essay about greece

Essay on Greece

Students are often asked to write an essay on Greece in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Greece

About greece.

Greece is a country in Europe. It is famous for its ancient history. Many old buildings, like the Parthenon, can still be seen in the capital, Athens. Greece is also known for its myths and legends.

Greece is in the southern part of Europe. It has lots of islands, about 2000! The biggest island is Crete. The country is also very mountainous. The highest mountain is called Mount Olympus.

Greek culture is rich and old. It includes great stories, like those about Hercules and Zeus. The Greeks also started the Olympics. They love drama and invented theatre.

Greek food is tasty and healthy. Popular dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki. Olives, feta cheese, and pita bread are also common. Greek people love to share food with friends and family.

Modern Greece

250 words essay on greece.

Greece is a country in Southeast Europe. It is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. The country has lots of islands, about 2,000, but only 168 of them have people living on them. The capital city is Athens.

History of Greece

Greece has a very long history. It is known as the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games. Many famous thinkers, like Socrates and Plato, were born here. These people helped shape the way we think about the world today.

Greek Culture

Greece is famous for its culture. This includes its music, dances, and food. Greek food is very tasty and healthy. It includes dishes like moussaka and souvlaki. Greek music and dances are also very popular. They are part of many celebrations.

Landmarks in Greece

There are many famous landmarks in Greece. These include the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete. The Acropolis is a hill with many ancient buildings. The most famous one is the Parthenon. The Palace of Knossos is an ancient palace from the time of the Minoan civilization.

Greece is a wonderful country with a rich history and culture. It has many beautiful places to visit and delicious food to try. It has also given the world many important ideas and traditions.

500 Words Essay on Greece

Introduction to greece, the land and climate.

Greece has a mix of mountains and sea. The country is covered by a lot of mountains, and it also has many islands. The largest island is Crete. The climate in Greece is mostly warm. It has hot summers and mild winters. This type of climate is called Mediterranean climate.

Historical Significance

Greece is known for its rich history. It is the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and many famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Many important ideas about science, art, and philosophy started in ancient Greece. These ideas still influence us today.

Greek culture is famous around the world. Greek food is very popular, with dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki. Greek music and dance are also well-known. The Greek people are known for their hospitality and love for life.

In conclusion, Greece is a country with a rich history and culture. It has made a big impact on the world, from ancient times to today. From its beautiful landscapes to its tasty food, Greece is a country that everyone should learn about.

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Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe.

Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe. The mainland has rugged mountains, forests, and lakes, but the country is well known for the thousands of islands dotting the blue Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west.

The country is divided into three geographical regions: the mainland, the islands, and Peloponnese, the peninsula south of the mainland.

The Pindus mountain range on the mainland contains one of the world's deepest gorges, Vikos Gorge, which plunges 3,600 feet (1,100 meters). Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain at 9,570 feet (2,917 meters) above sea level. Ancient Greeks believed it was the home of the gods . Mount Olympus became the first national park in Greece.

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PEOPLE & CULTURE

Family life is a very important part of life in Greece. Children often live with their parents even after they get married. Greeks live long lives and it is thought that their varied diet of olives, olive oil, lamb, fish, squid, chickpeas, and lots of fruits and vegetables keep them healthy.

Nearly two-thirds of the people live in large cities. Athens is the largest city, with over 3.7 million people crowding the metropolis. Nefos, the Greek term for smog, is a big problem in Athens. The Parthenon, the temple to goddess Athena atop the Acropolis, is deteriorating due to pollution and acid rain.

Olive trees have been cultivated in Greece for over 6,000 years. Every village has its own olive groves.

Most of the country was forested at one time. Over the centuries, the forests were cut down for firewood, lumber, and to make room for farms. Today, forests can be found mainly in the Pindus and Rhodope ranges.

Greece has ten national parks and there is an effort to protect natural and historic landmarks. Marine parks help protect the habitats of two of Europe's most endangered sea creatures, the loggerhead turtle and monk seal. The long coastline and clear water make Greece an ideal location to spot sea stars , sea anemones, sponges, and seahorses hiding in the seaweed.

The Greek landscape is covered by maquis, a tangle of thorny shrubs that don't need a lot of water. These plants include fragrant herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay and myrtle trees. Bird watching is popular in Greece where geese, ducks, and swallows stop over during their migration from Africa to Europe.

Greece abolished their monarchy in 1975 and became a parliamentary republic. Under the new constitution, there is a president and a prime minister. The prime minister has the most power, and is the leader of the party that has the most seats in the parliament. The president selects cabinet ministers who run government departments.

The parliament, called the Vouli, has only one house with 300 members who are elected every four years. Greece became part of the European Union in 1981.

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The first great civilization in Greece was the Minoan culture on the island of Crete around 2000 B.C. Wall paintings found at the ruins of the palace Knossos show people doing backflips over a charging bull. The Minoans were conquered by the Myceneans from the mainland in 1450 B.C.

