Notable Ancient Greeks

Socrates

(ca. 470-399 B.C.E.) Shifted the emphasis of philosophical investigation from questions of natural science to ethics and human behavior. Famous for his method of questioning. Teacher of Plato. Known as the "gadfly"

Plato

(430-347 BCE) Was a disciple of Socrates whose cornerstone of thought was his theory of Forms, in which there was another world of perfection. Founded the Academy and teacher of Aristotle.
The Dialogues
The Apology
The Republic

Aristotle

(384-322 BCE) Student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Founder of the school at the Lyceum.
Nichomanchean Ethics
Politics
Metaphysics
Poetics

Herodotus

Greek Historian, considered the father of History. He came from a Greek community in Anatolia and traveled extensively, collecting information in western Asia and the Mediterranean lands.
Histories

Thucydides

Father of political reason and scientific history.
History of the Peloponnese War

Archimedes

(287-212 BCE) Greek mathematician and inventor. He wrote works on plane and solid geometry, arithmetic, and mechanics. He is best known for the lever and pulley, screw, his use of naval warfare, and his discovery of pi.

Pythagoras

A Greek philosopher and mathematician, this man was credited with the discovery that numbers are useful for more than counting physical things. First to coin the term philosopher. Discovered relationship between math and music.

Euclid

(circa 300 BCE), Greek mathematician. Considered to be the father of modern geomertry.
Elements
Optics
Data

Hippocrates

"Founder of Medicine" During the Golden Age in Greece he was a scientist that believed all diseases came from natural causes. He also had high ideals for physicians & an oath was made that is still used today.

Pericles

Athenian leader noted for advancing democracy in Athens and for ordering the construction of the Parthenon.

Epicureanism

School of philosophy founded by Epicurus. It emphasizes love of physical pleasure, such as good food, good friends, comfortable surroundings.
"Happiness is the goal of life."

Stoicism

Philosophical school of the Hellenistic world, founded by Zeno. Happiness comes from following reason, not emotions and doing your duty as citizens.

Eratosthenes

I was in charge of the library at Alexandria. I used my knowledge of geometry and astronomy to measure Earth's circumference. I said "the earth is round."

Aristarchus

I said "the Earth circles the Sun."

Thespis

The first actor; went on tour w/ players; stepped away from chorus and spoke with the chorus.

Aeschylus

Father of tragedy; First of three great tragedians.
The Orestia

Sophocles

Second of three great tragedians.
Oedipus at Kolonos
Oedipus Rex
Antigone

Euripedes

Last of three great tragedians; 90 tragedies with strong female characters and smart slaves.
Medea
Trojan Women
Helen

Aristophanes

Father of Comedy
The Archarnians
The Lysistrata
The Birds
The Clouds
The Frogs

Menander

Athenian playwright who is the best example of the New Comedy style, plays about everyday life

Satyr Play

Greek dramatic work with a heroic mythological theme, like a tragedy, but with a humorous tone and a chorus of satyrs. They formed the last part of a tetralogy and were thus always performed after three tragedies. To send the audience away in a good mood.