The Ancient Greeks were an incredible civilization and culture that left a lasting legacy on history From the works of Homer to the foundations of democracy and philosophy, the Ancient Greeks provided us with much of the key knowledge and culture we still use today. This essay will provide an insight into Ancient Greek culture by firstly giving an overview of what it was and then focusing on five key topics which best demonstrate the range and impact of their contributions.
The Ancient Greeks were a complex, sophisticated culture which first originated in the 8th century BCE, lasting until the Hellenistic period in the 4th century BCE. It was during this period of history that the ideas and values which are now associated with Greece first began, such as democracy and philosophy. The Ancient Greeks were also famously known for their art and architecture, with iconic styles such as temples, sculptures and pottery - many of which can still be seen today. Religion was an integral part of Ancient Greek life and culture, with gods and goddesses represented in both art and literature, and the Olympics being one of the most important events of the Ancient Greek era.
One of the most influential and iconic aspects of Ancient Greek culture was their literature. Homer, the ancient Greek author, is widely considered to be one of the earliest and greatest known poets, with his works The Iliad and The Odyssey being two of the most important surviving pieces of ancient literature. His works were known for taking the everyday life of Ancient Greeks and amplifying it with heroic characters, daring adventures and moral lessons. Antigone, by Sophocles, is another important ancient Greek play which examines the power of civil disobedience to challenge unjust laws and presents a timeless exploration of morality and justice.
The Ancient Greek’s architectural style was also an important part of their culture, with the iconic Parthenon in Athens being one of the most famous structures. The temple was famously known for its inviolability as a holy place and its role in the worship of the goddess Athena. The Parthenon is also renowned for its advanced engineering and its frieze which depicts a procession of people and gods. The Acropolis of Athens was also completed during the era and is known for its grandiose monuments and statues.
The Ancient Greeks are also renowned for their philosophical thinking. Socrates and Plato, two of the most famous Ancient Greek philosophers, presented the world with many of the most important and influential ideas - ranging from the concept of ‘ideal forms’ to the idea that the individual needed to be responsible for themselves and their society. Aristotle was also an important philosopher who wrote about topics such as ethics and politics. His works, such as Nicomachean Ethics, are still used as guides to this day.
The Ancient Greek civilization was also renowned for its origins of democracy which were later adopted by other cultures. Athens was the first known democratic state and was home to the world’s first known democracy in 508 BCE, which allowed for all citizens to participate in political decision making. Some of the key aspects of this democracy were the rule of law, equality before the law, popular sovereignty, and the ability of citizens to elect their leaders.
In summary, the Ancient Greek civilization provided us with many of the key ideas and values that are now essential to our modern society. Their literature, art and architecture, philosophy, and democracy still have a lasting impact and can be seen as the foundations of our modern culture.