Hellas is the ancient name of Greece. This state had a significant impact on the further development of Europe. It was here that such a concept as “democracy” first appeared, the foundation of world culture was laid here , the basic features of theoretical philosophy were formed, the most beautiful monuments of art were created. Hellas is an amazing country, and its history is full of secrets and mysteries. In this publication you will find the most interesting facts from the past of Greece.
From the history of Hellas
In the history of Ancient Greece, it is customary to distinguish 5 periods: the Cretan-Mycenaean, Dark Ages, archaic, classical and Hellenistic. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
The Crito-Mycenaean period is associated with the appearance of the first state formations on the islands of the Aegean Sea. Chronologically, it covers 3000-1000 years. BC e. At this stage, the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations appear.
The period of the Dark Ages is called "Homeric". This stage is characterized by the final decline of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, as well as the formation of the first pre-cities structures. Sources hardly mention this period. In addition, the time of the Dark Ages is characterized by the decline of culture, the economy and the loss of writing.
The archaic period is the time of the formation of the main policies and the expansion of the Hellenic world. In the VIII century. BC e. Great Greek colonization begins. During this period, the Greeks settled along the shores of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. During archaic early forms of Hellenic art take shape.
The classical period is the heyday of the Greek policies, their economy and culture. In the V-IV centuries. BC e. the concept of "democracy" appears. In the classical period, the most significant military events in the history of Hellas occur - the Greco-Persian and Peloponnesian wars.
The Hellenistic period is characterized by the close interaction of Greek and Eastern cultures. At this time, there was a flourishing of art in the state of Alexander the Great. The Hellenistic period in the history of Greece lasted until the establishment of Roman rule in the Mediterranean.
The most famous cities of Hellas
It is worth noting that in Greece during the period of antiquity there was no single state. Hellas is a country that consisted of many policies. In antiquity, the city-state was called a polis. Its territory included an urban center and a choir (agricultural settlement). The political management of the policy was in the hands of the People's Assembly and the Council. All city-states were different both in terms of population and size of territory.
The most famous policies of ancient Greece are Athens and Sparta (Lacedaemon).
- Athens is the cradle of Greek democracy. Famous philosophers and speakers, heroes of Hellas, as well as famous cultural figures lived in this policy.
- Sparta is a vivid example of an aristocratic state. The main occupation of the population of the policy was war. It was here that the foundations of discipline and military tactics were laid, which were later used by Alexander the Great.
Culture of Ancient Greece
The unifying role for the culture of the state was played by the myths and legends of ancient Greece. Every area of Hellenic life was subordinated to general ideas about deities. It is worth noting that the foundations of the ancient Greek religion formed in the Cretan-Mycenaean period. In parallel with mythology, a cult practice arose - sacrifices and religious festivals, accompanied by agonies.
Ancient Greek literary tradition, theatrical art, and music are also closely connected with mythology.
In Hellas, urban development was actively developing and beautiful architectural ensembles were created.
The most famous figures and heroes of Hellas
- Hippocrates is the father of Western medicine. He is the creator of a medical school, which had a huge impact on all of ancient medicine.
- Phidias is one of the most famous sculptors of the classical era. He is the author of one of the seven wonders of the world - the statue of Olympian Zeus.
- Democritus is the father of modern science, the famous ancient Greek philosopher. He is considered the founder of atomistics - the theory that material things are made up of atoms.
- Herodotus is the father of history. He studied the origins and events of the Greco-Persian wars. The result of this study was the famous work "History".
- Archimedes is a Greek mathematician, physicist and astronomer.
- Pericles is an outstanding statesman. He made a significant contribution to the development of the Athenian polis.
- Plato is a famous philosopher and speaker. He is the founder of the first educational institution in Western Europe - the Plato Academy in Athens.
- Aristotle is one of the fathers of Western philosophy. His works covered almost all spheres of society.
The value of ancient Greek civilization for the development of world culture
Hellas is a country that has had a huge impact on the development of world culture. Here such concepts as “philosophy” and “democracy” were born, the foundations of world science were laid. The ideas of the Greeks about the world, medicine, civil society and man also influenced the fate of many Western European states. Any area of art is associated with this great state, be it theater, sculpture or literature.