Ancient Greek society was surrounded by new innovations in all aspects of knowledge. They made discoveries in the fields of mathematics and science while creating new styles art and architecture. Philosophers spread wisdom and knowledge throughout society, while literature and drama flourished. New forms of government were formed as well. Several of these concepts are still being implied in societies today. These Greek ideas make up many of the roots of modern Wester was created that is still being used in many countries today. Despite a dual monarchy in Sparta, ancient Athenians made the first democracy, or a government by common n civilization.
Amongst other Greek contributions, a new form of government citizens. Athenian democracy is described by the chart (Doc 7), where the jobs of the governing body are shown. The Assembly was the largest group and it consisted of all free male citizens 21 years or older. They voted on important matters of the state such as declaring war and money issues. Out of the assembly, up to 500 members over the age of 30 were chosen by lot to serve on the Council. This body proposed the items to be considered by the Assembly. Also out of the Assembly was the Board of Generals. The Board of Generals was a group of 10 generals elected by the Assembly. Their job was to handle military issued to advise the Assembly and to lead the military during battle. Similarly, the Board of Officials was an elected body that was to handle justice matters specifically. Finally, citizens were chosen by lot to serve on a jury. Usually 201 members were chosen per trial, although in important cases, such as the condemning of Socrates, 501 members may be chosen to serve.
The concepts of the Assembly contributed to the current western legislatures of today as well as the idea of serving on juries. The main ideas in these are to involve as many citizens as possible. As seen in the speech excerpt (Doc 1) Pericles encouraged all citizens to participate no matter which class they come from. Pericles stated that although the most distinguished citizens make the specific decisions, all men are allowed to take part in government. Similarly, western civilizations today encourage all citizens to become involved in government. Yet Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, where all citizens can participate and make decisions for the state. Today, most civilizations use a representative democracy, where citizens participate by electing an official to represent their area of the state.
As in today’s societies, the government not only made the laws, they supervised state projects as well, such as building projects. Many of these structures were based on the new styles of Greek architecture. The picture (Doc 3) illustrates some of the features used in this architectural design. The structure in the photo is of the Parthenon. On top of the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon was a grand and magnificent temple. Therefore its design had to be majestic and powerful. Unlike other ancient buildings, it was made from marble rather than clay bricks. The marble allowed such structures to stand for nearly 2000 years, some still towering today. Another new feature is the use of columns and a gently sloping roof to add grace, rather than a pyramid shape or a rectangular structure. Buildings built this way today are usually government buildings or other important structures, such as the White House in America.
The marble has become associated with the power of the buildings they form. Another difference in architecture was the construction of amphitheaters. Early Greek dramas were performed in the amphitheater by actors wearing exaggerated costumes and masks. People would come from all over the city-state to view a comedy by Aristophanes or a tragedy by Aeschylus. They all packed into the amphitheater, which is an outdoor stage. There was no covering over the stage, so the theater was completely outdoors. These amphitheaters accommodated so many viewers that it had aisled seating that surrounded the stage area. These features are the basis for the sports stadiums and modern amphitheaters, although even more spectators can be fit today.
The Greeks made other long-lasting contributions in mathematics and science. Pythagoras found the relationship between sides in a right triangle, a formula still being used by mathematicians still today. Euclid’s study in physics is the basis for many modern textbooks and universities. Meanwhile, new theories of a heliocentric solar system were being taught by Greek scientists, a theory accepted and proven today. In the field of medicine, new cures for diseases were being discovered. One such physician, Hippocrates, studied possible treatments on certain illnesses. Another contribution he made was his Hippocratic Oath, as shown in the excerpt (Doc 2). In his oath, he promised to always help the patient by doing what he considered to be most beneficial for the patient and to always do it to the best of his ability. This oath set the ethical standards for doctors. These standards are still being applied to modern doctors as they make an oath similar to the one made by Hippocrates nearly 2000 years ago.
Several aspects of modern society can be traced back to ancient Greek culture. Similar art forms and architecture can be found in both ancient Greece as well as modern civilizations. Doctors, scientists, and mathematicians from western civilizations today believe and use many theories created by ancient scholars. Finally, the creation of the ancient Greek democracy set the standard for the governments of many countries still today. It was these ancient Greek contributions that allowed modern western civilizations to be what they are today.
