Chapter 10: Mediterranean Society: The Greek Phase
Many of the contributions made by Athens during the classical age have continued to influence European and American society up to the present day. First, what are the enduring contributions? Where can you observe them in modern American culture? What was it about Athens at the time that nurtured these developments? Why were these contributions so enormously influential?
The enduring contributions made by Athens include a democratic government and citizenship. Establishing a government based on democratic principles led to a greater representation of the common classes. Solon opened the councils to any citizen wealthy enough to devote time to public affairs, regardless of lineage. This increase
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First and foremost, classical Greece could have utilized their popular religion to shed light on human nature and behavior. They could have constructed myths that held men to a higher pedestal and defined the roles of each gender in the present state. This would have enabled citizens to be more accepting of the lack of opportunities and rights for women. Furthermore, religious cults could encourage the presence of slavery as well as other societal standards. Some cults provided opportunities for women to play roles in society outside the home because women could not participate in legal and political life. This would appeal to women who would like to try other tasks, yet still stick to their defined duty as well. Besides religion, by reinforcing the distinct roles of each gender and caste system, more people would be accustomed to the civilization’s cultural norms. Men went to work, worked in fields, and participated in high positions in government. Thus they were “actual citizens” and Athens was male dominated. On the other hand, women stayed in the house, took care of children, and performed household duties. By establishing laws, reinforcing cultural norms, and using religion as a backbone for slavery and the oppression of women, classical Greece could have mediated this
In Ancient Greece, women had little to no freedom in their lives. For instance, they had no role in politics, leaving that completely to men, were expected to stay indoors for the majority of their lives doing household work because they were under the control of a male relative, usually being their father or husband, and they were not allowed to study medicine. These standards were set by great writers such as Aristotle who wrote of women being inferior to men. He believed women were more emotional, which is why they would be useless in politics, and they were more deceptive and mischievous. Because only men were doctors, many women were dying during childbirth due to the fact that they felt uncomfortable about having a man handle their pregnancy.
One important contribution of Ancient Greek to the Western Culture is Democracy. The very term itself is of Greek derivation, meaning "People’s Rule". Unlike modern states which call themselves "Democratic". For example, Pericles Funeral Oration gave the greatest contribution to our today’s society. In .(Doc. 2) Pericles stated "Our plan of government favors the many instead of the few". Because of this quote it has contributed the society tremendously due to the fact that the democratic society is a direct democracy. Yet in a way, people have the power to overthrow other powerful representatives; Pericles Funeral Oration, gave us the idea of keeping the civilization as a democracy rather than Oligarchy, Monarchy, and many more. Moreover, Solon an Athenian tyrant discussed his thought about democracy. In .(doc. 4) Solon stated, "I drew up laws for bad and good alike, and set straight justice over each". Solon reveals that he has created laws for the good of others. He wanted every individual having the ...
Greek life in most people’s eyes is considered to be joining a sisterhood or brotherhood such as a sorority or a fraternity. Greek life is an extremely large part in numerous universities. More than half of the students are actually members of a Greek organization. Some may say that Greek life is not for them, but they truly do not know all of the advantages that come from being a member of a Greek organization. Do they realize how several of our nation’s leaders were members of Greek life probably not, since most of them were? One should join Greek life, not only for abundant friendships gained, but because of advantages, for example leadership skills and along with the countless networking
According to research, the role of women in classical Greece was extremely limited. Men and women were segregated all over in the Greek society, even in the home (Source 9). Women were secluded in their homes to the point of not being able to leave their own quarters except on special religious occasions or as necessity dictated (Source 10). All women were tightly controlled and confined to the home to insure that their husbands were provided legitimate male heirs. Beyond this, women had no true value (Source 6). Clearly, male domination in Greek society was like enslavement to women. A marriage contract dated 92 B.C. can be located in Women's Life in Greece & Rome by Mary R. Lefkowitz and Maureen B. Fant which defines unacceptable behavior within the union of marriage. The document requires that both husband and wife be chaste within the context of the household, but although nothing prevents ...
Athens had a better system of citizenship because all social classes of free men could become citizens. The Old Oligarch states that “It is the poor which mans the fleet and has brought Athens her power (Doc. B).” Athens let all social classes receive citizenship having put all the free men through a great
When thinking of ancient Greece, images of revolutionary contrapposto sculpture, ornate lecture halls, and great philosophers in togas are sure to come to mind. As the birthplace of democracy and western philosophy, ancient Greece has had an inordinate influence on the progression of the modern world. However, the ancient Greeks’ treatment of women is seemingly at direct odds with their progressive and idealistic society.
