...When the Greeks interacted with other cultures, they spread their culture to all parts of the world and history. They had the audacity to branch out to other areas of life that other civilizations had tried to dwell in before. Because of their discoveries, this therefore influenced the rest of the world, but did not change it. One of their major influences was politics and religion. With politics, the Greeks discovered through trial and error that Democracy worked for them, and that tyranny and anarchy did not. They also tested oligarchy and monarchies, which appeared to work, and are found throughout history and in the modern day world. Religion was another aspect that influenced the western world. The Greeks were polytheistic by nature,...
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...Things we see and hear today may have been around for thousands of years. Ancient Greek art has influenced the western world greatly. They left behind brilliant ideas for the future generations to admire. It’s amazing on how much the ancient Greeks accomplished in such a technology limited world at the time. Perhaps, that was the reason why they had their radar on the arts and imagination. The Greeks created classical construction masterpieces as their platforms of entertainment, such as the Panathenaic Stadium, which held several Greek festive events and athletic games. Before it was built, all the Olympic Games were held in Olympia, a sanctuary devoted to Zeus. It was a religious festival just as much as a sporting event. Lots of preparation...
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...The Influence of Ancient Greece on Western Civilization Of all the cultures that have come and gone throughout human history, it was the achievements of ancient Greece that have left the most indelible imprint on Western civilization. In particular, it was greek achievements in the realms of art, democracy, medicine, philosophy and literature that has influenced the modern world the most. It is interesting to note that the loss of Greek thought after Roman civilization inducted a period popularly characterized as the Dark Ages. During this time human life was, in words popularized by Thomas Hobbes, “nasty, brutish and short.” Superstition, disease and a short life span were the hallmark of the age. It is crucial to understand that the middle “dark” ages finally ended with the re-discovery of greek texts to usher in the re-birth of civilization, ie: the Renaissance. It was the Catholic theologian St. Thomas Aquinas that set Western civilization on its current track by reintroducing Greek thinkers to European intellectuals. The popularizing of Greek philosophers renewed Western interest in Greek achievements, specifically within the realms of art, democracy, medicine, literature, and philosophy. While some of these subjects remained underdeveloped in Greek times, such as the discipline of medicine and democracy, others were so advanced as to set a standard to this day in the realm of art, philosophy, and literature. Discussed herein is a brief exploration of those Greek achievements...
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...The enduring traditions and institutions from Greek culture that expanded to most of the western world are democracy/government, philosophy, literature/drama, and architecture. Greek democracy and government has influenced many of the western world in the aspects of courts and jury, majority rule, civic debate, impartial juries, and the rule of law, just to name a few. An example of how ancient Greeks government have in influence the modern world, is Athenians called their political system demokratia (meaning rule by the people), and in their demokratia the people could hold supreme political authority and government. Which is very similar to what the U.S. have now, but instead calling it a demokratia it is called a democracy. Greek philosophy...
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...Minerva Perez Humanities 101 February 3, 2011 Greek influence on the Western world It is always important to look to the past in order to move toward the future. This was done in the formation of Western Society, and more specifically the formation of American society. The Greek culture defiantly served as a huge frame of reference for many aspects of Western life today. Including our government, architecture, math and the arts. Ancient Greek culture served as a very broad base for which our society was built upon. To start off with Ancient Greece had many developments in political science. During the age of Pericles, the ideal form of government was believed to be a government formed by all of the citizens regardless of wealth or social standing. This government was known as a democracy, which literally translates to "government of the people" Their government favored the ideas of many instead of the few, Just like our government today. Athens was a direct democracy, meaning every citizen participated in debates. Western civilization used this philosophy of government by many, and created an indirect democracy where citizens elect officials to make and enforce laws. They also had trials for people that were believed to be guilty, and had an actual jury made up of commoners to decide on their fate. We of course still use a method such as their democracy today. They also had the founding philosophers that...
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...execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, and determines your destiny.” The Romans inherited a cornucopia of knowledge from the Greeks and Hellenistic cultures in the Mediterranean, such as architecture, strategies of war, politics and the humanities to name a few. However what the Romans had that the Greeks didn’t was extreme self-discipline and organizational skills and when they opened their minds and allowed themselves to be less dogmatic, more artistic and more inclusive they were able to conquer the world. Since we have limited space in which to make our point, we will use religion, philosophy, politics and art in which to illustrate the magnitude of the influence of the Greeks and the Hellenistic cultures on the Romans. The Hellenistic times were a period of questioning our purpose in this world, why things happen, and what transpires after death. Consequently philosophers from many perspectives became popular and presented people with answers and a multitude of options that were being derived from all the Hellenistic societies surrounding the Romans. The political systems inherited from the Greeks became the inspiration for the Roman Empire’s republic and has become the cornerstone of democracies around the world today. Greek and Hellenistic art became the largest influence on every single aspect of Roman life, including their weapons, fashion and home decor. Professor Weber clearly gives the impression that the Romans “conspicuous consumption”...
