# Ancient Greece: Cradle of Western Civilization

From the marble temples of Athens to the iron discipline of Sparta, Ancient Greece forged the foundations of democracy, philosophy, science, and art that still shape our world today. No civilization has left a more profound intellectual legacy.

### Quick Facts

- Period: c. 800 BCE - 146 BCE
- Major City-States: Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes
- Language: Ancient Greek
- Legacy: Democracy, Philosophy, Olympics, Theater
- End: Roman conquest at Battle of Corinth (146 BCE)

## City-States of Greece

### Athens

Birthplace of democracy, home of the Parthenon, center of philosophy and the arts.

### Sparta

The warrior society where military excellence was the only measure of worth.

#### Recommended Reading: Greek History

- The Histories by Herodotus - The "Father of History" on the Persian Wars
- The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides - The classic account of Athens vs Sparta
- Persian Fire by Tom Holland - Gripping narrative of Greece's finest hour

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## Gods & Mythology

The Greeks created one of the richest mythological traditions in human history.

### The Olympian Gods

Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Poseidon - the divine pantheon.

### The Titans

The elder gods who ruled before Zeus overthrew them.

### Greek Heroes

Heracles, Perseus, Achilles, Odysseus - legendary warriors.

### Famous Myths

Trojan War, Pandora's Box, Icarus, and more.

### The Underworld

Hades' realm, River Styx, Elysium, and Tartarus.

Historical context illustration

#### Best Greek Mythology Books

- Mythos by Stephen Fry - Witty, brilliant retelling of Greek myths (Bestseller!)
- Heroes by Stephen Fry - The legendary heroes brought to life
- Mythology by Edith Hamilton - The classic introduction to Greek myths

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## Wars & Conflicts

### Persian Wars

Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis - Greece's finest hour.

### Peloponnesian War

Athens vs Sparta - 27 years of devastating conflict.

### Trojan War

Helen, Achilles, the wooden horse - legend meets history.

### Greek Warfare

Hoplites, phalanx, triremes - how Greeks fought.

## Great Figures

### Alexander the Great

Conquered from Greece to India by age 30.

### Greek Philosophers

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle - foundations of Western thought.

## Culture & Society

### Ancient Olympics

The sacred games that inspired the modern Olympics.

### Greek Theater

Tragedy, comedy, and the birth of drama.

### Greek Democracy

Athens invented government by the people.

### Greek Slavery

The dark foundation of Greek society.

### Daily Life

Food, clothing, education in ancient Greece.

## Art, Architecture & Science

### The Parthenon

The perfect temple - icon of Western architecture.

### Greek Architecture

Doric, Ionic, Corinthian - columns that shaped the world.

### Greek Art

Sculpture, pottery, and the idealized human form.

### Greek Science

Pythagoras, Archimedes, Hippocrates - foundations of knowledge.

## Related Civilizations

### Minoan Civilization

Bronze Age Crete - the Minotaur's labyrinth.

#### Greek History Gift Ideas

- Greek Mythology Chess Set - Gods vs Titans on your board
- DK Eyewitness Ancient Greece - Stunning visual guide
- The Iliad by Homer - The epic that started it all

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### Greek Legacy

- Democracy - Government by the people, born in Athens
- Philosophy - The love of wisdom, from Socrates to Aristotle
- Olympics - Athletic competition as sacred ritual
- Theater - Tragedy and comedy as art forms
- Science - Rational inquiry into nature
- Architecture - Columns and proportions still used today