Our Debt to Greece

Virtually every component of modern society, especially scholarship, owes its beginning to Ancient Greece. During the pre-Hellenistic period of the 4th and 5th centuries BC, Greece produced philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle whose ideas have been studied, discussed, and implemented the world over. In everything from government to art, our debt to Greece is enormous. The 4th and 5th centuries in Greece is explained in depth in a paper called Early Greek Philosophy: An Introduction. Another good overall view is given at Introduction to Greek Philosophy

The modern day use of democracy was first conceived in Ancient Greece and expanded upon later by the Romans. Ancient Greece Influence on America explains how America’s government was based on these early ideas of democracy. The Greeks were able to take their ideas and knowledge to other parts of the world due to their sophisticated warfare techniques and strong armies. Ancient Greek Warfare offers information on the equipment and training used by their armies.

The study of mathematics in ancient Greece, as well as early studies in physics, formed the foundation of all mathematics and sciences today. Every mathematicians and scientists of Ancient Greece is listed at Ancient Greek Scientists.

Pythagorean theorems were used not only for mathematics, but also in music. This early search for knowledge and information resulted in men who were well-versed in many disciplines, and is a great part of the Renaissance revival of classical Greek ideas. The Greek influence on the Renaissance is discussed in The History Channel’s Renaissance.

The interest of the early Greeks in the world outside their own resulted in Ptolemy’s principles of astronomy and the vocabulary of geography. A good source of information on Ptolemy’s contribution to the world is at Claudius Ptolemy.

Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, was the first to study the human body and symptoms of disease. An extensive explanation of his beliefs and accomplishments can be found at Ancient Greek Civilizations and at Hippocrates. Further information can be found at The Greek Contribution to Medicine.

An interesting article on the development of literature and drama in Ancient Greece can be found at Theatre and Drama in Ancient Greece. An overview of Greek literature and poetry can be found at Greek Literature - MSN Encarta and at History of Theatre. An excellent review of a book called Ancient Greek Literature by Tom Whitmarsh can be found at Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2009.01.33.

The advent of college fraternities and sororities in the United States used the first letter of Greek phrases to name their originally secret societies. The Greek culture has spread on college campuses world wide resulting in college students wearing Greek lettered clothing all around campus. Information on the first American fraternity is given at Phi Beta Kappa: The First Fraternity.

Classical Greece is perhaps best known for sculptures and architecture based on perfection and beauty. Discourses on sculpture and architecture can be found at Art and at Greek Architecture, as well as at Architecture in Ancient Greece.

The Greeks also were responsible for the first Olympics, discussed in detail in Olympics. The first use of gymnasiums as places for the education and physical development of young men took place in Ancient Greece.

So much of our world today was influenced by the works and ideas of this ancient society and our debt to Greece is unsurpassed by any other world culture. History of Greece offers more information on Greece’s influence on the world.

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