what was the earliest major influence upon european culture, government and economy
I can think of many possible answers.
geography?
Roman Empire?
What does your book say?
The earliest major influence on European culture, government, and economy can be traced back to the ancient civilization of Ancient Greece. To get a more comprehensive understanding of this influence, we can look into several aspects:
1. Culture: Ancient Greece made significant contributions to the development of European culture. Greek philosophy, literature, drama, and art laid the foundation for Western intellectual and artistic traditions. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped the way Europeans approached knowledge, ethics, and politics. Greek mythology and epic poems, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, have also inspired European literature and storytelling throughout history.
2. Government: The Greeks established the concept of democracy, which influenced European political thought. In Athens, citizens actively participated in decision-making through voting and public debates. Although Greek democracy only applied to a limited number of people at that time, its ideas of popular sovereignty and citizen participation later evolved and inspired the development of democratic systems in Europe.
3. Economy: Ancient Greece relied on agriculture, trade, and maritime activities for its economy. Greek city-states, like Athens, became major trading hubs, fostering economic growth and the exchange of goods and ideas with other Mediterranean civilizations. The Greeks also introduced the concept of coinage, which dramatically influenced European commerce and economic systems.
So, to summarize, the ancient Greeks had a profound influence on European culture, government, and economy through their contributions to literature, philosophy, democracy, and trade. Studying the works of Greek philosophers, understanding their democratic ideals, and exploring their economic systems allows us to appreciate the earliest major influences on European civilization.