The cradle of modern culture, and the birth of an intellectual tradition.
Who were the Ancient Greeks?
The Ancient Greeks were a civilization of thinkers, philosophers, and mathematicians. They are often viewed as a turning point in ancient history, which set a precedent for life in the modern world.
For example, they developed democracy as a form of government, with Athens being the first city-state to implement it. This was accompanied by an emphasis on individual rights which laid the foundations for modern societies. The Ancient Greeks also made significant advances in mathematics, science and medicine, while art and literature flourished too.
It was this combination of philosophy, science, artistry, and literature that made Ancient Greece one of history’s most influential civilizations – a golden age whose legacy continues to shape our world today.
Modern studies
Historians studying Ancient Greece have access to a wealth of sources. There are hundreds of ruined temples to study, plus artifacts including pottery shards and ancient coins.
But the most useful sources to modern historians are the primary accounts of Greek history which were written by people at the time. Herodotus is often referred to as the ‘Father of History’ due to his meticulous accounts of Greek events. He wrote with an eye for detail, providing vivid descriptions that bring ancient Greece alive for modern readers.
Herodotus’ writings – and those of other Greek historians – provide a more detailed insight into the ancient world than any other source before it. This makes life easy for the modern historians looking back at Greek society.
The Mycenaeans
When people think about Ancient Greece, they often picture the Classical Period. This was the age of philosophers, mathematicians and writers.
But before the Classical Period, the region was populated by a culture known as the Mycenaeans. The Mycenaeans were heavily influenced by the Minoans in nearby Crete. They built impressive palaces with elaborate frescoes, and even venerated bulls.
Unfortunately, this civilization collapsed in approximately 1050 BCE. This was probably caused by a foreign invasion, but it could also be linked to the climate change which impacted Ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley at a similar time. The collapse of the Mycenaean culture was followed by a period sometimes known as the Greek Dark Ages.
The Greek Dark Ages
The Greek Dark Ages lasted from around 1050 BCE to 750 BCE. This period saw a dramatic decline in the level of civilization in the region.
The Mycenaeans had used a written language inspired by Minoa’s Linear A, but in the Dark Ages, writing fell out of use. Society regressed to a pre-literate state, while many cities were abandoned or destroyed. This period also saw a decrease in trade with other ancient civilizations, which were going through problems of their own.
Civilization did not cease entirely. Oral traditions continued, with stories passed on through poetry and song, while pottery production continued to flourish despite the absence of writing. But it still took almost three hundred years for the Ancient Greeks to regain their former strength.
The origins of Classical Greece
By 800 BCE, the Greeks had started to rebuild their civilization. The centuries that followed saw a resurgence in trade, especially with the Phoenicians.
The Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet, and began to use a written language again. This allowed them to communicate more effectively than ever, leading to an explosion of knowledge, philosophy and literature.
They even wrote stories of the peoples who came before them. The famous myth of the Cretian Minotaur was probably inspired by memories of Minoan bull-leapers. Mycenaea was also the historical setting for many stories, including Homer’s famous *Iliad*.
Classical philosophy
By the 5th century BCE, Ancient Greece had entered a golden period which is often referred to as the Classical Era. This period saw the emergence of some of the most influential philosophers in history.
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all emphasized the importance of logic and scientific inquiry as a means to understanding reality. Socrates was renowned for his Socratic method. Plato, a student of Socrates, wrote extensively on topics such as justice, beauty and knowledge. His own student, Aristotle, went even further, developing theories on physics, biology and metaphysics.
These philosophers were just three of many. Together the Greeks created a culture where reason was valued, and thought was celebrated. Their ideas have had far-reaching implications which stretch all the way to the modern world.
Classical democracy
The Classical Era of Ancient Greece saw the emergence of democracy in Athens: a revolutionary form of government unlike any that came before it. The Athenian Assembly was a forum for debate and decision-making, with each citizen having an equal say – but not including women.
Athens’ commitment to democracy was tested during the Battle of Marathon, when they faced off against the invading Persian army. Despite being outnumbered more than two-to-one, Athens managed to defeat the Persians.
This battle became one of the most famous victories in Greek history, and is still celebrated today as a symbol of freedom from tyranny and oppression.
Classical mythology
The Ancient Greeks believed in a rich pantheon of gods, each with their own unique powers and personalities. The most powerful of these was Zeus, the king of the gods who ruled from his throne on Mount Olympus. His brother, Poseidon, was the god of the sea. Other important deities included Apollo, Athena, and Hades.
These gods were worshiped throughout Greece in temples and shrines, where offerings were made for protection or good fortune. These offerings often included wine, which was poured into the earth.
The gods featured prominently in Greek stories, which addressed human emotions like love and loss. Many of these stories are still widely known in the modern world, along with the gods which so often appear in them.
The decline of Ancient Greece
The decline of Ancient Greece began in the 4th century BCE, when Philip II of Macedon conquered much of the region. His son Alexander the Great went on to conquer most of the known world, including Egypt and Persia. This marked a shift away from Greek autonomy as these new territories were brought under Macedonian control.
Things got worse in 146 BCE, when Rome defeated Carthage in the Punic Wars, and gained control over much of the Mediterranean region including Greece. The Romans imposed their own laws and customs upon the Greeks, and Latin replaced Greek as the official language.
These changes brought about by foreign rulers – first the Macedonians, and then the Romans – brought the civilization of Ancient Greece to an end.
The legacy of Ancient Greece
The legacy of Ancient Greece can be seen in many aspects of modern life. From the mathematical discoveries made by Pythagoras and Hipparchus, to the philosophical musings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, their influence is still felt today. Even Homer’s epics have inspired countless works of literature over the centuries.
In addition to all this, Ancient Greece had a profound impact on art and architecture throughout Europe during the Renaissance period. It would also be hard to discuss Ancient Greece without mentioning its gods; from Zeus ruling atop Mount Olympus down to Apollo bringing light with his chariot, these figures remain iconic symbols thousands of years later.
Isaac Asimov, writing in 1985, said that Ancient Greece was a “peak whose fruits we moderns have inherited.” Of all the civilizations of the ancient world, their impact is most easily felt.
