Greek Influence On American Culture

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GREECE The United States has many diverse cultures. Our population is diverse and originates from many different places. College campuses are among the most diverse settings in this country. Amongst the common originating countries and places around the world lies Greece. Greece is a small country where the first European civilization started more than 2,000 years ago. During that period, Greece controlled much of the land bordering, the Mediterranean, and black sea. Nowadays, it has little power, and is one of the least developed countries. However, Greece has a great interesting history such as political, culture, and religion. On the southeast end of Europe is where Greece is located. It is the southernmost country of the Balkan Peninsula.…show more content…
It has evolved over thousands of years. It finds its roots in the Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations. The Roman Empire has had a major influence on the culture of Greece. Greeks are proud of their culture and look at their culture as being a representation of their nationality and ethnicity. Grains, figs, breads and cakes are the most popular foods eaten by Greeks. The Greeks relished seafood and drank wine. Honey was largely used as a sweetener and used olive oil for cooking. The tradition of music in Greece goes back thousands of years. It is part of a national heritage treasured by the Greek people like a precious heirloom from ancient Greece, since this divine gift was entrusted to them by Apollo and the patron Muse, Terpsichore, presided over their dances. Greek folk music is a superb combination of elements of ancient Greek music, a theoretical basis of scales and rhythm forms and some oriental influence. Greece’s land is not very productive for farming. The standard of living in Greece is lower than other European countries. Manufacturing is becoming one of the key industries. Tourism has always been a key…show more content…
The president is the head of state while the prime minister is the head of government. The president is elected by the parliament every five years. The prime minister is also elected by the parliament but after the national elections. There is no limit on the amount of time a prime minister can serve. The parliament is made up of 300 members by the people. Ancient Greeks have contributed many ideas and theories to western civilization in which have influenced or daily lives. The western civilization and our world todaywould not have been the same if it wasn't for the Ancient Greeks. Works Cited 1. Vedder, R K, & Gallaway, L E, (1997), “Greece,” Twentieth-Century America, Updated Edition, New York: New York University Press, p. 77. 2. "Greece." Eastern Europe: An Introduction to the People, Lands, and Culture. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2004. Credo Reference. 14 June 2011. Web. 19 Nov. 2011. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/abcee/greece>. 3. In Brown, T. S. (1965). Ancient Greece. New York: Free Press of Glencoe. 20 Nov. 2011 4. Metz, H. C., & Library of Congress. (1996). Turkey, a country study. Washington, D.C: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. 19 Nov.
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