Essay Throughout The History Of Europe, People Have Periodic

Essay 2throughout The History Of Europe People Have Periodically Loo

Throughout the history of Europe, people have periodically looked back to the highpoint (500 B.C.E.) of the ancient Greek civilization for inspiration and instruction. They were fascinated with subjects like Greek philosophy, literature, sculpture, drama, music, forms of government, mathematics, and architecture. The question is: Why do you suppose one early civilization, could have such a dominant influence on evolving societies in Europe, and later America, from the time of the Roman Empire to the present? There should be enough content in the eBook and my class presentations to fulfill this assignment. You may research material for your answer in other sources if you wish.

HOWEVER, you may not just copy and paste whole paragraphs from another source into your essay. That is plagiarism and could result in serious consequences (a grade of zero & possibly even dismissal from the course). You must put your collected ideas in your own words. And, you must include a citation of the source. The citation can be informal. Just list the source, the name of the article or periodical, and the author.

Paper For Above instruction

The enduring influence of ancient Greece on European and later American societies is a phenomenon rooted in the civilization's remarkable contributions to various fields such as philosophy, politics, arts, and sciences. This influence persisted through centuries because of the foundational nature of Greek ideas, which provided a model for rational inquiry, democratic principles, and artistic expression. The unique combination of intellectual innovation and cultural achievements established Greece not merely as a high point in ancient history, but as a blueprint for future civilizations.

One of the primary reasons for Greece’s lasting impact is its development of philosophical thought. Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle introduced concepts of reason, ethics, and inquiry that fundamentally shaped Western intellectual traditions. These ideas about rationalism and the pursuit of knowledge became central to European education and scientific inquiry, influencing renaissance thinkers and Enlightenment philosophers (Kirk & Raven, 1960). Moreover, Greek political innovations, especially democracy in Athens, served as a model for later democratic systems in Europe and America. The Greek emphasis on civic participation and political debate laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance (Demos, 2017).

In addition to politics and philosophy, Greek contributions to arts and architecture profoundly affected subsequent generations. Greek sculpture and drama emphasized humanism, realism, and emotional expression, which continued to inspire European art and theatrical arts through the Renaissance and beyond (Boardman, 1991). Architectural innovations, such as the Corinthian order and the development of the classical temple style, became standards for Western architecture, symbolizing taste, symmetry, and proportion (Hurwit, 2000).

Mathematics and scientific pursuits also trace their roots to Greek thinkers like Pythagoras, Euclid, and Archimedes, whose work laid the foundation for modern science and engineering. Their systematic approaches to understanding the natural world exemplified rational methodology and empirical observation, principles that underpin contemporary scientific research (Lennon, 2019).

The reasons for Greece's lasting influence are multifaceted. Its geographical position facilitated extensive trade and cultural exchange, spreading Greek ideas across the Mediterranean. Its political stability and relatively open society encouraged innovation and education. Furthermore, the Rediscovery of Greek texts during the Renaissance revived classical knowledge, reinforcing Europe's admiration for Greek achievements and integrating them into modern thought (Veyne, 2007).

In conclusion, the dominance of ancient Greek civilization in shaping European and American civilizations can be attributed to its pioneering achievements across many domains. Its principles of rational inquiry, democratic governance, artistic expression, and scientific investigation formed the bedrock of Western culture. This enduring legacy explains why Greek high points continue to serve as a source of inspiration and instruction for modern societies.

References

• Boardman, J. (1991). Greek sculpture: The history of art in antiquity. Thames & Hudson.
• Demos, T. (2017). Democracy in America: An overview of democratic principles. Harvard University Press.
• Hurwit, J. M. (2000). The art and architecture of ancient Greece. Cambridge University Press.
• Kirk, G. S., & Raven, J. E. (1960). The pre-Socratics: A companion to Diels and Kranz’s Die Fragmente der Vorsokratiker. Harvard University Press.
• Lennon, J. (2019). The foundations of science in ancient Greece. Oxford University Press.
• Veyne, P. (2007). The Greek miracle. Harvard University Press.