Greece

Introduction

Greek civilization arose between the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean around 2000 BC. Formed after the migration of nomadic tribes of Indo-European origin, for example, Achaeans, Ionians, Dorians and Aeolian. The polis (city-state), so that characterized the political life of the Greeks, emerged around the eighth century BC The two most important polis of Greece were Sparta and Athens.

Expansion of the Greek people (Diaspora)

By the seventh century BC and BC occur several migrations of the Greek people to various points of the Mediterranean Sea, as a consequence of large population growth, internal conflicts and the need for new areas for agriculture. In Thrace, the Greeks founded colonies in the southern part of the Italian peninsula and in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Conflicts and disagreements among the colonies of Asia Minor and the Persian Wars the famous Medical causes (492 BC to 448 BC), where the Greeks are victorious.Sparta and Athens become involved in the Peloponnesian War (431 BC to 404 BC), conquered by Sparta. In the year 359 BC, the Greek polis are dominated and controlled by the Macedonians.

Society of Ancient Greece

The economy of the Greeks was based on the cultivation of olives, wheat and vineyards. The Greek handicrafts, especially pottery, had wide acceptance in the Mediterranean Sea. The amphorae transported Greek wines, olive oils and perfumes to the four corners of the peninsula. With the maritime trade Greeks achieved great development and has even minting metal coins. The slaves, debtors or prisoners of war were used as manpower in Greece. Each state had its own form political-administrative, social organization and tutelary gods.

Culture and religion

It was in ancient Greek city of Olympia, the Olympic Games that came to honor the gods. The Greeks also developed a rich mythology. Even today the Greek mythology is a reference for studies and books. The philosophy also reached an amazing development, mainly in Athens in the fifth century (Classical Period of Greece). Plato and Socrates are the best known philosophers of this period.

The Greek drama may also be highlighted. Almost all Greek cities had theaters, where actors had dramas or comedies, wearing masks. Poetry, history, art and architecture were very important in Greek culture.

The Greek polytheistic religion was marked by a strong brand humanist. The gods had human characteristics and gods. Greek heroes (demi-gods) were the sons of gods with mortals. Zeus, god of gods, commanded all the rest of the top of Mount Olympus. We can highlight other Greek gods: Athena (goddess of the arts), Apollo (Sun god), Artemis (goddess of hunting and protector of cities), Aphrodite (goddess of love and bodily beauty), Demeter (goddess of harvests ), Hermes (messenger of the gods) among others. Greek mythology was also very important in the life of this civilization, because through the myths and legends the Greeks conveyed important messages and teachings.

The Greeks also used to consult the gods in the oracle of Delphi. They believed that this sacred place, the gods were advising on issues of everyday life and discovering the facts that could happen in the future.In architecture, the Greeks erected palaces, temples and citadels of marble on top of mountains. Policy decisions, especially in Athens, a city where did the Greek democracy, were taken in the Agora (public space for political debate.)

www.suapesquisa.com