The ancient Greeks, known as Hellenes, developed city-states in the Balkan and Aegean regions. Their civilization influenced politics, philosophy, science, art and literature.
Political Organization
Greek city-states used different forms of government, including monarchy, aristocracy, oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. Athens became associated with democratic government, while Sparta emphasized military discipline.
Economic and Social Organization
The Greeks practised farming, fishing, craft production and maritime trade. Society included citizens, foreigners, women and enslaved people, with rights varying between city-states.
Contributions
- Philosophy and methods of rational inquiry.
- Democratic ideas and civic participation.
- Mathematics, medicine, science and historical writing.
- Drama, literature, sculpture, architecture and the Olympic tradition.
Decline
Rivalry between city-states, internal conflict, the Peloponnesian War and the rise of Macedon weakened Greek independence.
