Ancient Greece Introduction

Mr. Curia's History Class

I hope you had a good break and got to relax. Now that you're back here in class, let's refresh ourselves on rules and expectations!

Home of the Marathon

​From architecture, to sports, to philosophy and politics, Greek culture and writings have shaped European civilization and history in major ways.​

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In ancient times, Greek Language, culture, and mythology spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Traditional figures, such as the goddess Athena, were featured in art and on pottery and other household objects.

In

time, ancient Greek civilization was absorbed by the more powerful Romans. Because the Romans imitated Greek culture in many ways, the achievements of the Greeks in politics, philosophy, and literature were passed on through the centuries. In this way, the ancient Greeks continue to influence Western civilization.

​The gods and goddesses of Greek mythology are part of our most enduring literature.   As shown here, the goddess Athena is usually depicted with a helmet ready for battle.

Greek influence

Some modern scholars have suggested that superheroes fill a similar cultural role to ancient Greek Gods.

Do you think that makes sense? What characteristics do superheroes share with ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses? How are they different?​

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​In New Gods, Jack Kirby makes this idea clear.

​Gods as archetypes

Athens, Greece, had one of the earliest forms of democracy in the world. The founders of the United States government were influenced by Greek ideas about government and citizenship.

​​Government

​Greek architecture influenced American architecture in the early 1800s, and many of the buildings of Washington, D.C., in particular, have elements of Greek architecture in them.

Architecture​

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Many popular modern forms of literature, including dramas and epic poems, were first created by the ancient Greeks. Characters and themes from Greek mythology have been used throughout Western literature.

Literature