When one thinks of a time where civilizations in ancient history ruled, it is almost impossible to not think of Ancient Greece as one of the most influential societies in all of historical western civilization. From its contributions to philosophy, literature, mathematics, government, and architecture, Ancient Greece is responsible for several foundations and additions into the framework of the modern world. Although there are several components that can be highlighted, I believe that the two that stand out the most are the foundations of government, and the development of architectural forms and sculpture.
The birthplace of democracy can be tied back to the roots of Ancient Greece. The word democracy in the Ancient Greek language is referred to as demokratia (Oxford, 2013). Directly translated, the word means “the power of rule through people”. Obviously, this means that the Greeks believed that government should be ruled by the people, and the people’s voice and opinions mattered. The reason why this can be viewed as so important, is because several nations around the world have adopted the democratic approach to governing and rule. What I found to be so interesting and intriguing is how the Greeks thought ahead to establish ways to elect and vote those who they wanted to represent them. The Greeks established their own forms of congress and house of representatives which are two staples in modern day democracy and governing. Furthermore, these values of having the peoples voices and beliefs be heard and appreciated are what cultivated cultural values and norms throughout western Europe and much of western civilization as a whole (Robinson, 1995). For all of the nations who today practice democratic government and rule, the Ancient Greek model is ingrained within their infrastructure.
Another key component of Ancient Greek culture was architecture and sculptures. Although there are several pieces of Ancient Greek art that can be highlighted, I believe that the one that stands out amongst all is the Parthenon. A true piece of historial brilliance, the Parthenon is renown as one of the ancient and modern wonders of the world. The reason why the Parthenon is so famous is not only due to its size and location, but also due to the materials used and various style forms of the columns. The Parthenon introduced the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian column orders which are architectural components that are still used in modern architecture today (Stanier, 1953). The use of marble flooring and layout also set the tone for architecture and design within the western and modern day civilizations as well (Osborne, 1987). As the Parthenon still stands today, its serves as reminder of what Ancient Greece stood for, and how the influence of a structure and culture can infiltrate and persuade ideas and beliefs within the modern world.
For me personally, as a native Greek, I am very proud of my countries history and culture. I have visited the Parthenon on several occasions and it truly is amazing to see how such a masterpiece influenced sculptures and architecture around the world. Furthermore, the idea of democracy is one that I can truly appreciate as the United States is the land of the people and free. It feels good to know that my ancestors are a responsible party for the freedoms and governing style that I am lucky to have and be a part of in present day life. Ancient Greece served as a model for success, and that is why it has been mimicked throughout several nations in the world. I am certainly proud of my heritage and culture, and it is something that I will always carry with me throughout my life and future experiences.
References:
Democracy. (2013). In Oxford Dictionaries online.
Google.com “images”
Osborne, R. (1987). The viewing and obscuring of the Parthenon frieze. The Journal of Hellenic Studies, 107, 98-105. doi:10.2307/630073
Robinson, D. (1995). An intellectual history of psychology. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press.
Stanier, R. (1953). The Cost of the Parthenon. The Journal of Hellenic Studies, 73, 68-76. doi:10.2307/628237