Hoplite

Was Socrates guilty as charged?" Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, is linked with Western systems of logic and philosophy. At an early age, he served in the hoplite-ancient Greek infantry, and later devoted his life to philosophy. His rather unique perspective and wisdom in philosophy attracted friends and enemies at the same time. Socrates metaphorically was the gadfly that stung the horse- Athenian state. And from his brilliant debates accustomed with truthfulness and honesty that all…

In this first lecture week we were shown two Greek societies who existed during the same time with different governing bodies. Athens was known throughout the Greek world as the first democratic run civilization while Sparta was known to have been run as an oligarchy. In the following paragraphs of this essay, I will be presenting the features of each society that determined who led the governing bodies of each and thereby made all the major decisions in their communities. In comparing both…

During the period from 463BC to 451BC, the Athenian government underwent major transformations, forming it into an Empire with a new form of democratic government. These transformations were led by individuals such as Pericles and resisted by the conservative party in particular Cimon. Under Pericles’ leadership, laws were passed within the Athenian assembly which transformed their political system into a democratic government. The transformations within the government greatly benefited the…

Athletic games and education were an important part of both Athenian and Spartan civic culture, as well as, present American civic culture. Athletic games and education in all of these societies was seen as a crucial part in the development of youth upbringing and in crafting civic identity among cultures. Each culture, respectfully, held their own sporting events locally, as well as, competed in the Olympics. All of these cultures saw value in competition, showmanship and idolizing those who…

In Lykke’s model of Strategic Theory, he utilizes a three-legged stool as the metaphor in which the ends, ways, and means of the construct make up the three legs. Thus it helps to visualize the need for balance across the three aspects of strategic theory when evaluated for risks. Simply put, “If the ends, ways, and means are in acceptable proportion, the strategy probably is sound.” In Thucydides’ history of the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians ignored, failed to recognize, or created…

In the world we live in, the Greeks are known to be one of the most successful civilizations to ever roam the earth. Part of the reason why the Greek civilization has stood the test of time and still exists today is due to their extremely successful militaries. Even though they lost lots of battles and even lots city states completely, their militaries allowed them to expand their boarders at a fast rate. With that being said, this essay will focus on the factors that made the Greek civilization…

will have to defend Sparta from Athenian naval raids, conduct a rapid invasion and the destruction of Attica, thereby drawing out the Athenian Army into decisive battle. The Means that the Spartans have available to them are the dominant Spartan hoplite infantry, the numerous allies of the Peloponnesian League, and emissaries to the Athenians. The risks posed to the Spartans are clearly articulated by Achidamus’ earlier speech to the assembly in which he clearly lays out the case that the…

understanding of the world has had a very profound and lasting impact on the development of Western society. Under Athenian law, all males where required to serve in the military, Socrates was influenced later in life by his experience serving as a hoplite during the Peloponnesian war. He was known for his bravery and…

300 is an American made movie of the twenty first century. This historical film was released on march ninth of 2007th and has made furor among many. The director, Zack Snyder among with stars such as Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Dominic West, David Wenham, and many more, had made a tremendous piece of work delivering the viewers a full acting, modern way historical film. The movie 300 reflects the historical event of the Persian War in the Ancient Greece. Even though the fighting style as well as…

Themistocles was arguable one of the most significant political and military figures of Athens during the fifth century. He is often remembered for his emphasis on naval power and for his influence on the success of the Greeks during the Persian wars. However, more can be learned from studying Themistocles than war strategy and political conduct. In his work, Themistocles, Plutarch examines the role ambition plays throughout Themistocles’ life. His evaluation serves to highlight the boundaries…