Ancient Greece “The Birthplace of Democracy” – Overview

Ancient Greece Timeline

Below is a simplified timeline table highlighting key periods and events in ancient Greek history:...

Ancient Greece “The Birthplace of Democracy” – Overview

Greece, also called Hellas or Ellada in Greek, is a country in southeastern Europe with a mainland and many islands. Ancient Greece is famous for its contributions to Western civilization, including philosophy (like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle), literature (such as Homer and Hesiod), mathematics (like Pythagoras and Euclid), history (like Herodotus), drama (including Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes), the Olympic Games, and democracy. The idea of an atomic universe was first suggested by Democritus and Leucippus in Greece. The early foundations of the scientific method were laid by thinkers like Thales of Miletus and his successors. The Latin alphabet, used widely today, originated in ancient Greece through Phoenician influence in the 8th century BCE. Greek scientists and engineers, like Archimedes from the Greek colony of Syracuse, made significant advancements in physics and engineering....

History of Ancient Greece

The history of ancient Greece is a pivotal chapter in the annals of Western civilization, providing foundational contributions to Western philosophy, democracy, literature, history, science, and art. Spanning from around the 12th century BCE to the rise of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BCE, ancient Greek history is typically divided into several key periods:...

Ancient Greece And Their Gods

The Mycenaean Civilization, around 1900-1100 BCE, is seen as the beginning of Greek culture, mainly known from archaeological discoveries and Homer’s Iliad. Mycenaeans are praised for their building achievements, creating Linear B writing, and shaping religious practices, influenced by the Minoans. Greek mythology tells of creation, beginning with chaos, Eurynome’s dance with Ophion, leading to the birth of the world. Hesiod and Homer’s writings changed myths to focus on the Titans and Zeus, marking a shift from mother-led to father-led beliefs. Gods were essential to ancient Greek life, interacting with worshippers and part of daily routines. The Sacred Way, linking Athens and Eleusis, honored Demeter and Persephone in the Eleusinian Mysteries. By 1100 BCE, during the Bronze Age Collapse, Mycenaean cities were deserted, maybe due to Doric Greek invasions. Archaeological evidence doesn’t fully explain the Mycenaean decline; Linear B tablets mostly list trade items. The Greek Dark Ages (1100-800 BCE) had no written records, but Greek expansion led to cultural progress. Around 585 BCE, Greek thinker Thales of Miletus began scientific inquiry in Ionian colonies, driving major philosophical and mathematical advancements....

Alexander the Great and Persia Invasion

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) led a large invasion of Persia to retaliate for their earlier attack on Greece. With Greece’s support, a strong army, and plenty of resources, Alexander marched through Egypt, Asia Minor, Persia, and into India. Guided by his teacher Aristotle, Alexander spread Greek civilization, including art, philosophy, culture, and language, to the lands he conquered. After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, his empire was divided among four generals, starting the Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE). Greek culture thrived under these generals, known as the Diadochi. The Antigonid Dynasty ruled Greece, lost power, then regained it under Antigonus II Gonatas by 276 BCE. The Roman Republic got more involved in Greek affairs, defeating Macedon at the Battle of Pydna in 168 BCE. Greece gradually came under Roman influence, becoming a Protectorate in 146 BCE. Romans adopted Greek customs, philosophy, and some cultural ideas. In 31 BCE, Octavian Caesar made Greece a Roman province after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, becoming Augustus Caesar and absorbing Greece into the Roman Empire....

Art and Culture – Ancient Greece

Ancient Greeks were skilled at adopting ideas from various cultures, blending them with their own innovations to create unique contributions to global culture. Greek sculptors emphasized the beauty of the human body, while painters depicted stories on pottery, and Greek architectural styles are still visible worldwide. Enjoying the Mediterranean climate, Greeks were outdoor enthusiasts, leading to the development of open-air theater, political gatherings, and philosophical debates. In this collection, we explore key aspects of ancient Greek culture and philosophy, from temple designs to principles for living well....

Ancient Greece Architecture

Ancient Greek builders aimed for accuracy and excellence in their work, shaping architecture for centuries. The two main styles were the Doric and Ionic orders, each with distinct features like grooved columns and decorative tops....

Ancient Greece: Government & Politics

In ancient Greece, people directly took part in making decisions through a system called direct democracy, especially noticeable in Athens. City-states were independent areas with their own governments and rules, governing themselves alone. Oligarchy was another type of government seen in some Greek city-states, where a small group of rich or powerful people held the power. Athens, seen as the place where democracy started, allowed its citizens (except for women, slaves, and foreigners) to vote and hold public positions. Sparta, known for its focus on the military, was ruled by two kings and a group of elders, showing a different way of ruling. The Athenian meeting allowed citizens to gather regularly, discussing and voting on laws and policies affecting their city-state. The Council of 500, chosen by chance, played an important role in suggesting laws and overseeing government matters in Athens. Lawmakers like Solon and Draco made legal codes and changes to the law, shaping how Athenian society worked. Athens used a system where citizens decided legal matters, ensuring fairness. Helots were servants owned by the state in Sparta, working the land for the benefit of Spartan citizens....

Ancient Greece: Culture

Ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were important in forming the basis of Western philosophy. Greeks were the first to create plays, with famous writers such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Greek buildings, like the Parthenon in Athens, show how skilled they were at building. Greek art, especially their sculptures and pottery, is known for its beauty and how real it looks. The Greeks started the Olympics, a big sports event that still happens today. Greek stories about gods and heroes, like Zeus and Hercules, influenced stories, art, and culture. Classic Greek stories, such as Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” are important in Western literature. Greek mathematicians, like Pythagoras and Euclid, made big discoveries in math. Early Greek scientists, like Hippocrates, made important discoveries in medicine and how the world works. Greeks made music and invented instruments, which helped shape later music....

Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

Some interesting facts about ancient Greece are as follows:...

FAQs – Ancient Greece

What is ancient Greece known?...