During ancient times the country was divided into city-states, which were ruled by noblemen. The largest were Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Corinth. Each state controlled the territory around a single city. They were often at war with each other.

Athens became the most powerful, and in 508 B.C., the people instituted a new system of rule by the people called democracy. But during that time, only men could vote!

The first Olympic Games were held in the southern city of Olympia in 700 B.C. to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. Only men could compete in the events such as sprinting, long jump, discus, javelin, wrestling, and chariot racing. The games were banned by the Romans in A.D. 393, but began again in Athens in 1896.

Greece was ruled by foreigners for over 2,000 years beginning with the Romans conquering the Greeks in the 2nd century. Then, after almost 400 years under Turkish rule, Greece won independence in 1832.

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Europe — Greece

Essays on Greece

Writing an essay on Greece is important because it allows us to explore and understand the rich history, culture, and impact of this ancient civilization. Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, art, literature, and politics. By writing an essay on Greece, we can delve into the fascinating stories of its gods and goddesses, the rise and fall of its city-states, and the enduring legacy of its mythology and architecture.

When writing an essay on Greece, it is important to conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth of understanding. Utilize a variety of reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and credible websites to gather information. It is also essential to critically analyze and interpret the information gathered to present a well-rounded and informed perspective.

Furthermore, it is crucial to structure the essay in a logical and coherent manner. Begin with an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention and provides an overview of the topic. Develop the body of the essay with clear and organized paragraphs that present arguments, evidence, and analysis. Finally, conclude the essay with a strong summary that reinforces the main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

In addition, consider incorporating visuals such as maps, images, and diagrams to enhance the understanding of the subject matter. Visual aids can provide valuable context and illustrate key concepts, making the essay more engaging and informative.

In conclusion, writing an essay on Greece is important for gaining a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural significance. By conducting thorough research, structuring the essay effectively, and utilizing visual aids, we can create a compelling and insightful piece of writing that illuminates the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization.

What Makes a Good Greece Essay Topics

When it comes to selecting a compelling topic for an essay on Greece, it's important to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, you'll want to choose a topic that you are passionate about and that interests you. This will make the writing process much more enjoyable and will likely result in a more engaging and well-researched essay.

To brainstorm potential Essay Topics, consider exploring different aspects of Greek history, culture, mythology, or modern-day society. Think about what specific areas of Greece intrigue you the most and what questions you might have about the country. Additionally, consider the relevance and significance of the topic, as well as its potential to spark meaningful discussions or debates.

Ultimately, a good Greece essay topic is one that is original, thought-provoking, and offers an opportunity for in-depth exploration and analysis. It should also be something that you are genuinely excited to learn more about and share with others.

Best Greece Essay Topics

• The influence of Greek mythology on modern literature and media
• The impact of ancient Greek philosophy on Western thought
• The role of women in ancient Greek society
• The significance of the Acropolis in Greek history and culture
• The effects of tourism on contemporary Greek society
• The portrayal of Greece in popular films and television shows
• The legacy of Alexander the Great
• The relationship between Greece and the European Union
• The significance of Greek food and culinary traditions
• The cultural significance of Greek music and dance
• The impact of the Greek financial crisis on the country's economy
• The history and traditions of Greek Orthodox Christianity
• The influence of ancient Greek architecture on modern design
• The legacy of the Olympic Games in Greece
• The challenges and opportunities facing Greek youth today
• The role of Greek diaspora communities in global society
• The portrayal of Greece in contemporary literature
• The environmental challenges facing Greece
• The significance of Greek theater and drama
• The future of democracy in Greece

Greece Essay Topics Prompts

• Imagine you are a Greek philosopher living in ancient times. Write a dialogue between yourself and one of your contemporaries, discussing the nature of truth and knowledge.
• You are a tourist visiting Greece for the first time. Describe your experiences and impressions of the country, focusing on the people, culture, and landmarks you encounter.
• If you could travel back in time to any period in Greek history, which would you choose and why? What would you hope to learn or experience during your visit?
• Write a short story set in modern-day Greece, incorporating elements of Greek mythology and folklore.
• You have been tasked with creating a promotional campaign to attract visitors to Greece. Develop a marketing strategy that highlights the country's unique attractions and cultural heritage.

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Greek Culture and Traditions Essay

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Celebrations and national holidays

Family structure and gender roles, food and cooking.

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Modern Greek culture and traditions have been shaped by classical past. The current culture and traditions is rich and varied representing the region’s customs has an overlap between the western culture and the eastern culture. Notably, Greek culture and traditions have developed for thousands of years. Greece customs can be traced back to the Paleolithic era through the classical era and the golden ages. In the past, the Greeks created a noble civilization, which was later adopted by the Romans.