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...nature of knowledge either reality, existence, it's also considered as an academic discipline.They are the ideas that have shaped our new world the modern world.Greek philosophy pave the way for western intellectual tradition including modern science,but it also shook cultural foundations in its own time( Graham, Jacob ) .It's still being use it has shaped the new world greek philosopher were “seekers and lovers of wisdom “ they studied and analyzed the world with logic and reasons.Many people are interested on how does the world work? Why do things that happen the way they do ? There is many wroten book from greek philosophers or found items.There are some philosophers...
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...Greek and Roman made significant contributions to the Western heritage perhaps they were responsible formulation of the tradition of government. Greece had the first democracy, but Rome had the first republic. All citizens could participate in the government in Greece. Rome arose from the Greek democratic government and established a sharing of the administration with checks and balances. Both Greeks and Romans believed in justice and the equality of people to a certain extent. The Greeks allowed all citizens, rich and poor, to participate in government. The Romans emphasis on the idealization of each individual is reflected in the art and architecture of these civilizations, beginning with Classical Athens. From 1900- 133 BC, Greece’s impact on the Western world is still in effect today. As the Greeks extended their empire, they spread their ideas to other countries, while also scrounging from other cultures. In Greek art, the focus is on an anatomically correct representation of the individual, either in an idealized fashion as during the Classical period, or a more emotionally truthful representation, as during the Hellenistic Period of Greek art. Roman art stole many of Greece's art and architecture, but Rome also added a customized deal to the architecture of the ancient world with its more evolved technical advancement, as evidenced in the Coliseum and its triumphal arches, they were dedicated to celebrating the glory of the state and the very human-like gods or goddesses...
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...society; what makes the diversity and uniqueness of the world we live in. Greece is a country of a great interests and diverse cultures. The Greeks are particularly proud of their culture and speak of their country with an intense passion, feeling that their Greek culture is a definition of their national and ethnic belonging. Traditions, religion, music, language, food and wines are the major composites of the Greek culture. Greek culture began in Greece located in the southeastern region of the European continent, on the far southern edge of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is well known for the thousands of islands. It is surrounded by mountains and in the north by water. The mountains, which surrounded Greece, gave them the advantage of being well protected. The Ionian and the Aegean seas, together with natural islands and bays, gave the Greeks the opportunity to develop their high level of commerce and their rich culture. They relied on the Aegean Sea for trade and supplies. The Greeks were introduced to many other cultures and they were exposed to western benefits of agriculture and various techniques of metalwork. In addition, they shared their culture with other countries as well. Western culture has learned a lot from the Greeks. Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and the cradle of Western culture as we know it. The Greeks’ have made countless contributions that have made Greek Culture a part of western society in the areas of art, literature, philosophy...
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...The people of ancient Greece lived nearly 4,000 years ago. Yet even today, their culture impacts our lives! We received many gifts from the ancient Greeks. Ancient Greek Inventions are in fact the original concepts of some of our most well known products, to this day. Those original concepts have just taken on a more modern form. OLYMPICS: The first Olympics games are usually given the start year of 776 BCE, but they probably began even sooner. The ancient Greeks loved competitions of all sorts, especially sporting competitions. The Olympics were not the onlycompetition games held in ancient Greece, but they were the most popular. The Greeks took the Olympic games quite seriously. Nearly all the ancient Greek cities sent teams to participate in the ancient Greek Olympics. If two or more Greek city-states happen to be at war with each other when the game date arrived, war was halted for the duration of the games. Everyone wanted their city-state to win! Sciences Greece has importantly influenced the Western science in many ways. The Ancient Greeks especially contributed many things to the scientific world, from medicine to astronomy. The most famous ancient Greek scientists and their work are briefly described below. Thales of Miletus (640-610 to ca 548-545 BC) had travelled widely in quest of knowledge, visiting Crete, Phoenicia, and Egypt. Ηe brought Phoenician navigational techniques into Miletus. Thales is also said to have tried to revise the calendar. He also...
