Abstract A short history of the great Greekmathematicians. Amongst those discussed are Pythagoras, Zeno, Euclid, Hippocrates, and Thales. This essay is a brief overview of their major contributions to modern mathematics.
Abstract This paper discusses the understanding of different cultures through a case study of the Greek-American community. It discusses history of the Greeks in America, conflicts between the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church, as well as Greek stereotypes. The paper was written for a class on cultures and uses terms, such as pluralism, ethnocentrism, and co-cultures. It explores facets of Greek-American culture, including gender roles, Greek identities, and the history of the Greek-American experience.
From the Paper "Despite these problems, pluralism is the accepted practice in the United States. People naturally form groups with other people who are similar to them. Rich people play golf together often, just like bookworms form book clubs with one another. In fact this form of group making is taught throughout school. The first thing we do is place a student in his or her grade level. They are encouraged to spend time with their peers, only. If they stray from their group it is not considered normal."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the historic significance of the kylix which is associated with ancient Greek celebrations and feasts. A kylix and its plural kylikes are defined as shallow stemmed two-handled drinking vessels used in ancient Greece. Much thought and attention to detail went into the painting of the interior of kylikes. The representations would be covered with wine and the scenes would be visible only partially, when the wine was tipped back into the mouth and eventually fully exposed when the liquid was consumed. The kylix lent an element of surprise and discovery that was a great source of celebration to the Greeks. This paper details the various contents and representations found on kylikes. Greek revelers thanked Dionysus, the Greek god of religion, for the spirits they were enjoying. For this reason, Dionysus was often the subject depicted on these drinking drinking vessels. Descriptive stories depicted in artistic form on the kylix was common among ancient Greeks. This paper describes several stories depicted on these artistic drinking vessels including that of Apollo and Koronis.
From the Paper "Although Dionysus' divinity is asserted, he is depicted in human form. In this way, the inhabitants of Thebes believe him to be a man while Dionysus allows himself the pleasures of mortal being. Pentheus describes Dionysus in the form of a man: "They say there came a stranger hither, a trickster and a sorcerer, from Lydia's land, with golden hair and perfumed locks, the flush of wine upon his face, and in his eyes each grace that Aphrodite gives; by day and night he lingers in our maidens' company on the plea of teaching Bacchic mysteries." This mortal nature serves two purposes: the disguise of mortal being and the pleasures of mortal being. In The Bacchantes, Euripides' representation of Greek society can be found in Pentheus. Pentheus is the epitome of Greek society: he is rational, cultured, and encourages traditional conventions."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the origin of history as a form of writing and a discipline beginning with the Greeks. The paper points out that, before the first Greek historical writers, stories of great battles and historical events were certainly told, often in fanciful form, in the historical epics attributed to Homer. History was told as part of an oral tradition, not written down until long after the epic poems were shaped and told by the poet and those who followed him. The paper focuses particularly on Herodotus, considered to be one of the first to record western history in writing. The paper concludes by asserting that his writings had much influence on his successors.
From the Paper "Herodotus has been called the father of history, and Thucydides would follow his lead. In the Greek world into which Herodotus was born, prose writing was becoming more and more common for technical works on such subjects as philosophy, law and politics, and science and technology. The Greeks were interested in their past, but what passed for history was really a stock of myths and legends which were thought to be true. The interest was not historical in the sense we use the term, as an inquiry into the facts of such events as the Trojan War or any other occurrence or period. It was something quite different from that, a form of Hellenic or regional consciousness and pride and a search for community solidarity. The past could reinforce these social elements, and the old tales could in fact be revised when needed by new historical developments or political and social changes."
Abstract This paper researches the correlation between the Ancient Greek past, the Orthodox Church and Greek culture. It focuses on the areas of the evolution of the Greek Orthodox Church and its practices, art, theatre, music and dance. This paper discusses how each of these areas has roots in Ancient Greece, and the research attempts to demonstrate how these foundations were associated with one another throughout Greek culture.
From the Paper " Theatrical performances began with the use of music by choirs that were praising the gods and pleading for a bountiful harvest. This practice among the ancients also involved the earliest forms of folk dance. These three art forms were later also incorporated into the Orthodox religion through festivals and the practice of a liturgy that remains of cultural significance today.Greek culture has evolved from ancient times with many of the original traditions still being honored today. Elements of ancient Greek culture exist in modern society because the Greeks provided a foundation of many of the world's forms of art. Theatre, for example, began in Greece as a musical choir form of devotion to the gods to ensure a good harvest. Greek art was considered an intricate craftsmanship that demonstrated the precision and advanced technique of an innovative culture."
Abstract This paper examines ancient Greek hospitality and the role it played in the expansion of the Greek empire. It particularly looks at the comfort provided to travelers. The paper describes the Greek belief that good hospitality is rewarded by the help of the gods.
