answersLogoWhite

0

The answer people usually give is that we owe 'democracy' to them. The other answers are: philosophy (think Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, among others); zoology and physics(again, Aristotle) and mathematics (Pythagoras and Archimedes).
The word 'democracy' is indeed Greek (it is a contraction of demos, people and kratein, to rule) but the historic truth about this democracy is - as so often - less straightforward. At one point there was indeed a system in the city of Athens in which the population at large could express their opinion in mass meetings. But these (occasional!) meetings were usually carefully orchestrated beforehand by the powerful families of the city, who in any case kept all the positions of power and influence exclusively for themselves. Since the execution of any mass meeting decision was therefore in their hands, they could decide if and how to translate decisions into any form of action.

Your question should read: "How did ancient Greece..."etc by the way. Today's Greece culturally speaking is the product of the Ottoman Empire that ruled it for some 600 years. Ancient Greek culture was assimilated with a much more dominant Roman culture and more or less dissolved. The idea that today's Greeks are the product of Ancient Greek culture was invented and cleverly exploited by Lord Byron, the famous Britsh poet and fierce supporter of Greece's struggle for independence in the 19th century. It was he who coined the phrase that Greece was the "birthplace of democracy".
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about General History

Why do people call Greece a western world?

It is called part of the Western World because it is located in Europe.


Did art of ancient Greece have very little impact on the development of western art?

No, the art of ancient Greece had a profound impact on the development of Western art. Its emphasis on realism, proportion, and the idealized human form influenced various artistic movements throughout history, including the Renaissance and Neoclassicism. Greek concepts of beauty, harmony, and balance continue to resonate in Western art and architecture today. Thus, ancient Greek art laid foundational principles that shaped the trajectory of Western artistic traditions.


Is it The cultural achievements of Greece during the 5th century BC laid the foundations of western civilization?

Yes, the cultural achievements of Greece during the 5th century BC, known as the Golden Age, were foundational for Western civilization. They included advancements in democracy, philosophy, art, architecture, and literature, which have had a lasting impact on the development of Western culture and society.


Is Egypt is the foundation for western civilization?

No. Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of western civilization. Egypt was the very first western civilization, but Greece gets the title as the birthplace of western civilization. Also, Egypt is in the eastern hemisphere.


Did the Romans conquer Greece second?

After taking over western Europe, the Romans turned east and progressively incorporated the Greek world into their empire.

Related Questions

In what year did Greece become part of the western world?

Greece has always been part of the western world. Greek philosophy is fundamental to western civilization.


Why do people call Greece a western world?

It is called part of the Western World because it is located in Europe.


What is the most influential national literature in the western world?

The most influential national literature in the western world is often considered to be the literature of Ancient Greece. Greek literature, with works such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the tragedies of playwrights like Sophocles, has had a profound impact on Western literature, philosophy, and culture as a whole.


Did it have an impact on the ancient world?

There could of been many things that had an impact on the ancient world. Greece has a major impact in the ancient times from their math and science styles.


Why have western influences have had a major impact all over the world?

Western influence had such a major impact on the world because they see how much more simple these westerners were living.


Were is Greece in the world?

Greece is in the south western part of Europe near Albania , Macedonia, Bulgaria, turkey and even Egypt!


What explains why western influence have had a major impact all over the world?

Western influence had such a major impact on the world because they see how much more simple these westerners were living.


How does the western world emulate ancient Greece?

Ancient Greece was known for its art, music, and architecture. They were also known for poetry and writing. All of these things are things that people in western culture emulate.


Is there a western union in Greece?

YES IT'S. HERE IS THE WESTERN UNION WEBSITE IN GREECE BELOW.wunt.westernunion.com


When was TEI of Western Macedonia in Greece created?

TEI of Western Macedonia in Greece was created in 1976.


When was Senate of Western Continental Greece created?

Senate of Western Continental Greece was created in 1821.


Which part of Europe is Greece in?

Greece is in Western Europe.