Ancient Greece was, perhaps, one of the most greatest and influential civilization that has ever existed. Greek culture has significantly contributed to the world, more specifically Western civilization, through politics, arts, and education, all which are still used and admired til this day. The Ancient Greeks are considered as being the first country to adopt a democratic government system, a system that the West has too adopted (with a few changes). In addition, the Greeks were highly skilled in art and developed advance architectural abilities and techniques which can be seen in many present day buildings. Furthermore, the Greeks contributed multiple philosophical and mathematical concepts to education which are taught in school systems across the globe.
Politics has played a major role in the daily lives of the Ancient Greeks and Westerners. Democracy was first originated from and adopted by the small country of Greece. Powerful Greek leaders, such as Solon, Cleisthenes and Pericles, have all contributed to the formation and establishment of democracy, particularly Pericles. Ancient Greece’s first step towards democracy occurred after the Greek economic crisis in 500 BC, when Solon was given power by the Athenians to help pull the lower class citizens out of their agricultural debts. At this time, the majority of people were the lower class, while the minority were the higher class. Solon took pity and sided with the majority citizens, also known as the lower class. He pulled the lower class citizens out of debt and gave them more power, demonstrating majority rule which is an essential factor in democracy. The next Greek leader to solidify democracy was Cleisthenes. In 508 BC, the Greek leader established demokratia, a direct democracy in which every citizen could vote and voice their opinions on laws, establishing the basic fundamentals of democracy. Cleisthenes helped his nation lay out the foundations of a democratic country. Pericles, an elected Athenian dictator after the Peloponnesian War, was an avid supporter of demokratia. In a Funeral Oration of his, he states “ Our plan of government favors the many instead of the few: that is why it is called a democracy...As for social standing, advancement is open to everyone, according to ability. While every citizen has equal opportunity to serve the public, we reward our most distinguished citizens by asking them to make our political decisions. Nor do we discriminate against the poor. A man may serve his country no matter how low his position on the social scale” (Document 3). He explained that he expects every citizen participate in running this democratic state. Pericles ruled during the height of the Ancient Greek civilization. Not only did he popularized democracy, he represented as a leading democratic leader to other nations and city-states. Fine arts and craftsman-ship thrived and flourished in Greece. …show more content…
The arts held an important position in Ancient Greece. Ranging from playwrights, sculptures to architecture, these different forms of art captured and documented Greece during their highest and lowest times. Artistry, especially, became more popular during the country’s prime time, also known as the Classical Age of Greece. In 447 BC, Pericles, an democratically elected leader during Classic Greece, also known as the Age of Pericles, used the tax money from the Delian League to rebuild the demolished Athenian Acropolis, now known as the Parthenon (Document 7). This was a defining moment in Ancient Greek history as this sacred building was the epitome of the Ancient Greeks. The Parthenon represented the power of Athens and the Athenians. The distinct white marbled column design of the Parthenon was later used as inspiration to many modern buildings such as the White House or the Lincoln Memorial located in the nation’s capital. Greek-inspired architecture and design have been integrated into the daily lives of many Westerns as this design symbolizes not only power and independence, but democracy too. Ancient Greece was the home to many great and well known philosophers, including Socrates, Aristotle and Euclid. The Greeks were very intelligent and forwarding-thinking for people of their time. Like fine arts and politics, education was highly valued by the Ancient Greeks. Philosophical concepts and ideas surrounding human nature begun to emerge as well
Politics has played a major role in the daily lives of the Ancient Greeks and Westerners. Democracy was first originated from and adopted by the small country of Greece. Powerful Greek leaders, such as Solon, Cleisthenes and Pericles, have all contributed to the formation and establishment of democracy, particularly Pericles. Ancient Greece’s first step towards democracy occurred after the Greek economic crisis in 500 BC, when Solon was given power by the Athenians to help pull the lower class citizens out of their agricultural debts. At this time, the majority of people were the lower class, while the minority were the higher class. Solon took pity and sided with the majority citizens, also known as the lower class. He pulled the lower class citizens out of debt and gave them more power, demonstrating majority rule which is an essential factor in democracy. The next Greek leader to solidify democracy was Cleisthenes. In 508 BC, the Greek leader established demokratia, a direct democracy in which every citizen could vote and voice their opinions on laws, establishing the basic fundamentals of democracy. Cleisthenes helped his nation lay out the foundations of a democratic country. Pericles, an elected Athenian dictator after the Peloponnesian War, was an avid supporter of demokratia. In a Funeral Oration of his, he states “ Our plan of government favors the many instead of the few: that is why it is called a democracy...As for social standing, advancement is open to everyone, according to ability. While every citizen has equal opportunity to serve the public, we reward our most distinguished citizens by asking them to make our political decisions. Nor do we discriminate against the poor. A man may serve his country no matter how low his position on the social scale” (Document 3). He explained that he expects every citizen participate in running this democratic state. Pericles ruled during the height of the Ancient Greek civilization. Not only did he popularized democracy, he represented as a leading democratic leader to other nations and city-states. Fine arts and craftsman-ship thrived and flourished in Greece. …show more content…
The arts held an important position in Ancient Greece. Ranging from playwrights, sculptures to architecture, these different forms of art captured and documented Greece during their highest and lowest times. Artistry, especially, became more popular during the country’s prime time, also known as the Classical Age of Greece. In 447 BC, Pericles, an democratically elected leader during Classic Greece, also known as the Age of Pericles, used the tax money from the Delian League to rebuild the demolished Athenian Acropolis, now known as the Parthenon (Document 7). This was a defining moment in Ancient Greek history as this sacred building was the epitome of the Ancient Greeks. The Parthenon represented the power of Athens and the Athenians. The distinct white marbled column design of the Parthenon was later used as inspiration to many modern buildings such as the White House or the Lincoln Memorial located in the nation’s capital. Greek-inspired architecture and design have been integrated into the daily lives of many Westerns as this design symbolizes not only power and independence, but democracy too. Ancient Greece was the home to many great and well known philosophers, including Socrates, Aristotle and Euclid. The Greeks were very intelligent and forwarding-thinking for people of their time. Like fine arts and politics, education was highly valued by the Ancient Greeks. Philosophical concepts and ideas surrounding human nature begun to emerge as well