Greek Philosophy & Culture
Ancient Greece introduced the principles of democracy on a large scale for the first time in history. In addition, ancient Greek philosophers worked with concepts that are still being debated and discussed today.
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Social Structure
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Greek society was divided between Free Men (who had rights) and slaves (who had no rights). Women were excluded from politics and philosophy, and their status was linked to their husband.
Government
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Ancient Greece was divided into semi-independent city states. The most powerful of these were Athens and Sparta.
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Philosophers
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Greek philosophers such as Socrates and Plato discussed the forms and purpose of government at length. Aristotle, meanwhile, laid the foundations for modern science with his investigations into zoology and biology.
Theatre
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Classical tragedy and comedy were perfected in ancient Greece. The term "deus ex machina" (referring to a sudden, unforeseen and unmotivated occurrence that resolves a plot) comes from ancient Greek theater.
Contributions
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Ancient Greece contributed much to the founding principles of democracy. In addition, Greek mathematicians such as Pythagoras developed many of our basic mathematical theorems.
Modern Greece
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The arrival of Balkan and North African immigrant communities brought a multicultural element to modern Greece. Today, Greece has developed into a modern European nation with a tourism-centered economy. In 2004, Greece hosted the Summer Olympic Games.
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