From the Paper "To this day I have kept this house free from harm" (Euripides, 9). This quotation from the play Alcestis, demonstrated the role of hospitality in ancient Greek life. Apollo was the god being quoted. Apollo was forced by his father Zeus, king of the gods to work as a common cattle herder. Apollo went to the house of Admetus seeking such hospitalities as food, water, and shelter. Admetus granted such hospitality and was repaid with a favor from the god. Admetus had been selected by the fates to die. Apollo had tricked the fates as a favor. Admetus was allowed to find another soul who would die in his place. However, he could find no one willing except his good wife, Alcestis. Hospitality was an idea that was created by the Greeks out of necessity that help expanded the civilization. This idea of hospitality was one that means if someone was hospitable, then he was rewarded; the reward might have been help by the gods, or the person might of made a friend or created an alliance with another city. The idea of hospitality was a vital part of ancient Greece society as was demonstrated in the play Alcestis."
Tags: greece, history, home, Euripides, god, comfort, social, apollo
Abstract This paper explores both the Greek and Roman culture and their far-reaching effects on modern Western thinking. The author explores how Greek philosophers, and their use of logic and insistence on reasons to support claims about the universe and human existence, represent a crucial first step towards science of today. Future civilizations took from the Romans their meaning of honor, patriotism, and unrelenting sense of assured self. The paper continues to discuss that both the Greeks and the Romans used war to gain territory, a negative trait that is still strongly felt in society today.
From the Paper "Both the Greeks and the Romans exemplified war, which led to their negative legacy. From the begging of Greek history starting with the Mycenaeans, and the Romans starting with the Roman Republic, war has been the patriarchal duty of the male citizen. War became more than just a way to conquer lands, but it embodied the essence of what a man was made of. If a soldier risked his life in war for his civilization and came out a hero because he proved himself to be stronger and fitter than the opposing side, he had almost reached god stature. The idea of fighting to these societies became more of a game than it was a defense. Honor and valor of the male citizen depended on his performance in battle."
This paper analyzes the events that led up to the conflicts between Persia and Greece, in which the Greek military against all odds defeated the Persians.
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the first Persian war against the Greeks which occurred in the summer of 490 B.C., when the Persian king Darius invaded Greece. This paper explores the manner in which the Greek forces led by Miltiades obtained a solid victory over Persia's military, despite being severely outnumbered. This paper, rife with historical facts pertaining to this particular topic, also discusses the events that ensued 10 years later in 480 B.C. when King Darius' son Xerxes vowed to avenge his father's previous loss by once again declaring war on Greece. This paper delves into the military capabilities of both countries while detailing how the Greeks succeeded against all odds in once again defeating an army that was far more superior in numbers.
From the Paper "The Greek Navy, whose core was made up of the Athenian fleet, although less numerous, was made up of newer and superior ships, the triremes, which were manned by experienced crews, trained in naval warfare. By comparison, the Persians were poor seamen, and only the Greek cities under Persian control had supplied ships that were crewed by experienced sailor. But these were also inferior to Athenian ships. There should be noted here the crucial role that Themistocles had in convincing the Ecclesia (the gathering of the Athenian People) to build these ships in time, before the breaking out of the war. But the greatest merit of the Greeks was that, although not united all under a flag, they were able nevertheless to present a relatively united front to the invading armies. Historically, the Greek cities evolved as independent political entities."
Tags:history, greek, roman, persia, war, military, spartans
Abstract A paper discussing the Calyx-Krater vase found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The vase's depiction of a scene and ideas from Homer's Iliad are the focuses of the paper, however, the history and coloring techniques of Greek vases are also discussed in detail.
Abstract The writer of this paper contends and explains why few heroines of Greek mythology have been as mistreated as Cassandra. This writer discusses the many websites devoted to characters from Greek mythology that view Cassandra in generally negative terms. One site quotes a number of contemporary mythologists, calling Cassandra "very beautiful, but quite unbalanced," not only in terms of the way she was perceived in the eyes of others, but also in terms of her priorities as a priestess and a woman. This paper briefly examines the life of Cassandra, daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, recipient of the gift of prophecy. This paper focuses on the turbulent relationship between Cassandra and Apollo. This paper also discusses Cassandra's involvement in the Trojan War, which brought about her demise.
From the Paper "Such a misogynist view reflects the modern association of chastity or sexual continence with repression, forgetting that chastity in the Greek world was often a contingent quality and status for remaining a priestesses. The oracle at Delphi was chaste, as were the follower of Artemis, goddess of the moon-thus by asking her to give up her chastity, Apollo was essentially asking Cassandra to give up her holy status as a religious priestess and oracular voice, by sacrificing her continence to him. Granted, Apollo was the source of Cassandra' gift. But remember that Apollo's sister, Artemis was chaste, as was the goddess of wisdom Athena. Chastity enabled a woman to be free of the burdens of childbearing and keeping a home for a husband, thus Cassandra's desire to remain chaste was only understandable, for an intelligent and articulate woman possessing an extraordinary religious gift of insight and interpretation."
