Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

245

Many western words, ideas, and sources of entertainment have

their roots in the world of ancient Greece. about 2,500 years ago, the

Greeks set up a society that became the most influential in the world.

Greek architects designed a style of building that is copied to this

day. Greek thinkers asked searching questions about life that are still

discussed. Modern theater is founded on the ancient Greek plays that

were performed under the skies thousands of years ago. and the

Greeks set up the world’s first democracy (government by the people)

in athens. However, only free men born in athens were actually

allowed to have a say in government. ancient Greek society

went through many phases, with a “golden age” between

around 600 and 300 bce. arts and culture flourished at that

time. the Macedonians, under Philip of Macedon, finally

conquered the civilization, but it continued

under Philip’s son alexander, who

spread Greek culture and thinking

throughout the

Middle east and

north africa.

ANCIENT

GREECE

Pericles

as leader of athens,

Pericles (c. 490-429 bce)

carried out a program

to beautify the city. this

included the building of

the Parthenon, a temple

to the goddess athena.

sParta

the second major city-state of

Greece, sparta, revolved around

warfare. spartans led tough,

disciplined lives. each male

spartan began military

training at the age of

seven and remained a

soldier until the age of

60. women kept very fit
    by running and wrestling.
    the fierce spartan hoplites
    (foot soldiers) were feared
    throughout the Greek world.

Greek world

the Greek world consisted of many

city-states and their colonies, spread

throughout the Mediterranean region.

atHens

during the golden age, the Greek world consisted of independent,

self-governing cities, known as city-states. with its own superb port

at Piraeus, athens was the most important city-state. it became the

center of Greek civilization and culture, attracting many famous

playwrights and thinkers, such as socrates. athens practiced the

system of demokratia (democracy). People gathered together in the

agora (marketplace) to shop and talk. the acropolis (high city)

towered above athens.

There were many busy

markets in Athens, where

people came to buy and

sell their goods.

teMPle of Hera

the Greeks built temples to worship

their many gods. this temple at

Paestum, italy, was built to honor

the goddess Hera, who was the

protector of women and marriage.

Athens (in Attica)

and dependent

states (shown in

pink), c. 450 bce.

Byzantium

Chalcidice

Athens

Euboea

AEGEAN

SEA

Ionia

Ilium (Troy)

Cnidus

Spartan hoplites

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