...Greek and Roman made significant contributions to the Western heritage perhaps they were responsible formulation of the tradition of government. Greece had the first democracy, but Rome had the first republic. All citizens could participate in the government in Greece. Rome arose from the Greek democratic government and established a sharing of the administration with checks and balances. Both Greeks and Romans believed in justice and the equality of people to a certain extent. The Greeks allowed all citizens, rich and poor, to participate in government. The Romans emphasis on the idealization of each individual is reflected in the art and architecture of these civilizations, beginning with Classical Athens. From 1900- 133 BC, Greece’s impact on the Western world is still in effect today. As the Greeks extended their empire, they spread their ideas to other countries, while also scrounging from other cultures. In Greek art, the focus is on an anatomically correct representation of the individual, either in an idealized fashion as during the Classical period, or a more emotionally truthful representation, as during the Hellenistic Period of Greek art. Roman art stole many of Greece's art and architecture, but Rome also added a customized deal to the architecture of the ancient world with its more evolved technical advancement, as evidenced in the Coliseum and its triumphal arches, they were dedicated to celebrating the glory of the state and the very human-like gods or goddesses...
Words: 343 - Pages: 2
...The Greeks used complex art forms in order to tell narratives, especially those surrounding Greek mythology. The ancient Greeks depicted their deities as religious figures in human form; focusing on symmetry and accurate proportions in relation to the human body. This is evident in the statue of Hermes and the Infant Dionysus. This statue depicts two Greek gods, Hermes and Dionysus, in loving and affectionate poses. The messenger god, Hermes, is believed to be showing his half brother, the young god of wine, Dionysus, a cluster of grapes in his outstretched arm. Hermes stands in the typical Classical era pose called “contrapposto, or counterpose in Greek” (Kleiner). This is demonstrated through the s-shape that is created by his outstretched left leg which bears most of the weight. The movement of Hermes’ contrapposto gives a sense of movement and life to the piece that earlier pieces lacked. Though Dionysus does not appear to be in accurate proportions for his size, Hermes appears to be a realistic interpretation of the human body. This standard of aesthetic beauty and accurate proportions is still relevant worldwide. Hermes’ perfect youthful features are etched out in order to portray a sense of beauty. Many modern artists continue to portray this perfection of beauty. Photoshop, for example, is used in order to create perfect images and blur imperfections. The Greeks valued aesthetic beauty, symmetry, and form. Their narratives...
Words: 1378 - Pages: 6
...The Two Most Significant Social or Political Changes by Martin Luther Nefertiti Aziz GKE TASK 2A Western Governors University There are many great reformers of history like Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Benazir Bhutto but I chose to write my essay on Martin Luther who in my opinion one of the greatest reformers of all time . Without even planning to Martin Luther would become one of the great reformers of Christianity and alter the course of Christianity and Western past forever. To me the two most significant social or political changes that occurred as a result of the actions of Martin Luther was the writing of the “Ninety-Nine Theses” with led to the protestant reformation and the translation of the bible in Germany Born to father Hans and mother Margaretta in Eisleben, Germany, in 1483, Martin Luther was one of a family of ten. Although Martin was born in Eisleben his father Hans a prominent business moved his family to Mansfeld and from there Martin went on to become one of the most significant figures in history. In his younger year Martin Luther spent his time as monk and scholar but in 1517 Martin Luther produced a document condemning the Catholic Church's unethical customs of retailing “pleasures” to pardon wickedness. His “Ninety-Five Theses”, which promoted two central beliefs, the first belief is that the Bible is the fundamental religious authority and the second was that individuals may grasp...