This civilization flourished for thousands of years before it was conquered by long invasions of civil wars, diseases, religious conflicts, and economic disasters. Despite these calamities, it is worth noting that the Greek culture and traditions did not disappear completely. A bit of it existed, evolved, and transformed throughout the excruciating period. This paper focuses on Greeks’ celebrations, beliefs, food and cooking, national days, and family structures and Gender roles.

In Greece, the majority of celebrations are related to the religion, however a few of them relate to paganism (Brown 1). Most life-cycle celebrations revolve around the Greek Orthodox Church. As such, Sundays, January 1, March 25 (annunciation), Easter Monday, August 15 (dominion of the holy virgin), Labor Day, and Christmas are public holidays.

Of all these celebrations, Easter celebration is considered the most significant festivity followed by charismas. Easter festivities commence two months earlier. During the Holy Thursday, the symbolic red eggs are painted. In Greece, it is thought that Mary the mother of Christ painted eggs with red dye to commemorate the renaissance of Christ.

On Easter Friday, flags are half raised to commemorate the death of Christ. During this day, Christians mourn the death of Christ with symbolic coffins. These coffins are ornamented with flowers and carried around the streets. Easter Sunday is spent with friends and families feasting.

Other festivities in Greece include marriage, baptism, and carnival (Brown 1). Marriage is among the most celebrated festivity in Greece. Weddings are marked with several gifts. For instance, the bride’s father is required to offer his daughter together with the bridegroom with a well equipped home. On the wedding day, the bride is clothed by female collogues and kept out of the public until the formal procedure commences.

The priest presides over the wedding ceremony, and once he declares the couple as married a party is thrown to honor the celebration. Thereafter, the couple leaves for a honeymoon. Another important ceremony in Greece is baptism. According to the Greek Orthodox, baptism is among the most significant festivities. Baptism is usually marked one year after the birth of the child. Priests preside over these ceremonies. Children are dressed in white clothes as the priest administers olive oil on them.

Greek beliefs have developed from sacred celebrations and rituals. As such, they believe in Christian Orthodoxy. The Greeks’ perceptions of life are based on the individual’s fate and destiny. Various stipulations and practices link this fate with trust in the Christian God. However, some practices are associated with paganism and folk beliefs. Generally, the Greek Orthodox Church has become an essential part of the Greeks’ culture.

Most celebrations and the national days are celebrated in accordance with the church’s rules. It is believed that the church and the Greeks’ life have had a close relationship because of the country’s historical past. 400 years ago, the church played a very important role in enhancing their cultures and beliefs against the Ottoman culture. Currently, the church plays important roles in the country’s state and civic affairs.

Across the country, the youth are not devout to the church compared to the elderly (Brown 1). Despite the changes, it is worth noting that the youth still attend and play major roles in various religious celebrations. In spite of the effects of globalization, the country remains predominantly religious unlike other western nations. Other religious groups such as Muslims, Judaism, and Roman Catholic form the minority groups.

In Greece, societies are made up of close-knit families (Brown 1). In these societies, vital social organizations are formed based on family ideas. Marriage as an institution plays a vital role in the functions of the society. As such, family in Greece represents a social cluster with individuals related by blood or marriage.

The marital family is made up of a husband, wife, and the children. The marital family, children, and their ascendants make up the extended family. The conjugal families together with their ascendants make up the extended family. On the other hand, the National Statistical Service of Greece regards all individuals living together as a family, whether or not they are associated.

Despite the fact that family lives have changed significantly over the last centuries, as the Greeks transition from rural culture to urban culture, it is worth noting that to date women still play a significant role in the family units (Brown 1). Women are expected to be the household managers and solve family disagreements. In this regard, the family’s ability to unite relies on the woman. On the contrary, men are considered as the family spokespersons, and they benefit from the social status and respect.

Greeks maintain a healthy communication between adult generation and youth generation. It is the responsibility of the older generation to offer advice and help to the youth. Equally, families support their children emotionally and financially. Family support among the Greeks has enhanced nepotism in the businesses and organizations, as family members prefer to offer contracts or jobs to their relatives rather than non-family members.

All over the world, Greeks are renowned for their quality food and unique cooking styles. As such, the Greek cuisines are often referred to as an icon of a healthy Mediterranean diet.

The act of sharing food and beverages among family members, relatives, and friends is considered as a fundamental facet of the Greek culture. Their cuisines comprise of fresh ingredients. These ingredients include garlic, onions, fennel, zucchini, grapes, apples, dates, and figs (Brown 1). Compared to other cultures, their cuisines are remarkable for their creativity that combines and makes the most of the produce and humble ingredients.

For centuries, the ingredients have been used in making a range food. These dishes are seasoned with herbs and olive oil. Foods such as rice, mutton, pork, and fish are part of Greeks’ everyday diet. Mezedes are used as appetizers and are usually served prior to meals. They are served in small dishes. They often comprise of lemon juice, olive oil, grapes. The idea of appetizers can be traced back to the Roman times.

