Ancient Greek Influence On American Society Essay

The concept of Democracy dates back to the Classic Period, otherwise known as the Golden Age of Greece. Prior to becoming a unified nation, Greece was made up of city-states that were constantly warring with one another. None of these city-states possessed full control over its neighbors. It was during this time and because of these circumstances that there was great advancement in Greek thought encompassing philosophy and politics. These advancements are responsible for the strong Greek

The Greeks and the Romans were among the most influential societies in the history of the world. Evidence of Greek or Roman influence can be found in almost every culture or country that has ever existed. Though both cultures were different in practice and incredibly competitive with one another, their politics and their beliefs set the stage for future civilizations, including those of the modern world. In particular, the values and practices of Greek and Roman citizenship and politics, more than any other cultures, influences American policies today in terms of values, government, and self-image.

The Government of the Athenian people had a large impact on western civilizations. In document three, Pericles states his beliefs about democracy. Pericles states that he believes all men that have the opportunity to take a part in their government should. America, a western civilization was greatly influenced by the Greek government. First of all, everyone has the opportunity to vote or to take

1. The Greeks had similarities and differences compared to traditional American’s and our culture. Similar to Americans, Greeks were a very entertainment based culture. They had plays, music, and texts to pass their free time, all of which most Americans typically experience in a day. Cities and towns existed, with city-states serving almost like today’s capitals of each state. Farming played a big part in their culture, which is shared with America, as farming continues to be a trade that is necessary, no matter what age. A military existed to protect their society, like America has. Religion was relatively relaxed as a subject in Greece, where they didn’t really think care too much about which gods or goddesses you worshiped - a trait somewhat

pic. Greek life is, in many ways, different from modern day American culture. People in ancient Greek civilization thought, believed, and treated people differently than modern day Western civilization does. Although what went on in Greek culture at the time may seem very strange or different to children who have grown up in America their whole lives, that does not mean that Greek life was, by definition, strange. The Greek culture is like any culture in that it is different in its own way. It has aspects and objects that are unique to the culture that others would find interesting. Even some objects, for example: bow and arrows, swords, spears, and others, are the same objects other cultures have, yet they may look slightly different from the objects in other cultures. Ancient civilizations did not have mass manufacturing as modern day America. No weapon, item of clothing, or dish was the exact same.

Ancient Greek culture had major influences on today’s culture; some of these influences include mathematics, government, art and architecture; they even did research in the field of medicine. Many cultures and religions have adapted their ideas from the ancient Greeks. Without the influences of the ancient Greeks our society wouldn’t be the way it is today. The Greek culture lasted from around 776 BCE to 146 BCE (though it is argued to have begun around 1000 BCE), during this time they invented many technologies and refined old technologies. These things are what caused the ancient Greek culture to be such a powerful influence on western society today.

The Ancient Greeks were the first to put the power of a nation in the hands of the average citizen, they created the idea of the democratic government, practiced as a direct democracy. Voting, political assembly, and official citizenship are all concepts that can be traced back to Classical Grecian ideas .The Romans developed the concept of the representative democracy .This was best

The Greeks where the first democracy in the world. There government was made up of six thousand members all of witch where male citizens. They voted on problems that needed to be solved and if a law was to pass a majority vote was needed. Now in the United States also has a democracy. Instead of having six thousand people voting and making the decisions all the people vote on a representative that makes the decisions in the country.

The Greek civilization contributed greatly to the development of modern Western culture. Three of the most important contribution that are the foundations of our society are Language, Philosophy, and Government.

Greece influenced roman societies and modern day societies politically as explained in documents 1, 2, 4, and 6. Greece was the first ancient civilization to have a democracy. The basic rule for roman society law system was displayed in the twelve tables. (Doc 2) Many western civilizations adapted this law system as well as other ideas from the roman 12 tables which influenced western societies immensely. The document explains a quote that we still use in modern society which is “every man is innocent until proven guilty.” Octavian Augustus states that after he dies “the foundations which I have laid for its future government will stand firm and stable” the Greeks invented an idea of a ruling senate which today is known as democracy. (Doc 4)

Ancient Greek made many advances during their time in many subjects still used today. The ancient Greeks advances in these subjects, influenced and contributed to the Western civilization. The Western civilization’s culture and outlook on life was shaped by ancient Greek. Many things the ancient Greeks created were the basis for what we use today, including, architecture, art, dramas, math, science, and philosophy.

The Western world was highly influenced by the ancient Greeks. The Greeks changed the way the world looks at art, math, architecture, philosophy, sports, and drama. Without the ancient Greeks, the modern world would not be the same. Men such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle changed the way we look at philosophy. The Athenians created the first known democracy, setting the stage for future governments. The Euclidian Theorem and the Pythagorean Theorem among others made mathematics easier and more developed. Even current architecture can be traced back to the Parthenon and other pieces of Greek architecture. The Olympics even started in ancient Greece, creating one of the finest traditions the world has ever known. Without the ancient

Much can be said about the Greeks and their contribution to Western Civilization greatly and how they paved the way. The Greeks subsidized Western Civilization greatly, contributing areas of architecture, government, and many more. The Greeks built the Parthenon, a temple dedicated the infamous goddess Athena, who they viewed as there patron. The famous temple has columns and groundwork that characterizes Greek architecture. The architects were concerned with conducting a sense of perfect balance to reflect cooperation and order in the universe. They were the first to think of the idea of democracy, a system in which people govern themselves rather than being ruled by a king; they also valued beauty and imagination.

The Greek culture has affected us in many ways today.Culture is a group’s, person’s, or society’s belief. It can be identified in multiple ways. Culture can be viewed as the traditions, arts, clothing, music, social interaction etc. Culture can be found everywhere around you. If you move to a different country or region there will be a different culture that you may have to adapt to. It is an important part of people’s lives. It determines how they live their life.

The Greek influence in the modern world is still significant today. In a matter of words Hellenism brought us intelligence. The cultural significance of Hellenism in this modern world brought us libraries, museums, art, architecture, language, warfare tactics and weapons, philosophers and philosophies, and democratic societies. Hellenism in the modern world means to adopt Greek culture even in non-Greek regions. Hellenism has brought to the modern world many different things that may have been once impossible.