Greece: The Rise And Fall Of Classical Greece

Erudition, innovation, sophistication, every word and thousands more are associated with the name Greece. Steeped in complex lore, mythology, and history, it stands as a turning point in European culture. Its ideas and inventions are responsible for shaping many future events and turning the tide in science, art, and philosophy. At one time a group of city states, Greece was dominated by two centers a cultural one, Athens, and a military one, Sparta. Athens is probably best known for its playwrights, its philosophers, and the Acropolis. Sparta on the other hand is remembered as a military marvel where courage was the highest virtue. Legend tells that it had no walls for its best and only defense was its citizens’ valor

The Hellenic Age and the Hellenistic Age are the two main periods in Greek history. The Hellenic Age is significantly different from the Hellenistic Age. The Hellenic period saw the rising and falling of the polis while Hellenistic period was plagued by warfare among the remaining dynasties. Despite the differences between the Hellenic and Hellenistic periods, the one thing that remained consistent in both periods was the Greeks' ability to not only advance science and philosophy but to strive for excellence in everything that they undertook including their ability to deemphasize the role of the gods in their lives.

‘I entreat you, by your life, by your knees, by your parents, do not let the dogs feed on me by the ships of the Achaians… give my body to be taken home again, so that the Trojans and the wives of the Trojans may give me in death my rite of burning’ (22.338-343). This heart wrenching plea represents nearly the final words uttered by Hektor upon his death at the hands of Achilles. Hektor, who recently boasted of his martial prowess, vowing just moments before to do ‘some big thing first, that men to come shall know of it’ (22.305), is reduced to begging before his killer for the basic privilege of an honorable burial. In this moment of his famous Iliad, Homer offers a cynical reflection on human life and the social constructs mortals establish, especially the idea of the ‘heroic code’ that was so prominent during the Golden Age of Greece. Demonstrably, he implies throughout the work that since all humans are destined to die and memories have limited effect after death, the entire concept of the ‘heroic code’- and to a certain extent, conviction in worldly systems instead of personal beliefs- are pointless given the natural chaos of the world and man’s ultimate fate.

Socrates and Aristotle were both Greek philosophers who contributed philosophies. Socrates believed that all people contained real knowledge within them and that self critical examination was needed to bring this knowledge out. Socrates once stated, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In this philosophical idea, Socrates is suggesting that an individual, who chooses to not think about their own actions, does not truly care about their own life. Aristotle believed in the concept of examining individual objects and being able to perceive their form and establish universal principles. These principles did not exist as a separate higher world of reality beyond material things, but were apart of things themselves. Aristotle has

The Acropolis (Athens, Greek) is a city on the hills with four magnificent buildings around. The city built 495-425 BC near the Athens, city of Athens. The meaning of the Acropolis is come from an Acro means highest point and the polis means city. Persians in 490 BCE and again in 480-479BCE destroyed the city in the early Classical period and Athens becomes the dominant political power in that time and a great see and trading power. The Acropolis is a proof of human and Greek ancient who they were created, these huge architectural buildings with a lot of work and creativity this city is a great example of architectural ancient Greek history.

Persia, under King Darius’ rule, was expanding into Western Europe toward Athens, Greece between 522-486 BC. Although the reason for Darius to conquer Greece was ultimately unknown, historians theorize it was likely Darius was attempting to “quell once and for all a collection of potentially troublesome rebel states”. (Ancient History) Despite Darius sending multiple envoys to “call for the Greek’s submissions”, the Greeks responded with violence while the Spartans called for an alliance to defend Greece. Upon Darius’ death in 486 BC, Xerxes became king of the Persian Empire and immediately began focusing his efforts to mobilize his army and conquer Greece.

“Alexander, Caroline.” Greece Gods, and the Great Beyond.” National Geographic 230.1 (Jul 2016): 102-121. EbscoHost. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

For this report, I will write a reflection concerning society in ancient Greece. I will include information pertaining to the lives of those who lived in ancient Greece and what their daily lives consisted of. Social issues and political philosophy will also be discussed along with other material that is considered significant to ancient Greek society. This concludes my introduction. When did Ancient Greece exactly flourish and how?

In 490 BC, Greece defeated the Persian invaders at the famous Marathon. And in 480, Persian warriors suffered heavy losses in the Salamis. These battles have confirmed the mighty military power of Greece. Under the reign of King Alexander the Great of Macedonia, the Greeks had extensive expansions to Egypt, Persia and India. His conquests led to the settlement and dominance of the Greeks in many remote and influential Greek cultures that were more widespread than ever. This period is called the Greek Period. Later, when the Roman Empire was established and became mighty, Greece became a Roman province but the cultural influences of ancient Greece were maintained and developed.

Ancient Greece had many contributions that were important, but Art and Architecture is the area the Greeks made the biggest contribution. The first reason that art and architecture is the biggest contribution is that there were different kinds of pillars in Ancient Greece that are here today. There were three types of pillars Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian All these pillars were used in Ancient Greece. Doric pillars were the most simple pillars they were the least decorated pillars of the three. The Ionic pillars were more detailed and decorated than the Doric pillars. Ionic pillars were also more thin and tall. The top of the pillars there was decorated and looked like scrolls or curls. Unlike the Ionic and Doric pillars, Corinthian pillars were Super decorative. These pillars looked a lot like Ionic pillars, but they were more decorative at the top. Corinthian pillars have floral patterns a the

Mythology was very huge in Ancient Greece. There are so many different folktales and myths

Introduction: By the early seventh century BCE, the Greeks had formed independent city-states (or poleis) such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth and Thebes. Although they always fought for territory, they were largely linked together in many ways such as; Male dominance, Religion/Beliefs and a system of government.

Early Greece and Classical Greece both occurred at the same age, which is Ancient Greece. They might have happened in the same time frame, but they are both uniquely different. Their cultures might have the same roots, but each had its own differences, while also sharing things in common. Art in Early Greece was more delicate and refined in the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. But before 1000 B.C. northern tribes like the Dorians invaded these cultures, which made the art forms in these areas decline heavily. But, when things were turning for the worst, art began anew, with a transformation from the curved lines in the Mycenaean age to geometric linear lines. Studies

The Persian Empire created the most spectacular feats of engineering the world has ever seen. The engineers had built outstanding palaces, roadways, and canals in the desert, the Suez Canal being one of the most remarkable inventions However, an ancient conflict with Greece burst into an epic encounter that changed the course of its history and shaped the Western world for thousands of years.

Every idea has a start and a history that can be traced back in time. An incredible amount of these ideas and thoughts were started by great ancient civilizations. These ancient civilizations are the base of all modern knowledge. No ancient civilization has contributed more to this base than the civilization of Ancient Greece. The unique ways of ancient Greek agriculture have left a profound influence on the agriculture of today.