Greek Influence On Modern Culture

Greek influence is evident in modern day art, music, philosophy, religion, and many other aspects. As astounding as it may seem that traces of an ancient culture can last thousands of years, it is due to the rise and development of the Greeks and the conflicts that continued to develop and refine the civilization.

In the democracy of our government and the paintings that hang in museums, Greek influence is a major part of modern culture. For example, the Greeks developed a form of democracy, which influenced the form of the American Government. Greeks influenced Modern education as well, not only were forms of math such as geometry and algebra developed, philosophical ideals about religion, consciousness, and nature were suggested. Ancient

For example, the Minoans, who inhabited Crete, weren’t considered Greek(Perry), but did have an impact upon the Greeks. Minoans were traders, and as such received many goods that the Greeks may not have had. When the Greeks invaded the Minoans, they may have discovered several traded goods that were incorporated in to the Greek lifestyle as well as systems of trade and other cultural aspects of the Minoan civilization. The Minoans enjoyed an unhostile lifestyle and practiced the arts, including architecture. An important connection to note is the similarity between the Greek and Minoan lifestyle in terms of the arts. Like the Minoans, Greeks placed great importance on architecture and art and preferred a freer and more peaceful attitude than either the Spartans or Persians. This free-spirited attitude could be another way the Minoan civilization impacted the Greeks. Another group that may have affected the formation of Greece was the Mycenaeans. The Mycenaeans were inverses to the Minoans. These were people of war and enjoyed acquisition through conquest. These were the first Greeks, and they invaded the Minoans. To the Mycenaeans, Myth, lore, and tradition were

Two important city states were the Athens and the Spartans. Both had a powerful military and the two became rivals. Sparta had an incredible military and used its force to take more territory. Because of the rule of king Cyrus, Persia had become more powerful and the next ruler, kind Darius, wanted the Greek city states to submit to Persian rule. This was the start of the Persian wars, as both the Spartans and Athenians refused. Darius sent an army to Athens, and the confrontation of the Greeks and Persians would be known as the Battle of Marathon. Although they were on their own, the Athenians won, much to their surprise. This victory was significant, because it meant that the Persians, although powerful, could be beaten. This however, was not the end as king Darius again sent troops a few years later. This time though, Darius began the attack in the North against the Spartans, who fell. As the Persian militia moved, it destroyed Athenian cities. The Athenians eventually led the Persians to a trap and the Greeks ultimately won. Although the Spartans were defeated twice and had their pride wounded, they defeated the Persians at Plataea. Bitter and resentful at the loss of the battle of marathon, the Persian king Xerxes led a massive attack at Thermopylae and crushed the Greeks. This loss did not destroy the Greek’s spirit, as the sacrifice of several hundred