No ancient civilization has had such a lasting impact on our world as the Greeks. Greek art and architecture still inspires many of our modern buildings. Talk of language, system of governance, science, mathematics etc. there is hardly any field where the Greeks haven't left their influence.
When did it start?The Greek civilization began in the island of Crete about 4000 years ago with the Minion people. But, it was destroyed by a huge volcano. Around 750 BC new cities started developing in Greece. The largest of these cities was Athens. Initially, the city was ruled by the system of oligarchy and tyranny (where a few powerful aristocrats or a single ruler held power). But around 500 BC, the tyrants were overthrown and the system of democracy (rule of the masses) came into existence.
| Fundu Fact |
| In the democratic form of government in Athens, only men had a say in how the city was run. The Council composed of 500 citizens chosen by lottery for a year. Every ten days, citizens were called to attend an assembly on a hill called the Pynx. The decisions regarding the welfare of the state were taken here. Once a year, the assembly could banish unpopular citizens by writing their names on pieces of broken pottery called ostrakons. This is how the word ostracism has been derived. |
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In 490 BC, Greece was attacked by the Persians. Even though the Persians were defeated, they destroyed all the Greek temples. Pericles, the most famous politician of Athens launched a massive program to rebuild the city. The temples on the Acropolis including the Parthenon were built during that period. The Greeks had many gods. Their 12 most important Gods were supposed to live on Mount Olympus. Ancient Greek thinkers and scientists such as Aristotle, Plato and Archimedes made important scientific discoveries. Many ideas that are used today were first thought about by the Greeks. |
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