The Greeks cooking has also been profoundly shaped by various rules of the Greek Orthodox Church. During Christmas, Easter, or Virgin Mary’s day, all the people abstain from all food derived from animals. These habits have inspired cooks to come up with a variety of exquisite vegetarian dishes as a substitute for animal products.

In the last centuries, the Greeks have been exposed to several cultures from the Romans, Russians, the French, and the British. The culinary traditions of these cultures have influenced, but they have never dominated their food and cooking. Their cooking relies on the readily available flavored ingredients rather than complicated ingredients found in other cultures.

To the Greeks, no meal is complete without drinks or beverages. After a meal, a glass of wine or coffee fresh fruits is served. All over Greece, coffee is appreciated as wine and has formed a central part of their culture. Coffee is served in every village and has taken a center stage in every social interaction event. Greek coffee is hot and thick and is normally served with small demitasse cups.

For thousands of years, grapes have been grown in Greece. These grapes have been used in the production of wines. Over time, the country has been renowned for its famous alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks served in the country include ouzo and tsipouro. Ouzo is the most renowned liquor compared to other alcoholic drinks.

These drinks are blended with water, mezedes or ice when serving. On the other hand, Tsipouro is analogous to ouzo. However, it has an intense flavor of anis. This drink can be prepared locally at home, and its taste varies from one region to another

Brown, Deborah. “ Greek Culture and Traditions – Where the West Meets the East – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency.” N.p. 2010. Web.

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Essays on Greece

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History 101: Ancient Greece

From artistry to politics, ancient Greece left a considerable impression on world history. Learn why Greek and Roman gods share so many similarities, how the alphabet got its name, and how the legacy of ancient Greece has evolved over thousands of years.

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Ancient Greece

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Greece is a country in southeastern Europe , known in Greek as Hellas or Ellada , and consisting of a mainland and an archipelago of islands. Ancient Greece is the birthplace of Western philosophy ( Socrates , Plato , and Aristotle ), literature ( Homer and Hesiod ), mathematics ( Pythagoras and Euclid ), history ( Herodotus ), drama ( Sophocles , Euripides , and Aristophanes ), the Olympic Games , and democracy.

The concept of an atomic universe was first posited in Greece through the work of Democritus and Leucippus. The process of today's scientific method was first introduced through the work of Thales of Miletus and those who followed him. The Latin alphabet also comes from ancient Greece, having been introduced to the region during the Phoenician colonization in the 8th century BCE, and early work in physics and engineering was pioneered by Archimedes , of the Greek colony of Syracuse , among others.

Mainland Greece is a large peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea (branching into the Ionian Sea in the west and the Aegean Sea in the east) which also comprises the islands known as the Cyclades and the Dodecanese (including Rhodes ), the Ionian islands (including Corcyra ), the isle of Crete , and the southern peninsula known as the Peloponnese .

The geography of Greece greatly influenced the culture in that, with few natural resources and surrounded by water, the people eventually took to the sea for their livelihood. Mountains cover 80 percent of Greece and only small rivers run through a rocky landscape which, for the most part, provides little encouragement for agriculture . Consequently, the early ancient Greeks colonized neighboring islands and founded settlements along the coast of Anatolia (also known as Asia Minor , modern-day Turkey ). The Greeks became skilled seafaring people and traders who, possessing an abundance of raw materials for construction in stone, and great skill, built some of the most impressive structures in antiquity.

Etymology of Hellas

The designation Hellas derives from Hellen, the son of Deucalion and Pyrrha who feature prominently in Ovid 's tale of the Great Flood in his Metamorphoses . The mythical Deucalion (son of the fire-bringing titan Prometheus ) was the savior of the human race from the Great Flood, in the same way Noah is presented in the biblical version or Utnapishtim in the Mesopotamian one. Deucalion and Pyrrha repopulate the land once the floodwaters have receded by casting stones which become people, the first being Hellen. Contrary to popular opinion, Hellas and Ellada have nothing to do with Helen of Troy from Homer's Iliad . Ovid, however, did not coin the designation. Thucydides writes, in Book I of his Histories :

I am inclined to think that the very name was not as yet given to the whole country, and in fact did not exist at all before the time of Hellen, the son of Deucalion; the different tribes, of which the Pelasgian was the most widely spread, gave their own names to different districts. But when Hellen and his sons became powerful in Phthiotis, their aid was invoked by other cities , and those who associated with them gradually began to be called Hellenes, though a long time elapsed before the name was prevalent over the whole country. Of this, Homer affords the best evidence; for he, although he lived long after the Trojan War , nowhere uses this name collectively, but confines it to the followers of Achilles from Phthiotis, who were the original Hellenes; when speaking of the entire host, he calls them Danäans, or Argives, or Achaeans.

