Legacy of Ancient Greece: Foundation of Western Thought and Culture($14.50Value)

Description

Legacy of Ancient Greece: The land of the Pericles, the Parthenon on the Acropolis, Three Hundred Spartans, and Alexander the Great, was the birthplace of the Olympic Games and where many of classical civilization's intellectual, architectural, artistic and political ideas originated centuries ago created an unparalleled influence on Western thought and culture. Colonization: Population growth, development of the emporium, the need for fertile farmland, raw materials and political instability often drove people to seek greener pastures through colonization that was generally dictated by the metropolis (mother city-state). Ancient Greek colonies on the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas provided many ports for trade with other city-states and opportunities for fishermen, sailors and merchants. Ancient Greek Mythology: Filled with folktales, fiction and historical tales about the origins of the world, gods, goddesses, heroes, mythological creatures and rituals were initially spread in an oral-poetic tradition from the 18th century BC. Ancient Greeks passed on these tales to their families and friends over many generations and despite their mythical nature, important morals are relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. Ancient Greek Mythology reflects historical events and cultures, relationships, alliances justice, politics, marriage and battles that have had a tremendous influence on the culture of Western civilization. Olympic Games: Began in the summer of 776 BC at Olympia (Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece) and were revived in the late 19th century to become the world’s pre-eminent sporting competition. Greco-Persian Wars: Classical Greece was influential in the cultural contributions of Western society; therefore, the Greco-Persian Wars are seen as defining moments in history. If Persia had won, Athens would have been burned to the ground. Greek triumph ensured the survival of Ancient Greek intellectual and artistic culture, democracy, the Olympic Games and the ultimate foundation of Western Civilization that followed. Golden Age of Pericles: Fifth century BC Athens was the Golden Age of Pericles symbolizing the greatness of ancient Greek civilization and the power and glory of the ancient city-state of Athens at its peak. Ancient Athens and Rome: The cultural assets of ancient Athens and Rome manifested into Europe's Western Civilization - one of the continent's greatest Global Assets. Alexander the Great : One of the most powerful and successful military commanders in history who had a great impact in the shaping of the modern world. His empire spread across three continents and covered about two million square miles. His legacy to the world lives on through the Hellenistic Age (4th to 1st century BC) that made Greek culture and language, the international language - the language of the Bible and its use to spread early Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Greek Influence on Christianity: It was monumental because from its conception was dependent upon the Greek language for writing the Bible and spreading the Gospel. Greek influence on Christianity first spread in the predominantly Greek-speaking eastern half of the Roman Empire. After Jerusalem, the second most important place for spreading Christianity was Asia Minor where many exciting stories of Early Christianity took place. Europe and Western Civilization: Traces its roots back to Classical Greece which was the first and most prominent ancient European civilization that valued liberty. In this democratic system, the glory of Classical Greece reached its greatest peak with a Golden Age of artistic, literary, architectural, scientific and philosophical achievements. Three ancient civilizations which had the greatest influence on Europe and Western Civilization are: 1. Ancient Greece (Logic and Reason - Democracy) 2. Israel (Judeo-Christian Tradition) 3. Italy (The Renaissance)