedon and the conquests of Alexander the Great
The rise of Macedon began in the 4th century BCE, when Philip II became king and began
consolidating Macedon's power over neighboring regions. Under his rule, Macedon's military
and political power grew, and he was able to unite the Greek city-states under Macedonian
control.
After Philip's assassination in 336 BCE, his son Alexander became king at the age of 20.
Alexander quickly consolidated his power and continued his father's military campaigns,
conquering much of the Persian Empire, including Egypt and parts of India, and establishing a
vast empire that stretched from Greece to India.
Alexander's military prowess was remarkable, and he was able to defeat much larger armies
through a combination of strategic genius, excellent training and discipline, and a willingness to
take risks. He is also known for his cultural and intellectual achievements, as he founded several
cities and established a library in Alexandria that became a center of learning in the ancient
world.
After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, his empire was divided among his generals, who founded
several Hellenistic kingdoms that continued to dominate the eastern Mediterranean for centuries.
The legacy of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic period that followed had a profound
influence on the art, culture, and political systems of the ancient world.
The spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the ancient world
Greek culture and influence spread throughout the ancient world in a number of ways, including
through conquest, trade, and the spread of Greek philosophy and religion. One of the most
important factors in the spread of Greek culture was the conquests of Alexander the Great, who

created an empire that extended from Greece to India. Through his military campaigns,
Alexander spread Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the lands he conquered.
Another important factor in the spread of Greek culture was the establishment of Greek colonies
throughout the Mediterranean world. Greeks established colonies in places like Italy, North
Africa, and Asia Minor, where they brought their culture and way of life with them.
Trade also played a major role in the spread of Greek culture. As Greeks traded with other
cultures, they exchanged ideas, beliefs, and customs. Greek art, literature, and philosophy were
particularly influential in this regard, and many of these ideas were adopted and adapted by other
cultures.
Greek religion, particularly the worship of the Olympian gods, also had a significant impact on
other cultures. As the Greeks traded and interacted with other peoples, they spread their beliefs
and practices, which were often adopted and adapted by other cultures.
Finally, Greek philosophy had a profound influence on the ancient world, particularly through
the works of thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their ideas about ethics, metaphysics,
and politics were widely studied and debated, and many of their concepts and theories continue
to influence modern thought.
The decline of Ancient Greece
The decline of Ancient Greece was a complex and multifaceted process that took place over
many centuries, and was influenced by a variety of social, economic, political, and military
factors. Here are some of the key factors that contributed to the decline of Ancient Greece:
1. Internal political instability: Greek city-states were often engaged in political infighting
and internal conflicts, which weakened their ability to act as a unified entity. This made it
difficult for them to defend against outside threats or to work together to address common
problems.
2. Economic decline: The economic decline of Ancient Greece was due to a combination of
factors, including a decline in agriculture, increased competition from other regions, and
the loss of trade routes to other regions.
3. Military conflict: Ancient Greece was constantly under threat from external enemies,
including the Persians and Macedonians, who eventually conquered Greece. This led to
significant losses of territory and resources, which weakened the power of the Greek city-
states.
4. Decline of the polis: The polis, or city-state, was the central institution of Ancient Greek
society. As the power of the city-states declined, so did the influence and importance of
the polis. This led to a decline in civic life and culture.
5. Social upheaval: The rise of the Hellenistic kingdoms and the decline of the polis led to a
social upheaval in Ancient Greece. The traditional Greek way of life was challenged by
new cultural influences, and the sense of identity and unity that had once bound the
Greeks together was lost.

Legacy of Ancient Greece
Discuss the impact of Ancient Greece on modern Western civilization
Ancient Greece had a profound and lasting impact on modern Western civilization in many
ways. Here are some examples:
1. Democracy: Ancient Greece is often considered the birthplace of democracy, with the
city-state of Athens being the first to establish a system of government in which citizens
had a say in decision-making. The concept of democracy has since spread around the
world and is considered a fundamental element of modern Western political systems.
2. Philosophy: Ancient Greek philosophy, with its focus on reason and critical thinking, has
had a major influence on Western thought. The works of philosophers like Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle have been studied and debated for centuries and have shaped many of
the philosophical and ethical ideas that still inform Western society today.
3. Science: Ancient Greek scholars made significant contributions to fields like
mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Many of their ideas and discoveries laid the
foundation for modern science and technology.
4. Art and architecture: Ancient Greek art and architecture, with its focus on proportion,
symmetry, and balance, has been a major influence on Western aesthetics. Greek art and
architecture have been imitated and adapted throughout the centuries, and continue to
inspire artists and architects to this day.
5. Literature: Ancient Greek literature, including epic poems like the Iliad and the Odyssey,
has had a lasting impact on Western literary tradition. Greek literary conventions, such as
the use of dialogue and the use of literary devices like metaphor and allegory, continue to
inform the work of modern writers.
The enduring influence of Greek art, literature, philosophy, and political systems
The enduring influence of Greek art, literature, philosophy, and political systems can be seen in
many aspects of contemporary culture and society. Here are some examples:
1. Greek Art: The artistic achievements of ancient Greece, particularly in sculpture and
architecture, have had a significant impact on the development of Western art. Greek
sculptures, such as the famous "Discus Thrower" and "Venus de Milo," are still admired
and studied today for their realism, attention to detail, and idealized human form. Greek
architectural styles, such as the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, continue to inspire
architects and builders.
2. Greek Literature: The works of Greek writers, such as Homer, Hesiod, and Aeschylus,
continue to be studied and appreciated for their contributions to Western literature. The
epic poems of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are still considered among the greatest
works of literature in the Western canon. The philosophy and teachings of Aristotle,
Plato, and Socrates continue to influence Western thought and inspire modern
philosophers.
3. Greek Philosophy: Greek philosophy, particularly the works of Aristotle, Plato, and
Socrates, have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and intellectual thought.

Greek philosophers made important contributions to fields such as metaphysics, ethics,
epistemology, and political theory. Their ideas and teachings have influenced many
modern philosophers, including Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul
Sartre.
4. Greek Political Systems: The ancient Greeks are credited with inventing democracy,
which has had a profound impact on modern political systems. The concept of
democracy, or rule by the people, continues to be a guiding principle of many modern
governments. The Greeks also made significant contributions to the development of
political theory and the study of political science, including the works of Aristotle and
Plato.
Overall, the enduring influence of Greek art, literature, philosophy, and political systems can be
seen in many aspects of contemporary culture and society, and their contributions continue to
shape our understanding of the world
You Missed It
The Alexander Mosaic is a Roman floor mosaic originally from the House of the Faun in
Pompeii (an alleged imitation of a Philoxenus of Eretria or Apelles' painting) that dates from
circa 100 BC
ALEXANDER THE GREAT https://whistoryclub.com/alexander-the-great/
Alexander the Great is remembered as one of the most powerful conquerors of all time. Born in
Macedonia in July 356 BC, he became king at the age of 20 and went on to conquer much of the
known world of his day, including Greece, Persia, Egypt, and parts of India.
Socrates statue,
Socrates
Socrates (c. 469/470 BCE – 399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher, widely considered to
be the father of Western philosophy. He is famous for his method of questioning, which is now
known as the Socratic method, and his belief in the pursuit of knowledge as the highest form of
human existence.
Featured Post

Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek Mythology)

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek Mythology)

Similar to Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek Mythology) (13)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Greek Ancient Civilization(Greek Mythology)