Western Civilization Essay The Greeks had a profound and affected on our system of government and laws; architecture, including a system of roads and very advanced systems of sewages; and they had a very advanced system of education. Other ways the Greeks influenced us was language, literature, trading systems, mathematical systems, science and philosophy. Truly the Ancient Romans and Greeks can be seen as a foundation for Western Civilization. People who have helped this create system are people who are trying to find the truth through reasoning and questioning. These people are called humanist.
These aspects of their culture were vital to their identity. New styles of art showed up all over Greece due primarily to Athens’ influence. The theater was one area where Athenians were particularly superior. This was due in part to their famous festivals for the God, Dionysus, the most well-known being the Dionysia. Aeschylus was one dramatist who was revolutionary in these festivals; even to this day we utilize his works.
“Religious festivals were occasions of public display” a quote from ancient historian Xenophon, exemplifies the how gods and festivals play an important and crucial role in the lifestyle and the overall society of Sparta. Religion in Sparta was a way of bringing the community together and uniting the gods with the everyday social and political institutions of the Spartan state. Major festivals celebrated by the Spartans included those common to other Greek city states, along with festivals unique to the Spartans. These main festivals were Gymnopaedia, Karneia and Hyakinthia which were celebrated in honour various gods for various reasons. This will be explored through primary and secondary sources revealing the information behind the annual commemorations.
Through this convenient location, Athens was further given another way to assert it’s effectiveness in controlling the other city-states or allies, as having such a readily available Athenian port was crucial in the trading between other civilizations, including that of Egypt, Syria and Palestine (as well as the rest of the Persian Empire) through naval transportations. Without such, the Greek world would have failed to have its diverse trading routes, which brought a wider variety of resources to trade and keep as lavish decorations and greater wealth into their economy, and it’s through this that Athens shows their
HIS103: World Civilizations Instructor Stuart Collins December 5, 2011 In the Mediterranean society there are two societies that we associate with, they are the Greek society and the Roman society. Many people believe that these two societies are the same when in fact they are different in more ways than they are alike. Roman society was greatly impacted by the Greek society; taking from them their governing methods, religions and architectural skills elaborating on them and incorporating them into their society. Through all the differences and similarities, the western world has been greatly influenced by both of these societies and without their influences things, in today’s world, may not be the same. The Greeks and Romans were two strong societies that brought great things to the Mediterranean.
Lindsey Swidergal Period 7 October 29, 2010 The Greeks Impact on Western Civilization More than thousands of years ago the Greeks made advancements that have affected our society today. Art had affected this by the building of sculptures, different architecture, the beginning of drama, and literature. In math, different solutions were created that we still use in present day. Through philosophy, people came with new ideas of thinking and understanding, Democracy made the society have freedom and increase in advancements. The ancient Greeks contributed philosophy, art, math, and democracy to Western Civilization.
We understand and have observed their history and significant contributions through books of history and philosophy, perhaps this period was the most interesting time of Greece. Greek men are also known as brave heroes and warriors. However, I found very interesting that Greek “Philotimo” which means “self-pride” is a very important value of their culture which involves generosity, respect to others (especially elders) and this behaviors are carried from generations to generations as one of the most valuable aspects of their culture (Hellenism, 2014). 1. What are some key things you have learned about this culture through reading the scholarly literature?
The Spartans were really close to them on the other hand, this led to them having an open shot to Athens with little in their way. The Athenians had ships, but that didn’t stop Lysander from get into Athens and ending the war. xxii. The conflict after the war was mainly caused by the amount of power that the Spartans had. It caused Persia to help Athens for freedom and it also caused the city-states to revolt from Spartan control.
Is Socrates a Believable Character? Socrates, as most know, is a man famous for offending Athenian beliefs during 4th century BC. Philosophy was not accepted at this time therefore many believed Socrates rambled on about nonsense. Although this seemed like nonsense to people living in Athens at the time, Socrates still voiced his opinion as his love for philosophy was more important then what was said of him. As history shows, Socrates is a believable character as the Apology written by Plato has many examples showing he truly is philosophical and wise.
“Citizenship” in this context means more than simply being born in a specific place, it means actually taking an active part in public life, being aware of the issues and taking part in governance. This democratic model that began in Greece was less apparent in the Roman Empire; in fact, “Greece gave us participatory citizen democracy, Rome gave us universal citizenship.” (“Historical