Minoan Bull Leaping Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) {"@context":"https://schema.org","@id":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/396/minoan-bull-leaping/#imageobject","@type":"ImageObject","acquireLicensePage":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/396/minoan-bull-leaping/","caption":"A fresco showing bull leaping, Minoan Knossos (Final Palatial period 1450-1400 BCE), Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.","contentUrl":"https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/396.jpg","copyrightNotice":"Mark Cartwright - CC BY-NC-SA - This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included.","creator":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/#person","name":"Mark Cartwright","url":"https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/","sameAs":["https://twitter.com/MCartwrightWHE"],"image":"https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/profile_photos/150-markzcartwright.JPG","description":"Mark is a full-time writer, researcher, historian, and editor. Special interests include art, architecture, and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the WHE Publishing Director.","jobTitle":"Publishing Director","worksFor":"https://www.worldhistory.org#organization"},"creditText":"Mark Cartwright / World History Encyclopedia","dateModified":"2024-08-26T16:26:10+0000","datePublished":"2012-04-26T07:45:12+0000","encodingFormat":"image/jpeg","headline":"Minoan Bull Leaping","height":"2592","isAccessibleForFree":true,"isFamilyFriendly":true,"isPartOf":"https://www.worldhistory.org#website","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/396/minoan-bull-leaping/","publisher":"https://www.worldhistory.org#organization","representativeOfPage":false,"url":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/396/minoan-bull-leaping/","width":"3888"}

Early history of ancient greece.

Ancient Greek history is most easily understood by dividing it into time periods. The region was already settled, and agriculture initiated, during the Paleolithic era as evidenced by finds at Petralona and Franchthi caves (two of the oldest human habitations in the world). The Neolithic Age (c. 6000 - c. 2900 BCE) is characterized by permanent settlements (primarily in northern Greece), domestication of animals, and the further development of agriculture. Archaeological finds in northern Greece ( Thessaly , Macedonia, and Sesklo, among others) suggest a migration from Anatolia in that the ceramic cups and bowls and figures found there share qualities distinctive to Neolithic finds in Anatolia. These inland settlers were primarily farmers, as northern Greece was more conducive to agriculture than elsewhere in the region, and lived in one-room stone houses with a roof of timber and clay daubing.

The Cycladic Civilization (c. 3200-1100 BCE) flourished in the islands of the Aegean Sea (including Delos , Naxos , and Paros ) and provides the earliest evidence of continual human habitation in that region. During the Cycladic Period, houses and temples were built of finished stone and the people made their living through fishing and trade . This period is usually divided into three phases: Early Cycladic, Middle Cycladic, and Late Cycladic with a steady development in art and architecture . The latter two phases overlap and finally merge with the Minoan Civilization , and differences between the periods become indistinguishable.

The Minoan Civilization (2700-1500 BCE) developed on the island of Crete, and rapidly became the dominant sea power in the region. The term 'Minoan' was coined by the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered the Minoan palace of Knossos in 1900 CE and named the culture for the ancient Cretan king Minos. The name by which the people knew themselves is not known. The Minoan Civilization was thriving, as the Cycladic Civilization seems to have been, long before the accepted modern dates which mark its existence and probably earlier than 6000 BCE.

The Minoans developed a writing system known as Linear A (which has not yet been deciphered) and made advances in shipbuilding, construction, ceramics, the arts and sciences, and warfare . King Minos was credited by ancient historians (Thucydides among them) as being the first person to establish a navy with which he colonized, or conquered, the Cyclades. Archaeological and geological evidence on Crete suggests this civilization fell due to an overuse of the land causing deforestation though, traditionally, it is accepted that they were conquered by the Mycenaeans. The eruption of the volcano on the nearby island of Thera (modern-day Santorini) between 1650 and 1550 BCE and the resulting tsunami is acknowledged as the final cause for the fall of the Minoans. The isle of Crete was deluged and the cities and villages destroyed. This event has been frequently cited as Plato's inspiration in creating his myth of Atlantis in his dialogues of the Critias and Timaeus .

The Mycenaeans & Their Gods

The Mycenaean Civilization (approximately 1900-1100 BCE) is commonly acknowledged as the beginning of Greek culture , even though we know almost nothing about the Mycenaeans save what can be determined through archaeological finds and through Homer's account of their war with Troy as recorded in the Iliad . They are credited with establishing the culture owing primarily to their architectural advances, their development of a writing system (known as Linear B , an early form of Greek descended from the Minoan Linear A), and the establishment, or enhancement of, religious rites. The Mycenaeans appear to have been greatly influenced by the Minoans of Crete in their worship of earth goddesses and sky gods, which, in time, become the classical Greek pantheon .

Greek mythology provided a solid paradigm of the creation of the universe, the world, and human beings. An early myth relates how, in the beginning, there was nothing but chaos in the form of unending waters. From this chaos came the goddess Eurynome who separated the water from the air and began her dance of creation with the serpent Ophion. From their dance, all of creation sprang and Eurynome was, originally, the Great Mother Goddess and Creator of All Things.

