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 101 | National Geographic
https://youtu.be/6bDrYTXQLu8
National Geographic
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- [Narrator] Art, philosophy,
democracy, and heroes. These are just a few achievements of the legendary civilization
known as ancient Greece. Ancient Greece was born on
the shores of the Aegean Sea about 4,000 years ago. In over a millennium, it expanded to lands as far west as Spain and
as far east as India. Throughout this age of empire, the ancient Greeks made
political, militaristic, and cultural achievements that resonated long after their empire fell. Part of the ancient Greeks'
legacy inv
olved politics, one of which was the political
system of Greece itself. Unlike many nations that
were under unified rule, Greece was a collection
of over 1,500 territories that acted as sovereign nations. Called city-states, these territories had their own rulers and
sometimes fought each other. Another political development
was the institution of the first large-scale democracy. Developed in the city-state of Athens, democratic rule was a way
to give the Greek people representation and politica
l power. The Greeks also earned a strong reputation for their military. The military helped
expand the Greek Empire by establishing colonies overseas, and it protected Greece
itself from foreign invaders like the Persian Empire. When such a threat
occurred, city-states united to defend their homeland. Many Greeks, particularly in Sparta, took immense pride in their military and regarded their soldiers as heroes. Their heroism was often turned into legend thanks to literary works like "The Iliad.
" War heroes also inspired the
creation of the Olympics, which celebrated physical competition. Of all aspects of ancient
Greek civilization, their cultural contributions
left a considerable mark on the western world. Particularly noteworthy
were the ancient Greeks' art and architecture. They created incredible sculptural works, such as standing figures and reliefs. Plus, they developed
three types of columns and incorporated them to
structures like the Parthenon. This artistry was imitated
by o
ther civilizations and spread throughout the
globe for thousands of years. How the Greeks interpreted the world was also reflected in other cultures. Greek religion, which was comprised of many anthropomorphic deities, helped shape the spiritual beliefs of the Etruscans and,
later, the ancient Romans. Greek philosophy, which
explored matters of reason, ethics, and natural law influenced later civilizations' achievements
and politics and science. Greek language made
quite an impact as well. Ancie
nt Greek, at about 3,400 years old, provided the basis of
many modern languages. The English language alone
has thousands of words with Greek roots. Ancient Greece's artistry,
regard for heroes, and democratic rule left
a considerable impression on world history. With contributions that
lasted for millennia, the civilization of ancient Greece is nothing short of legendary.
Comments
The Ancient Greeks made quite an impact on world history, with their contributions in art, architecture, and language still going strong today. What do you find most fascinating about their cultural impact?
Philosophy, mathematics, democracy, theatre, mythology, geography, medicine, olympic games, architecture. Let's all respect the country we owe everything.
It's amazing! Socrates > Plato > Aristotle > Alexander the Great. Four great people, teacher to student!
We want more about Greek history!!!! Love Greece
0:00-Intro 0:18-Born 0:33-Achievements 0:53-Political system 1:09-Institution 1:25-Military 1:41-City-states united 1:54-The Iliad 2:10-Art and Architecture 2:22-Columns 2:32-Artistry 2:48-Religion 2:58-Philosophy 3:10-Language 3:28-Artistry 3:40-Contribution
So proud to have a Greek heritage. 😁👍🏛🇬🇷
love Greece🇬🇷I'm from Saudi Arabia🇸🇦
Greece is the most influential civilization on the planet. Aside from that the foundation of the western world which dominates 60% of the world today. From democracy to almost all sciences, from philosophy to what we see as beautiful, from math to the Olympic games, the biggest sports event in the world, language, civilization, knowledge, reason, strive for perfection, and literally almost everything else. Greece has a vast and profound influence on our modern world. And that alone would make me want to go to Greece, for it's unparalleled history and incredible culture, aside from its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear seas, mountains, heavenly cuisine and great warm people. I can see how Greece has had a humongous influence on the world, not just in classical period, but in the bronze age and Greek empire of Byzantium too.
I've spent the last 30 years of my life studying Ancient Greek. It has made me so very happy and it has inspired me mentally and spiritually. It is a beautiful language through which the finest poetry and prose are expressed by the greatest writers. I've devoted years to reading Homer in his original language. and then to reading Sophocles, Euripides, Plato, Herodotus, and so many others. I am very very happy and I consider my life blessed because of this. You would not regret making the effort to learn the language of Ancient Greek.
Fun fact : The Byzantium Empire is also considered as Greek history, due to the use of language and the studies taken based on the Greek's
I want to go to Greece one day. Truly the greatest civilisation ever
Great nation great people great language great history. Thank you Greece for alexander the great for everything...
I love Greece from India
from philosophy to mathematics, democracy to mythology, father of biology to father of history, arts, architects, language.. literature.. i just wanna say, Ancient Greeks have a great contribution in making our world ride so beautifully..thankyou so much.
My beloved civilization no other civilization reached the effect of this one. Always inspiring and dynamic till now.
im in love with ancient greek mythology and culture
I'm a total Hellenophile. We take for granted our ideas, our social contracts, our reason, our science, our math, our theater, our public participation...Greece may have been destroyed from within and from without, but Greece is too compelling to ever die.
wait alphabet... alpha + beta.. WAT
I just fascinated by the greek history, I am just mesmerized that I can't put in words. Greeks were the greatest minds that ever lived on Earth.Greatest civilization. Love from India🇮🇳
Hail the mother of civilization 🇬🇷⚔️🗡️💪🏻🔥