Words: 814 - Pages: 4
...universities revealed that Greek affiliation had a weak positive relationship with engagement and gains in learning. The effects for Greek affiliation were stronger for seniors than first-year students. During the past 4 decades, the role of fraternities and sororities on college campuses has come under increasing scrutiny (see Clark, 1962; Jakobsen, 1986; Kuh, Pascarella, & Wechsler, 1996; Maisel, 1990; Winston & Saunders, 1987). Critics of the Greek system have pointed to research showing that membership in a fraternity or sorority is associated with higher levels of alcohol use (Wechsler, Kuh, & Davenport, 1996), lower levels of personal development (Wilder, Hoyt, Doren, Hauck, & Zettle, 1978; Wilder, Hoyt, Surbeck, Wilder, & Carney, 1986), and lower levels of academic achievement (Blimling, 1993; Pike & Askew, 1990). Recently, criticisms of the Greek system have intensified and focused on research results showing that Greek affiliation can have negative effects on students’ learning and intellectual development (Pascarella et al., 1996). Based on results of the National Study of Student Learning (NSSL), Kuh et al. (1996, p. A68) concluded: “Fraternities are indifferent to academic values and seem to short-change [sic] the education of many members.” NSSL researchers recommended that “rush and new-member activities, especially for White men, might be deferred to the second semester—or even the second year—of college” (Pascarella et al., p. 189). Evidence that Greek affiliation is associated...
Words: 6477 - Pages: 26
...‘Which of the themes in Euripides’ ‘Medea’ develop the plot more significantly than others?’ (45 marks) In the Medea, by Euripides, there are many themes which are portrayed in a variety of ways through most of the characters in the play. These include: The role of men/women in Greek society, marriage/love, the importance of oaths, and parents/children. Plot development is when a theme helps the plot move on in the play; it could be considered that ‘the importance of oaths’ is more significant in developing the plot than the other themes. The theme of ‘the importance of oaths’ is a very significant theme in terms of plot development. This is because oaths are very important to Medea, and actually form the basis of the play. When Medea helped Jason with the trials of the Golden Fleece, and even turned against her own father, King Aeëtes, to help him; Jason vowed to always protect her and stay with her. However he broke these vows by marrying Glauce, which angered Medea the most and caused her to carry out her actions within the play. It was not the fact that Jason left her, which upset Medea the most, but more the idea that he broke these oaths. The importance of oaths to Medea is thus emphasised within the interaction with Aegeus, King of Athens, whom Medea makes vow that he will give her sanctuary in Athens after she escapes Corinth. The fact that she made him swear an oath, also emphasises Medea’s mistrust in men. Had this oath-swearing not been the case, then Medea may...
Words: 1526 - Pages: 7
...examples of diverse culture due to their capabilities of spreading ideas and trade internationally and in exchange for resulting achievements much more beneficial towards them. The Byzantine Empire, although, was deeply influenced by the Roman administration after being the eastern region of the Roman Empire before the split, it also contained Greek elements due to the majority of Greek speaking citizens. The Byzantine Empire served to preserve Roman and Greek culture, allowed the spread of new religion and achievements through cultural diffusion. When the western region of the Roman Empire collapsed in 475, libraries and places of literature were destroyed under the chaos and much of the records kept by the civilization were lost. The eastern half managed to become an independent empire of its own, known today as; The Byzantine Empire. As a result, the Byzantine alone served to preserve the Roman and Greek culture in place of the diminishing western region. Among the preservation saved by Emperor Justinian, the ones that became most significant were the Roman Laws. Justinian then expanded on the law code based on the original Roman Laws to create the Justinian’s Code. The Justinian’s Code served as the governing system for numerous western countries. The occurrence of cultural diffusion also significantly impacts the Byzantine society. Not only were the capable of preserving culture, they were also able to spread ideas with other parts of the world and in exchange,...
Words: 583 - Pages: 3
... Greek Theatre Greek theatre was the epitome of theatre. It brought many different aspects to western civilization and our theatre system. The things you see in most of the American theatrical styles came straight from Greek style of theatre from long ago. Although our times are different from the rise of Greek theatre, the modern day theatre in western civilization it has somehow managed to tame the style of Greek theatre and cause a resurgence. Greek theatre has strongly influenced western civilizations style of the theatre throughout the years, and is causing it to resurge. This is a great thing, most people would think leave the past in the past, but this part of the past is very complex. The history of the Greeks style of theatre has paved the way for our modern day theatre and has enhanced the performance style by combining both styles. Modern theatre has created their own way of how theatre should be conducted, but in the end it was greatly influenced by Greek theatre. The resurgence of Greek theatre has begun to take place within our school systems. Most public or private school is requiring every student to at least take one level of theatre history, or performance theatre courses. This is a solution people can take so that the Greek styles of theatre will never die. We must continue to teach our generation and many more after us about the importance of Greek theatre. Everything is being modified now days with modern...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
...make it great including: government, specialized work, record keeping, complex institutions, and advanced technology. The Greeks had the majority of these factors in their civilization, which contributed to their success. The Greeks’ government changed multiple times throughout their history and caused them to have multiple types of governments and leaders. All these power changes brought new ideas that helped their civilizations survive, including a new way of medicine. These power struggles also made people begin to think and questions their lives through the study of philosophy. One of the civilizations...