By the time Hesiod and Homer were writing (8th century BCE), this story had changed into the more familiar myth concerning the titans, Zeus ' war against them, and the birth of the Olympian Gods with Zeus as their chief. This shift indicates a movement from a matriarchal religion to a patriarchal paradigm. Whichever model was followed, however, the gods clearly interacted regularly with the humans who worshipped them and were a large part of daily life in ancient Greece . Prior to the coming of the Romans, the only road in mainland Greece that was not a cow path was the Sacred Way which ran between the city of Athens and the holy city of Eleusis , the birthplace of the Eleusinian Mysteries celebrating the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone .

By 1100 BCE, around the time of the Bronze Age Collapse , the great Mycenaean cities of southwest Greece were abandoned and, some claim, their civilization destroyed by an invasion of Doric Greeks. Archaeological evidence is inconclusive as to what led to the fall of the Mycenaeans. As no written records of this period survive (or have yet to be unearthed) one may only speculate on causes. The tablets of Linear B script found thus far contain only lists of goods bartered in trade or kept in stock. It seems clear, however, that after what is known as the Greek Dark Ages (approximately 1100-800 BCE, so named because of the absence of written documentation) Greek colonization was ongoing in much of Asia Minor, and the islands surrounding mainland Greece and began to make significant cultural advances. Beginning in c. 585 BCE the first Greek philosopher, Thales of Miletus, was engaged in what, today, would be recognized as scientific inquiry on the Asia Minor coast, and this region of Ionian colonies would make significant breakthroughs in Greek philosophy and mathematics.

From the Archaic to the Classical Periods

The Archaic Period (800-500 BCE) is characterized by the introduction of republics instead of monarchies (which, in Athens, moved toward democratic rule) organized as a single city-state or polis , the institution of laws (Draco's reforms in Athens), the great Panathenaic Festival was established, distinctive Greek pottery and Greek sculpture were born, and the first coins minted on the island kingdom of Aegina . This, then, set the stage for the flourishing of the Classical Period of ancient Greece given as 500-400 BCE or, more precisely, as 480-323 BCE, from the Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis to the death of Alexander the Great . This was the Golden Age of Athens, when Pericles initiated the building of the Acropolis and spoke his famous eulogy for the men who died defending Greece at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. Greece reached the heights in almost every area of human learning during this time and the great thinkers and artists of antiquity ( Phidias , Plato, Aristophanes, to mention only three) flourished. Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fell at Thermopylae and, the same year (480 BCE), Themistocles won victory over the superior Persian naval fleet at Salamis leading to the final defeat of the Persians at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE.

Democracy (literally Demos = people and Kratos = power, so power of the people) was established in Athens allowing all male citizens over the age of twenty a voice in the Greek government . The Pre-Socratic philosophers , following Thales' lead, initiated what would become the scientific method in exploring natural phenomena. Men like Anaximander , Anaximenes , Pythagoras, Democritus, Xenophanes, and Heraclitus abandoned the theistic model of the universe and strove to uncover the underlying, first cause of life and the universe.

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Their successors, among whom were Euclid and Archimedes, continued to advance Greek science and philosophical inquiry and further established mathematics as a serious discipline. The example of Socrates and the writings of Plato and Aristotle after him have influenced western culture and society for over two thousand years. This period also saw advances in architecture and art with a movement away from the ideal to the realistic. Famous works of Greek sculpture such as the Parthenon Marbles and Discobolos (the discus thrower) date from this time and epitomize the artist's interest in depicting human emotion, beauty, and accomplishment realistically, even if those qualities are presented in works featuring immortals .

All of these developments in culture were made possible by the ascent of Athens following the victory over the Persians in 480 BCE. The peace and prosperity which followed the Persian defeat provided the finances and stability for culture to flourish. Athens became the superpower of the day and, with the most powerful navy, was able to demand tribute from other city-states and enforce its wishes. Athens formed the Delian League , a defensive alliance whose stated purpose was to deter the Persians from further hostilities.

The city-state of Sparta , however, doubted Athenian sincerity and formed their own association for protection against their enemies, the Peloponnesian League (so named for the Peloponnese region where Sparta and the others were located). The city-states which sided with Sparta increasingly perceived Athens as a bully and a tyrant, while those cities which sided with Athens viewed Sparta and its allies with growing distrust. The tension between these two parties eventually erupted in what has become known as the Peloponnesian Wars. The first conflict (c. 460-445 BCE) ended in a truce and continued prosperity for both parties while the second (431-404 BCE) left Athens in ruins and Sparta, the victor, bankrupt after her protracted war with Thebes .

This time is generally referred to as the Late Classical Period (c. 400-330 BCE). The power vacuum left by the fall of these two cities was filled by Philip II of Macedon (382-336 BCE) after his victory over the Athenian forces and their allies at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE. Philip united the Greek city-states under Macedonian rule and, upon his assassination in 336 BCE, his son Alexander assumed the throne.

