Greek Achievements Slides

Legacy of the Greeks

#1: Greek Democracy

  • Foundation of democracy (rule by the people) began in Athens.

    • Athenian citizens participate in government decisions by voting.

    • Council proposes laws, and free men over 18 vote to create laws.

#2: Greek Literature and Drama

  • Notable figures: Homer, author of The Odyssey and The Iliad.

    • These texts are part of global literature curriculums.

  • Importance of dramas in ancient Greece; the first to develop comedies and tragedies.

  • Theaters designed so that all audience members could see the action.

Activity - Greek Literature and Drama

  • Examine seating arrangement in theaters and discuss its effectiveness for visibility and audibility.

#3: Greek Architecture

  • Greeks known for their architectural talent.

    • The Parthenon: famous marble temple built in honor of the goddess Athena.

    • Use of columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) and mural decorations of mythological scenes.

#4: Greek Mathematics

  • Ancient Greek mathematicians made significant contributions still in use today.

    • Pi used for circumference calculation.

    • Euclid: established proofs that form the basis of modern geometry.

    • Pythagoras: developed the Pythagorean Theorem, relating sides of a right triangle.

Activity - Greek Mathematics

  • Solve for "C" using the Pythagorean Theorem where a = 3 and b = 4.

#5: Greek Philosophy

  • Prominent philosophers:

    • Socrates: emphasized education's goal to improve the individual.

    • Plato: questioned the nature of reality.

    • Aristotle: introduced analysis based on observation, leading to the scientific method.

#6: Greek Astronomy and Geography

  • Greeks established that the sun is larger than the earth.

    • Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's circumference and demonstrated it is round.

    • Ptolemy proposed the geocentric model, believing Earth was the center of the universe, a misconception for 14 centuries.

#7: Greek Engineering

  • Archimedes: utilized engineering for significant inventions.

    • Designed levers and screws for lifting heavy objects and pumping water.

    • Invented war machines using reflective metals to focus sunlight.

#8: Greek Art

  • Early Greek sculpture focused on life-sized figures, showcasing realism and human movement.

    • Artists aimed to represent "ideal human beauty," often depicted through nude sculptures.