CLASSICAL GREECE INFLUENCE ON MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of modern Western culture, with significant contributions to fields such as politics, science and mathematics, art, and literature. Some of the most notable Greek contributions include the creation of democracy, the development of the alphabet, the establishment of libraries and standardized medicine, and the invention of trial by jury. Greek mythology has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, with many myths adapted into modern novels, movies, TV shows, video games, and even brands. This paper addresses some of these contributions of the ancient Greece to the modern world (11 Ways Ancient Greece Influenced Modern Society, 2022;
…show more content…
This marked the birth of democracy since Athens was the first to practice it. The democratic government was made up of 6000 assembly members which were all male citizens of Athens. The assembly members were allowed to vote on issues, pass laws and to hold political positions. But these exclude women, slaves, and non-citizens. The western world today also practice democracy but through representatives of the larger population with women inclusive. All people (male and female) have the right to vote and to be voted for. Today, this culture is practiced throughout Europe and other parts of the world (11 Ways Ancient Greece Influenced Modern Society, 2022; Classical Greek Culture (Article) | Khan Academy, n.d.). Science and Mathematics
Greece had produced many scientists and mathematicians who laid the foundation of science and mathematics. Some of the personalities who contributed greatly to the field are Archimedes who brought about modern calculus, geometrical theorems, accurate approximation of Pi and effective levers and pulleys. Eratosthenes was the first to calculate the circumference of the earth. These people laid the foundations for which the western world today is building on (11 Ways Ancient Greece Influenced Modern Society, 2022; Classical Greek Culture (Article) | Khan Academy, n.d.).
Art, Literature and
…show more content…
The Athenian educational system was geared towards arts, literature, choreography, music, and dance. The theater also began in Athens with performance of tragedy plays during religious festivals. The works of Sophocles and Aristophanes formed the basis for theater today. Sculpture of the Greek culture also influenced the modern western culture largely today. Greek artists captured the human form in a way that had never been before. (11 Ways Ancient Greece Influenced Modern Society, 2022; Classical Greek Culture (Article) | Khan Academy, n.d.).
Architecture
The former temple located on the Acropolis known as the Parthenon is one of the well-known Greek Architecture. The Parthenon is known for its many columns (seventeen on the sides and eight at either ends). Also, The Library of Alexandria was built in Egypt under Greek rule. Many public buildings such as churches and libraries are built with columns in modern western society. Example of such building is the United State Capitol (11 Ways Ancient Greece Influenced Modern Society, 2022; Classical Greek Culture (Article) | Khan Academy, n.d.).