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...The ideas and creations that continue to be used in modern society demonstrate how inspiring the Ancient Greeks were. Greece is a series of islands, known as an archipelago that contained a number of city- states, such as Athens and Sparta, and were ruled by Ephors. Greece has a very mountainous terrain, with only 20% of arable land. Greece also has irregular coastlines that enhance their ability to trade. The contributions of classical Greece benefit Western civilization greatly because of the creation of democracy, which provides citizens with a voice, and the philosophies taught by Socrates and Aristotle, which have shaped educational practices. Also, Euclid and other Greek mathematicians advanced dramatically in geometry, allowing for improvements...
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...Significance of Ancient Roman Civilization Tuesday, October 02, 2012 7:29 PM Argument for how the achievements of ancient Roman civilization impacted subsequent Western civilization Established one of the largest empires in the world. Enduring legacy that continues to influence Western civilization Achievements: Law and Administration Roads and bridges Institution of a bilingual culture Of greatest significance: Roman Law and Administration Based on principles of justice and reason Instituted a system of common laws to protect citizens Notable aspects that many modern day governments uphold today: The recognition that all men are to be treated equal under the law A person is to be considered guilty until proven innocent The ancient Roman civilization did more than establish one of the largest empires in the world; they also left an enduring legacy which continues to influence Western civilization. Achievements in the areas of law and administration, construction of roads and bridges, and the institution of a bilingual culture helped to form an cultural infrastructure that has prevailed through the ages. Of greatest significance, is the Romans contribution in the areas of law and administration Their laws were based on principles of justice and reason. They institutes a system of common laws that served to protect citizens. A couple of important aspects we continue to value today are the recognition that all people are to be treated equal under...
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...The Ancient Greek and Roman Empires began their histories as city-states. The early empires cultures were very much similar, yet unique. Both had an influence on the Western world. Rome conquered many areas around the Mediterranean Sea. It grew into a huge empire because of how it dealt with the cities they conquered. Unlike most, when a city is defeated they are extracted from the land but Rome offered the defeated people citizenship. Often when the people became citizens, they actually joined the Roman army. Greece was conquered in 146 B.C. They became united with Rome by force. Their culture and philosophy were more advanced and taught the Greeks many things. The Romans soon discovered that the Greeks had much to offer such as knowledge, art, architecture and traditions. The Romans built upon and adopted some of these traditions. In many ways, these two empires were similar. Each of these relied on an agricultural economy. Greece relied on the cultivation of olives and grapes and traded these with foreigners for abundant supplies of grain and supplies needed to survive. The Romans cultivated wheat and grain and other food. They also indulged in trade mostly with neighbors while the Greeks traveled abroad. In both Roman and Greek cultures, the women were responsible for the home and family but their freedoms were different. They also believed that women should not have the same political rights as men (Christian Standard and A Brief Peek at Ancient Greece and Egypt)...
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...AR 115 March 29, 2013 Greek Influences in Art The Greeks have had a prolonged effect on Western art. The statues and carvings, as well as their architecture, has withstood the test of time and cemented their place in history as the one of the most influential founders of modern art. All three of the periods in Greek history, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic, have produced many marvels in the art world. Their methods of construction have been tried and true in withstanding thousands of years of destructive conflicts, wars, and weathering. The Kore and Korous, as well as the acropolis, are perfect examples of this. THREE PERIODS IN GREEK HISTORY The first period in Greek history is called the Archaic period. During this era, around the seventh century B.C., they produced naturalistic styles of pottery and statues that showed influences from Egypt as well as other Near East areas. The Kore and Korous were produced during this period. The Korous, a simple life size portrayal of a naked youthful man, was used as tributes to the male form. They were sculpted standing in a frontal pose with their left leg moved forward, their arms close to their bodies touching the side of their thighs. The high regard and admiration of the male form were perfectly portrayed in these sculptures. The Kore on the other hand were more basic and sculpted as clothed. The Kore was the clothed female version of the Korous. The statues were carved standing erect with their feet together...
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...Since early childhood I was very much interested in mythology, particularly in Greek mythology. The images of ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses were not only simply aesthetically pleasant but contained mysterious and exciting myths behind them. When I first began studying Armenian history and visited National Museum of History, I discovered for myself amazing analogies with ancient Greece as well as realized one important matter, that on a large scale, my life today is in many ways determined by ancient Greek culture. In this essay I will try to explain the impact certain historical facts had on my belonging to Armenian culture. First of all, the importance of language in development of any culture cannot be overestimated, because the majority...
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