Words: 1351 - Pages: 6
...Ancient calendars kept track of significant astrological events to mark different times of the year. For agricultural societies, this was especially important. A successful harvest was dependent on starting the planting season at the right time. After years of observations and trial and error, ancient peoples were able to predict the patterns of the sun and distinguish the timing of each season. Ancient Egyptians tracked the stars and invented a calendar that would allow them to predict when the Nile would flood. One of the best examples of an early civilization that developed an elaborate calendar system is the Mayans. They had a ritual calendar composed of 13 months, with 20 days in each month, and a 365 day solar calendar (Welser-Sherrill 2007). Their calendar was impressively...
Words: 1269 - Pages: 6
...the most significant events in the history of western civilization. It deals with the evidences which show the reality of Trojan War and that did it really happen or not? It also concerns with efforts and campaigns which were performed in order to find out the existence of Troy and reality of this city. Keywords: Trojan War, Troy, Greece, Legendary, Epic, Homer, Iliad, Archeologist, Turkey, Dig, Excavation, Discover Introduction The Trojan War is one of the most legendary stories of the history. It was said that the cause of the war was when Trojan Prince named Paris went to Greece and kidnapped the beautiful Greek princess Helen. It is believed that the sea trading Mycenae was a cause of the war. But Greek tradition reveals that the romantic cause-kidnapping of the princess- is believed as the cause of the war. Generally, the legend tells us that Prince Paris Alexander of Troy took Queen Helen of Sparta away and brought her back with him to Troy. So the Greeks sailed to Troy in order to rescue the princess Helen. Under their leader Agamemnon, the Greeks attacked Troy for nine years. Because of the massive wall surrounding the city all the fighting took place outside of Troy which totally prevented the Greeks from entering and getting the control of the city. This was a big disadvantage for the Greeks. The legend introduces great heroes from both sides. Each side had a strong belief in Gods and Goddesses and believed they aided them in the war. For the Greeks, the gods...
Words: 1769 - Pages: 8
...Comparing Sculptures of Ancient India and Greece Andelle Gregoire World Cultures I Abstract Overall, Greek and Indian art had many similarities and differences. Even though they lived far away and had different beliefs, their depicted the same topics: Gods and goddesses, animals, royalty, myths, everyday life, and sports. Jewelry wise, they both used a lot of gold, although Indians used more beads and gems. In sculpture, Greeks mostly used stone, and Indians used a variety of materials. Their paintings were also very similar. Architecture was quite different. Greek architecture used the golden ratio, and their buildings were usually made of marble. They used Doric and ionic columns to hold the roof of the building up. Indian buildings had elaborate designs carved in them, like people dancing, or gods and goddess. Comparing Sculptures of Ancient India and Greece Indians and Greeks alike loved showing myths and gods on their sculptures and pottery, but they styles were different, as the Greek used the red-figure pottery style, with black backgrounds and red figures that only were shown after they were fired in the kiln. Indians used simple but beautiful painted, unglazed pottery. Indians, too, did not put as much emphasis on sports in sculpture than the Greeks. Ancient Greeks has sculptures depicting gods and goddesses, royalty, animals, and sports, like Olympic events. Greek pottery depicted stories, myths, everyday life, and sports as well. Ancient India had statues of gods...