Alexander the Great & the Coming of Rome

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) carried on his father's plans for a full scale invasion of Persia in retaliation for their invasion of Greece in 480 BCE. As he had almost the whole of Greece under his command, a standing army of considerable size and strength, and a full treasury, Alexander did not need to bother with allies nor with consulting anyone regarding his plan for invasion and so led his army into Egypt , across Asia Minor, through Persia, and finally to India . Tutored in his youth by Plato's great student Aristotle, Alexander would spread the ideals of Greek civilization through his conquests and, in so doing, transmitted Greek art, philosophy, culture, and language to every region he came in contact with.

In 323 BCE Alexander died and his vast empire was divided between four of his generals. This initiated what has come to be known to historians as the Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE) during which Greek thought and culture became dominant in the various regions under these generals' influence. After the wars of the Diadochi ('the successors' as Alexander's generals came to be known), Antigonus I established the Antigonid Dynasty in Greece which he then lost. It was regained by his grandson, Antigonus II Gonatas, by 276 BCE who ruled the country from his palace at Macedon .

The Roman Republic became increasingly involved in the affairs of Greece during this time and, in 168 BCE, defeated Macedon at the Battle of Pydna . After this date, Greece steadily came under the influence of Rome. In 146 BCE, the region was designated a Protectorate of Rome and Romans began to emulate Greek fashion, philosophy and, to a certain extent, sensibilities. In 31 BCE Octavian Caesar annexed the country as a province of Rome following his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium . Octavian became Augustus Caesar and Greece a part of the Roman Empire .

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Bibliography

• Brendan Nagle, D. The Ancient World. Pearson, 2009.
• Durant, W. Caesar and Christ. Simon and Schuster, 1972.
• Durant, W. The Life of Greece. Simon & Schuster, 2011.
• Graves, R. The Greek Myths. Penguin, NY, 1993
• The Internet Classics Archive | The History of Herodotus by Herodotus , accessed 1 Dec 2016.
• Thucydides Book I , accessed 1 Dec 2016.
• Waterfield, R. The First Philosophers. Oxford University Press, USA, 2009.

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ancient Greek civilization summary

Learn about the history and culture of ancient greece.

ancient Greek civilization , The period between the end of the Mycenaean civilization (1200 bce ) and the death of Alexander the Great (323 bce ) that significantly influenced later Western culture in politics, philosophy, and art.

Little is known about the earliest period of ancient Greek civilization, and many extant writings pertain only to life in Athens. Ancient Greece at its height comprised settlements in Asia Minor, southern Italy, Sicily, and the Greek islands. It was divided into city-states— Athens and Sparta were among the most powerful—that functioned independently of one another. There were frequent wars between Athens, Sparta, and their allies, including the Peloponnesian War (431–404 bce ) and later the Corinthian War (395–386 bce ).

Some city-states, including Athens, were governed by an early system of democracy that served as a precursor for later systems of government in the Western world. An interest in athletic competition was prevalent in ancient Greek culture, and the first Olympic Games were held in 776 bce .

Ancient Greek culture continued on in the writings of its philosophers, notably Plato and Aristotle ; its historians, notably Thucydides ; and in the literature of Homer , the presumed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey .

The ancient Greeks also contributed to developments in art and architecture through the numerous sculptures and temples they constructed—the buildings of the Athenian acropolis, for example—to memorialize their deities.

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Architecture in ancient greece.

Marble column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis

Marble akroterion of the grave monument of Timotheos and Nikon

Lion felling a bull, from a marble pediment

Terracotta architectural tile

Colette Hemingway Independent Scholar

October 2003

Ancient Greek architects strove for the precision and excellence of workmanship that are the hallmarks of Greek art in general. The formulas they invented as early as the sixth century B.C. have influenced the architecture of the past two millennia. The two principal orders in Archaic and Classical Greek architecture are the Doric and the Ionic. In the first, the Doric order, the columns are fluted and have no base. The capitals are composed of two parts consisting of a flat slab, the abacus, and a cushionlike slab known as the echinus. On the capital rests the entablature, which is made up of three parts: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is typically undecorated except for a narrow band to which are attached pegs, known as guttae. On the frieze are alternating series of triglyphs (three bars) and metopes, stone slabs frequently decorated with relief sculpture. The pediment, the triangular space enclosed by the gables at either end of the building, was often adorned with sculpture, early on in relief and later in the round. Among the best-preserved examples of Archaic Doric architecture are the temple of Apollo at Corinth, built in the second quarter of the sixth century B.C., and the temple of Aphaia at Aegina, built around 500–480 B.C. To the latter belong at least three different groups of pedimental sculpture exemplary of stylistic development between the end of the sixth and beginning of the fifth century B.C. in Attica.

In the Ionic order of architecture, bases support the columns, which have more vertical flutes than those of the Doric order. Ionic capitals have two volutes that rest atop a band of palm-leaf ornaments. The abacus is narrow, and the entablature, unlike that of the Doric order, usually consists of three simple horizontal bands. The most important feature of the Ionic order is the frieze, which is usually carved with relief sculpture arranged in a continuous pattern around the building.

