What factors Shaped the development of Greek Culture, government, and power?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_greece

This article has really good sections on ancient Greece, as well as excellent references and external links for further research.

Let us know what your ideas are after you've read this. Someone here will be happy to comment.

=)

Greece's geography was a primary factor in its development. As an island and peninsular nation in the Mediterranean gave it access to lands and goods around the eastern end of this sea. It's mountains on the peninsula prevented convenient travel between city-states -- so they developed more or less independently.

Greece also assimilated the earlier Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, including their mythology.

What other factors does your text book mention?

You might also see if you can rent this DVD:

http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=101981&name=The%20300%20Ultimate%20Collectors%20Set

The Last Stand of the 300 from the History Channel folks (not the movie called The 300 that was in theaters!!) gives lots of explanation and visuals to help you understand the independence of the ancient Hellenes and their determination not to be under someone else's thumb, so to speak.

who had a filthy stable?

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The development of Greek culture, government, and power was shaped by various factors. To understand these influences, we can examine historical events and societal elements that played a significant role.

1. Geography: The geography of Greece greatly impacted its development. The rugged and mountainous landscape of the region contributed to the formation of independent city-states. These city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, developed their own unique cultural identities, political systems, and powers.

2. City-States: The concept of city-states in ancient Greece was crucial in shaping government and power. Each city-state was essentially an independent entity, having its own government, laws, and military. This decentralized governance system led to the development of various forms of governments, such as democracy in Athens and oligarchy in Sparta.

3. Democracy: Athens, one of the most influential Greek city-states, played a pivotal role in the development of democracy. Around the 5th century BCE, Athens established a democratic system of governance, where eligible citizens had a direct say in decision-making. This democratic experiment in Athens influenced later forms of government around the world.

4. Philosophy and Intellectualism: Greek culture was heavily influenced by philosophy and intellectual pursuits. Prominent Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle made significant contributions to philosophical and ethical thought. Their ideas on politics, ethics, and governance shaped the understanding of power and government.

5. Persian Wars: The Persian Wars, fought between Greece and the Persian Empire in the 5th century BCE, had a profound impact on Greek culture and power dynamics. The Greek city-states united against a common foe, leading to increased patriotism and a sense of shared identity among the Greeks.

6. Alexander the Great: The conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE spread Greek culture (known as Hellenism) across vast territories, creating a Hellenistic world. This period marked the diffusion of Greek language, architecture, art, and political systems in regions like Egypt, Persia, and India.

7. The Olympic Games: The Olympic Games, held in ancient Greece, played a crucial role in shaping Greek culture and society. These games not only provided a platform for physical competition but also encouraged artistic and intellectual endeavors, fostering cultural exchange.

Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the complex interplay of geography, societal structures, philosophical ideas, and historical events that influenced the development of Greek culture, government, and power. By analyzing these influences, we gain insights into the rich and diverse heritage left by the ancient Greeks.