Words: 1472 - Pages: 6
...Literature and Philosophy Ancient Greek intellectuals also made influential developments in literature. We owe most of our best selling novel genres to when they first defined in Greece, throughout the 400s B.C. where topics such as comedy, tragedy, poetry and philosophy were born. During the Archaic period of Greece writing, the earliest period, individuals told aloud stories in the form of legends or fables. The famous writer Homer emerged from this time frame and wrote epics inspired by events occurring in the Greece Dark Ages. Homer’s most popular poems were the Iliad and the Odyssey, creating a story, that has been modified throughout the years of retelling, taking place during and after the Trojan War between Greece and Troy. In 1795, Friedrich August Wolf came up with a contradictory idea, debating Homer's existence bringing forth the great Homeric...
Words: 925 - Pages: 4
...The people of ancient Greece lived nearly 4,000 years ago. Yet even today, their culture impacts our lives! We received many gifts from the ancient Greeks. Ancient Greek Inventions are in fact the original concepts of some of our most well known products, to this day. Those original concepts have just taken on a more modern form. OLYMPICS: The first Olympics games are usually given the start year of 776 BCE, but they probably began even sooner. The ancient Greeks loved competitions of all sorts, especially sporting competitions. The Olympics were not the onlycompetition games held in ancient Greece, but they were the most popular. The Greeks took the Olympic games quite seriously. Nearly all the ancient Greek cities sent teams to participate in the ancient Greek Olympics. If two or more Greek city-states happen to be at war with each other when the game date arrived, war was halted for the duration of the games. Everyone wanted their city-state to win! Sciences Greece has importantly influenced the Western science in many ways. The Ancient Greeks especially contributed many things to the scientific world, from medicine to astronomy. The most famous ancient Greek scientists and their work are briefly described below. Thales of Miletus (640-610 to ca 548-545 BC) had travelled widely in quest of knowledge, visiting Crete, Phoenicia, and Egypt. Ηe brought Phoenician navigational techniques into Miletus. Thales is also said to have tried to revise the calendar. He also...
Words: 2283 - Pages: 10
...Democracy Democracy is a word frequently used in British Politics. We are constantly told that we live in a democracy in Britain and that our political system is "democratic" and that nations that do not match these standards are classed as "undemocratic". The concept of "democracy" is contestable. It is understood by many people to mean a form of government in which a significant portion of the governed society has a franchise to elect members of the governing body. Other observers would argue that a "true" democracy is a system of government that embraces a universal adult franchise. While flaws exist in all democratic systems of government, most advocates accept Churchill's dictum that contemporary democracy as we know it is the least bad of all systems of government. What is democracy? The popular understanding of the term "democracy" is that there are three basic forms: direct, representative and constitutional. Direct democracy is a form of government in which the right to participate in making political decisions is exercised directly by all citizens, acting under procedures of majority rule. In large states, direct or participative democracy is not possible. Representative democracy is a form of government in which the citizens exercise the same right of participation in making political decisions, not in person but through elected representatives. However, different representative political structures can produce substantially different outcomes. There is no simple...
Words: 2847 - Pages: 12
...1. In Greece the banks didn’t sink the country. The country sank the banks. Discuss this view. Which are the main differences between the Greek crisis and the crisis of Ireland and Portugal? The main cause of the Greek crisis is the ongoing disclosure of statistics that were well hidden from the eyes of the public, leaving people in ignorance about their own country and the future. When the figures started to become revealed, breaking up the shocking news about the forgery that lasted for over 30 years, it left the world in wonder – how is it possible to disclose such a thing for so long, and how is it possible that such action remains unpunished? The problems caused by the global recession were compounded by revelations that national statistics had been altered in order to cover the fact that Greece, in terms of debt levels, exceeded limits set down by the EU. The country's debt is already well over 100 percent of GDP and is still rising. According to euro zone rules, total government debt should not exceed 60 percent of GDP. The country's budget deficit in 2009 was almost 13 percent of GDP, more than four times the 3 percent limit allowed in the euro zone. But beyond the debt there is more deficit. What Greeks did when they got all this borrowed money, they gave away incredible sums to citizens, raised the wages to such an extent that it created a serious budget deficit. Inefficient Government? Corrupted mentality? Call it as you like, but it caused consequences that citizens...
Words: 2957 - Pages: 12