Tags:history, greek, mythology, trojan, war, perception
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Greek and Roman Revival in public buildings, its background, history and development, and to provide an understanding of why it was appropriate for the time and how its popularity has waned and has given way to more egalitarian and user-friendly civic buildings.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Greek and Roman Revival in public buildings, its background, history and development, and to provide an understanding of why it was appropriate for the time, but its popularity has waned, and it has given way to more egalitarian and user-friendly civic buildings. During the 20th century, architects were very much on the lookout for the next new thing. This was a period of great change and advancement in society..."
Tags:greek revival, roman revival, neoclassicism, civic architecture
Abstract This paper examines how the three great civilizations of Persia, Greece and Rome relied heavily on the strength and success of their armies. It looks at how each nation, during its time of reign, trained and equipped their armies to better their chances on the battlefield. It discusses how the Persians with their vast numbers of troops armed with bows and sword and how he Greeks and Romans with their superior weapons and war strategies, earned the reputation of the most feared and respected armies in the known world.
From the Paper "A large portion of the foundations of any successful army relied upon the type of weapons each soldier was armed with and how effective the arms were against the enemy. It did not take long for an army equipped with the best weaponry and siege weapons to completely slay an entire opposition that was armed with mere sticks and clubs. During their reign of power, the Romans had over time devised new weaponry technology, which continued to make their weapons ever increasingly more effective killing machines in battles. Each legionary was equipped with a spear amongst their other surplies and tools."
Tags: advantages, battles, civilisations, history, others, over, stratergies, time, weapons
Abstract The paper is an exploration of the development of theater over the centuries. It traces the origin of theater back to Classical Greece. The features of this kind of theater are studied. The paper then turns to contemporary theater, in an investigation into the features that is has assimilated from the Greek period. It also looks at The Noh theater of Japan as an influence of contemporary theater.
From the Paper "The theater is an international institution. Broadly speaking, elements of theater are found in virtually every culture, and modern theater as practiced in America is the result of numerous borrowings and adaptations of earlier forms of ritual and spectacle from ancient Greece, Rome, and Asia. Some of the adaptations are more evident, such as the theater itself, the design of the stage, and the forms of tragedy and comedy, and most of these elements can be traced to Greek and Roman beginnings. Asian theater has had its strongest influence on individual playwrights, certain styles of acting, and certain theatrical effects."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of ancient Greek drama in Greek society. The paper explains the stage styles, how actors performed and the main types of plays performed in ancient Greek theater. The author discusses tragedies, comedies and a special form of theater called "dithyramb," which was sung by a large chorus. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of the elements of prose, lyrics and dancing in the ancient Greek drama. The paper then goes on to discuss some of ancient Greece's foremost playwrights, as well as theories about the origins of drama.
From the Paper "The word 'Drama' as such has originated from the Greek words that mean 'to do', or 'to act'. When a story is acted out, it becomes a 'play', and this was the medium used by the ancient Greeks to act out their stories, which were either humorous and were about funny situations in their everyday lives, or they would be great tragedies, which would act out some important episode or period of their lives at the time. The speech and actions of the play would therefore, recreate human lives and its flow. It can be stated that ancient Greece was in fact the real birthplace of the future 'drama' of the Western world. In Greece, these plays or dramas were presented on stage twice a year, in honor of the God Dionysius, and there would be choruses made up of men who would be dressed up in goatskins, and who were meant to represent 'satyrs' or those mythical creatures who were partly goat, and partly man."
Abstract This paper examines Greek poetry and how we can learn about Greek society. It analyzes and details the Odysseus, the Iliad, and more. It discusses the morals of Greek society, their ideals, their lifestyles, their literary style and more. This paper examines is an in-depth analysis of Hellenic society using some of their most famous works to detail it.
From the Paper "While today we primarily read the works of Homer for the eloquence and literary skill of this great Greek poet, we may also examine his texts for the clues that they provide to a deeper understanding of Greek society. For we must recognize that every text is both a product of the time and place in which it was created as well as a portal to that place, a means of transport to a world marked by its particular set of values and visions. Both the Iliad and the Odyssey were recognized by the Greeks themselves not only as great epics, marked by a superb literary style, but also as something far more than merely engaging tales. The stories were for the ancient Greeks themselves a venerable source of lessons about morality, about the nature of heroism and about the proper ways in which a society should be structured. Given the value that the Greeks placed on these stories as exemplars of the values of Hellenic society, we can do the same by looking to the texts to help us understand how the Greeks understood their world."
