What caused the Greeks to unify in defense of their culture and way of life?
The Greeks were motivated to unify in defense of their culture and way of life due to various factors, including external threats, shared language and religion, and a sense of cultural pride and identity.
One significant factor was the Macedonian invasion led by King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. The Greeks saw the Macedonians as a foreign force seeking to conquer and assimilate their city-states, resulting in the loss of their autonomy and independence. This threat from external powers forced the Greeks to put aside their differences and unite in defense of their common heritage.
Shared language and religion also played a crucial role in the Greek unification. The Greek language acted as a unifying factor as it was widely spoken across the various city-states, facilitating communication and fostering a sense of shared identity. Additionally, the Greeks worshipped the same gods and goddesses, which provided a common religious foundation for their culture.
Lastly, the Greeks had a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. They had a rich history of achievements in various fields such as philosophy, literature, art, and architecture. This cultural pride played a significant role in motivating the Greeks to protect and preserve their way of life, which they believed was superior to that of other civilizations.
Overall, external threats, shared language and religion, and a strong sense of cultural pride and identity were the main drivers that caused the Greeks to unify in defense of their culture and way of life.