In general, the Doric order occurs more frequently on the Greek mainland and at sites on the Italian peninsula, where there were many Greek colonies. The Ionic order was more popular among Greeks in Asia Minor and in the Greek islands. A third order of Greek architecture, known as the Corinthian, first developed in the late Classical period, but was more common in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Corinthian capitals have a bell-shaped echinus decorated with acanthus leaves, spirals, and palmettes. There is also a pair of small volutes at each corner; thus, the capital provides the same view from all sides.

The architectural order governed not only the column, but also the relationships among all the components of architecture. As a result, every piece of a Greek building is integral to its overall structure; a fragment of molding often can be used to reconstruct an entire building. Although the ancient Greeks erected buildings of many types, the Greek temple best exemplifies the aims and methods of Greek architecture. The temple typically incorporated an oblong plan, and one or more rows of columns surrounding all four sides. The vertical structure of the temple conformed to an order, a fixed arrangement of forms unified by principles of symmetry and harmony. There was usually a pronaos (front porch) and an opisthodomos (back porch). The upper elements of the temple were usually made of mud brick and timber, and the platform of the building was of cut masonry. Columns were carved of local stone, usually limestone or tufa; in much earlier temples, columns would have been made of wood. Marble was used in many temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens, which is decorated with Pentelic marble and marble from the Cycladic island of Paros. The interior of the Greek temple characteristically consisted of a cella, the inner shrine in which stood the cult statue, and sometimes one or two antechambers, in which were stored the treasury with votive offerings.

The quarrying and transport of marble and limestone were costly and labor-intensive, and often constituted the primary cost of erecting a temple. For example, the wealth Athens accumulated after the Persian Wars enabled Perikles to embark on his extensive building program, which included the Parthenon (447–432 B.C.) and other monuments on the Athenian Akropolis. Typically, a Greek civic or religious body engaged the architect, who participated in every aspect of construction. He usually chose the stone, oversaw its extraction, and supervised the craftsmen who roughly shaped each piece in the quarry. At the building site, expert carvers gave the blocks their final form, and workmen hoisted each one into place. The tight fit of the stones was enough to hold them in place without the use of mortar; metal clamps embedded in the stone reinforced the structure against earthquakes. A variety of skilled labor collaborated in the raising of a temple. Workmen were hired to construct the wooden scaffolding needed for hoisting stone blocks and sculpture, and to make the ceramic tiles for the roofs. Metalworkers were employed to make the metal fittings used for reinforcing the stone blocks and to fashion the necessary bronze accoutrements for sculpted scenes on the frieze, metopes, and pediments. Sculptors from the Greek mainland and abroad carved freestanding and relief sculpture for the eaves of the temple building. Painters were engaged to decorate sculptural and architectural elements with painted details.

Hemingway, Colette. “Architecture in Ancient Greece.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/grarc/hd_grarc.htm (October 2003)

Further Reading

Avery, Catherine B., ed. The New Century Handbook of Greek Art and Architecture . New York: Appleton–Century–Crofts, 1972.

Hornblower, Simon, and Antony Spawforth, eds. The Oxford Classical Dictionary . 3d ed., rev. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Lawrence, A. W. Greek Architecture . 4th ed., rev. by R. A. Tomlinson. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1983.

Pedley, John Griffiths, Greek Art and Archaeology . 2d ed. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1998.

Pomeroy, Sarah B., et al. Ancient Greece: A Political, Social, and Cultural History . New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Robertson, Martin. A History of Greek Art . 2 vols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1975.

Additional Essays by Colette Hemingway

• Hemingway, Colette. “ Art of the Hellenistic Age and the Hellenistic Tradition .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Greek Hydriai (Water Jars) and Their Artistic Decoration .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Hellenistic Jewelry .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Intellectual Pursuits of the Hellenistic Age .” (April 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Mycenaean Civilization .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Retrospective Styles in Greek and Roman Sculpture .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Africans in Ancient Greek Art .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Ancient Greek Colonization and Trade and their Influence on Greek Art .” (July 2007)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Greek Gods and Religious Practices .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Art of Classical Greece (ca. 480–323 B.C.) .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Labors of Herakles .” (January 2008)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Athletics in Ancient Greece .” (October 2002)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Rise of Macedon and the Conquests of Alexander the Great .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Technique of Bronze Statuary in Ancient Greece .” (October 2003)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Women in Classical Greece .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Cyprus—Island of Copper .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Music in Ancient Greece .” (October 2001)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) and Art .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Etruscan Art .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Prehistoric Cypriot Art and Culture .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Sardis .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Medicine in Classical Antiquity .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Southern Italian Vase Painting .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Theater in Ancient Greece .” (October 2004)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ The Kithara in Ancient Greece .” (October 2002)
• Hemingway, Colette. “ Minoan Crete .” (October 2002)

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