Officially titled the Hellenic Republic, Greece is a country whose historical and cultural heritage continues to influence the modern world through art, philosophy and politics. Greece is located in southern europe. Critically placed at the byroads of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. Greece shares land borders with four countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Republic of Macedonia. The country is greatly consumed by water to the south with over 1,400 islands, the largest of them being Crete. Over eighty percent of Greece is of mountains, the largest and most culturally significant being mount Olympus, which in Greek mythology is the resting place of the twelve olympians. Greece is a country which is filled with aesthetically pleasing landmarks which have existed for thousands of years and are deemed historically significant. These include, but are not limited to the Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens, Panathenaic stadium, Mount Athos, Sounion (where the temple of Poseidon lays), Temple of Hephaestus and Theatre of Dionysus. These are just a few of the influential landmarks this authentic country possesses.
In both ancient Sumer and Greece, their upper classes contained the royal family and land-owning politicians (Cartwright, Salmon 1). The jobs that fell into these classes were typically soldiers and political figures, but in Sumer, priests were also in the upper class (1). The third class in Greece and second class in Sumer were similar because they were both very rich, much like the highest class, yet could not buy land, making it impossible to be involved in politics (1). They were also similar in the lowest official class, the working class (1). These men worked strenuous, long hours to provide very little (1). Jobs included in this class were farmers or architects (1). They were also sadly, a majority of the population (1). The slaves in Greece and Sumer were very poorly treated, much like any other type of slave (1). Ways to get into this class were also very similar (1). The first option was to sell yourself or a family member into slavery in order to get out of debt (1). The second option was to be kidnapped or taken as a prisoner of war (1). The last aspect of these ancient societies’ social structure was the role of women. Women in these times were not very included in everyday society other than working around the house (1). The women of the richer classes could afford an education while the women of lower classes were stuck around the house only there to complete household tasks (1). Women of these times were not only disrespected in the way that they were treated as property instead of people, but also the fact that they were locked inside to complete only housework (1). Clearly, Ancient Sumer and Greece were very similar between their social classes and social structure
The role of women in society is often debated. In many ancient cultures, women were not granted the same rights that men had. When it comes to Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, women had very similar roles yet vastly different influences on society. The myths of these cultures helps us to see exactly what those differences are. This paper will examine the role and perceptions of women in Greek society and Roman society as exemplified by the mythology that guided these societies.
When you think of ancient Greece, you probably think of togas, polytheism, epic heros, and olives. But do you how women were treated or veiwed? There is quite a lot of evidence displayed throughout manyplays, epics and other documents. Oedipus the King and The Odyssey are two ancient Greek works of literature that exemplify their society perfectly. Ancient Greece was a patriarchial society where women were treated as objects and sex symbols and misogyny was often present.
There are many differences between Athens and Sparta, two of the most important city-states, or poleis, of Ancient Greece. In particular, Athens is located in the greek mainland while Sparta is located in the peloponnese. This essay will address the similarities and differences between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BCE in the areas of Government, Woman’s life, Architecture and education.
The position of women in Classical Athens has often been described as subordinate in comparison to men. Women were categorized in very particular ways: Athenian women were wives, while those who migrated to Athens from other city-states were slaves or prostitutes. Countless literature, from tragedy to comedy and political texts, reinforces the notion that citizen women were meant to serve their husbands within the confines of the oikos and produce legitimate sons in order to further the glory of men while non-Athenian women served their purpose towards men through sexual pleasure. While there may be partial truth to these views, Athenian women played a crucial role in the religious sphere. Religion was directly linked to civic identity and was a fundamental and sacred element of not only a city-state, but to Greece as a whole during the Classical period. Surviving documentation has demonstrated that Athenian women played a vital part to specific religious traditions, such as the participation in the festivals of Thesmophoria and Adonia. Furthermore, there exists evidence that proves women could also acquire the position of priestess for particular cults, a position that increased their reputation and status in a culture that considered them inferior. These marginalized women used religion as a way to carve out a sacred and protect space for themselves, using it to create a sense of freedom in their lives and to bridge the gap in equality between them and the dominant men.
Throughout history, the roles of women and men have always differed to some degree. In ancient Greece, the traditional roles were clear-cut and defined. Women stayed home to care for children and do housework while men left to work. This system of society was not too far off the hunter gatherer concept where women cared for the house and the men hunted. Intriguingly enough, despite the customary submissive role, women had a more multifaceted role and image in society as juxtaposed with the rather simple role men played. Morals for the two were also different. Men obviously had the upper hand with women being the traditional passive.
Greece was the subject of several significant transformations throughout ancient history. These transformations are represented in varies forms of art and allows us to view the Ancient Greek milestones in culture as well as recognize their many influences in today’s world. The Ancient Greek works of art appear to have been centered around their core value as a society.
The Daily Life of Ancient Greeks Life in Greece in ancient times will remind you of your own life in many ways. There were school, family, athletic competitions, and social gatherings. Knowing that participants in their sporting events competed nude or that you rarely knew your husband/wife until the wedding day does however, make you grateful for the society that you live in today. Babies Life for the Greeks in Athens began in their home. Babies were delivered by the women of the family, and only in cases of serious complications was a mid-wife called.