When did Ancient Greece Start and End?
The rise of Ancient Greece dates back to the 5th century BCE, a period of cultural and political advances that transformed the Mediterranean and Middle East landscape. This period, known as the Classical period of Ancient Greek civilization, began with the establishment of the Greek city-state or polis system in the 8th century BCE and ended when the Roman Empire conquered Greece in 146 BC. Throughout the centuries, Ancient Greece spawned an array of innovations in the realms of commerce, art, philosophy, science and politics, which remain influential in today’s world.
The Classical period in Ancient Greece reached its peak between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, when Athens and Sparta rose to the most powerful city-states in the region. Under their rule, democracy flourished, with citizens participating in government decisions and stringent civic responsibilities. Meanwhile, the spread of the Greek language and culture throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East led to the adoption of philosophical and legal systems similar to those of the Greeks in surrounding countries.
The flair for invention and innovation in terms of scientific advancement was also prevalent during the Classical period. The works of renowned natural philosophers such as Thales and Anaximander of Miletus, discussing early attempts at an explanation of natural phenomena, demonstrated the seedling of scientific inquiry. As a result, the third century BCE saw even greater breakthroughs in the sciences, with such scholars as Euclid and Archimedes laying the foundations for modern mathematics and physics.
Lucrative trading, combined with large fields of suitable agricultural land, also helped to drive forward the economy of Ancient Greece. Coins and other forms of currency widely circulated throughout the country, facilitating large-scale trade within the polis system and larger Mediterranean area.
In terms of art and architecture, the period between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE was one of further advancement. Sculptors and architects were revered as gods, and buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens became symbols of not only the success of the period, but of Western civilization as a whole.
Although Ancient Greece was ultimately conquered by the Roman Empire in the early 1st century BCE, its legacy continued to reverberate throughout the Western world. The scientific writings and teachings of Aristotle, and other early philosophers, served as the foundation for the development of modern mathematics, science, and philosophy, while the democracy which arose during the Classical period would be emulated by other nations in the centuries to come.
Cultural Impact of Ancient Greece:
The impact of Ancient Greece resonates in modern culture in many ways. From the artistry of the Parthenon, to the philosophies of Aristotle, to the innovations in mathematics and science, Ancient Greece has left a lasting mark on Western civilization.
The literature of Ancient Greece has shaped the development of modern literature, from the works of Homer and Sophocles to Plato’s “Republic.” Writers such as William Shakespeare, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Walt Whitman owe much of their success to these ancient bards.
The impact of Ancient Greece is felt in the world of politics as well. The ideas of democracy, popular sovereignty, and the rule of law all stem from the form of government which existed in Classical Athens. Moreover, the concept of democracy has been exported throughout the world, with many nations striving to live up to the ideals of Athenian democracy.
The legacy of Ancient Greece embodies the term “Western Civilization,” referring to the collective ideas of progress stemming from Europe and the Mediterranean. Ancient Greece was the cradle of western civilization, and its influence on contemporary culture is undeniable.
Architecture
The architecture of Ancient Greece, like its culture and philosophy, was rooted in form and function. The Parthenon, which stands atop the Acropolis in Athens, is the iconic symbol of Ancient Greece. This grand shrine to the goddess Athena is the architectural gem of the Acropolis, but its design was not the only type of architecture employed in Ancient Greece.
The city-states of the Classical period also constructed public buildings and monuments, tombs, and temples in a variety of styles. One example is the Temple at Delphi, the majestic home of the Oracle of Delphi. This structure, still standing, is an example of how the Ancient Greeks used both stone and wood to create a magnificent structure.
Another form of Ancient Greek architecture is the stadium, which was used for sport competitions such as Olympic Games. The classical period saw the construction of amphitheaters, such as the one used at Delphi for musical performances. The Ancient Greeks also pioneered the use of arches and columns in their buildings, an architectural influence that is still seen in modern day buildings.
The Arts of Ancient Greece
The art of Ancient Greece inspired much of the Western world’s artistic development. While marble and bronze sculptures adorn many of the city-states’ buildings, it is the painting of Ancient Greece that unlocked the brilliance of the Mediterranean sun.
The most notable of the Ancient Greek painters is Apelles, a court painter of the fourth century BCE. His paintings were displayed in the palaces of the king at that time, and served as an inspiration to subsequent generations of painters.
An interesting and little-known fact about the art of Ancient Greece is that it was not only sculpture and painting that were practiced. Local craftsmen created pottery, painted ceramic vessels, and made jewelry in a style that is recognizable today. The variety of crafted goods attests to the resourcefulness of the Ancient Greeks and their ability to embrace creativity.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Sports and recreational activities were prevalent during the Classical period of Ancient Greece. Athletics, both in training and competing, occupied much of the free time of Greek males, and sports such as chariot racing, wrestling, and javelin throwing were popular spectator events.
The most famous of the sports in Ancient Greece is the Olympiad, a series of games that were held in Olympia every four years in honor of Zeus, the King of the Gods. At the games, athletes competed in several events, such as the pentathlon and chariot racing.
Sports were viewed as a means to demonstrate physical prowess, and thus prove one’s worth. Thus, the Olympics were an opportunity for athletes to gain fame and fortune. It was not uncommon for citizens to give athletes adornments and other gifts in appreciation of their athletic ability.
Religion and Philosophy
Religion and philosophy were integral parts of Ancient Greek society. The religion of Ancient Greece was polytheistic, with the gods and goddesses playing a major role in the everyday lives of individuals.
The most important deities were the Olympians, who were believed to be the rulers of the universe. This pantheon of gods and goddesses, which included Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Apollo, had their own domains. It was believed that these gods and goddesses had the power to control nature and human destiny.
The philosophy of Ancient Greece developed in direct relation to this religious belief system. This philosophy centered around the ideas of self-knowledge, moderation, and justice. One of the most influential philosophers was Socrates, who explored the nature of knowledge through the Socratic Method. Socrates was followed by Plato and Aristotle, and their works had a lasting influence on the development of modern philosophy.
Social Structures
Social structure was highly stratified in Ancient Greece. At the top of the social ladder were the aristocrats, who wielded considerable power and influence. The aristocrats were followed by the wealthy merchant class and then the peasants, who formed the majority of the population. Slaves made up the lowest class.
The social structure of Ancient Greece was rooted in a gender division, with men taking the leading roles in politics, public affairs, and religion. Women were relegated to the household sphere, with limited rights and legal protection.
Although the social structure of Ancient Greece was rigidly hierarchical, it was not without its strengths. In particular, the city-state regime and the rule of law allowed for the protection of the rights of citizens and contributed to a sense of shared civic responsibility.
The End of Ancient Greece
The end of Ancient Greece can be roughly dated to the mid-2nd century BCE, when the Roman Empire began expanding into the Mediterranean and Middle East. The Romans imposed their laws and customs on the conquered regions, and gradually the Ancient Greek city-states fell into decline. The Roman Empire eventually conquered the entire region, and the once glorious city-states of Ancient Greece ceased to be.
By the first century CE, Ancient Greek culture had all but vanished. Only in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire did aspects of Ancient Greek culture, including language and religion, remain intact.
Although the end of Ancient Greece had a profound impact on the Mediterranean and Middle East region, its legacy endures in the form of its art, philosophy, literature, and science. The works of Homer, Socrates, and Plato have continued to shape Western thought, and the architecture of Ancient Greece serves as an aesthetic inspiration in today’s world. In spite of its demise, Ancient Greece remains an important part of Western culture.
