AN02a3

Unit02: New Directions in Government and Society

Ch.05

Timeline: 6th C. - 4th C. BCE

FS: The Greek Golden Age- The Spark of Western Civilization.
Main Idea: Significant contributions by ancient Greek scholars, politicians, and philosophers have
sustained an ancient world-view for thousands of years. So influential is that world-view that we see it in
our architecture, political system, visual and theatrical arts, and education system. This world-view is
representative of what Greeks believed were essential values of a civilized society. These values were
fostered by ancient Greek contextual issues, defined by its scholars, applied and enforced by its leaders,
and representative of the human condition by its artists.
CCSS
I. The Arts
A. Visual Arts: Viewing in Nature and Man that which is beautiful and then expressing it in an
artistic form.
1. Architecture (Parthenon)
a. Doric
b. Ionic
c. Corinthian
2. Sculpture
a. balance
b. order
c. symmetry of human form
B. Performing Arts
Sophocles (~497 406 BCE)
The 'Tragedy' becomes a popular form thanks to Sophocles' masterful handling of the values that
define the Greek world-view. In a Sophoclean tragedy the downfall of a hero is usually at the
hands of a god (a quality of some myths). The source of the hero's difficulties is often the very
qualities that make him heroic.
C. Literary Arts (Epics)
Homer (~8th C BCE => Dark Ages)
During the Greek 'Dark Ages' the literary arts were nearly extinct as literacy became a
victim of the Dorian Invasions. The oral tradition was the method of choice to preserve the past.
'Bards' were the repositories of epic accounts of past events. They would disperse the information
to anyone who would listen as they traveled throughout the region. Among the great Bards of all
human history was Homer.
Bards devised methods of storing vast amounts of information for later recall. Myths,
legends, and stories are among the forms a Bard's information may be delivered. Over time, the
details and accuracy of the original accounts may 'evolve' into an oral presentation with less fact
and more fiction.
We are now blessed with The Iliad and The Odyssey thanks to this great Grecian Bard.
In both these epics (long stories) the Trojan War is a central event. Is it possible that the
characters in these works are vested with qualities that the 'real world' individuals didn't have? probably. Is it possible that one or more of these characters ever existed? - probably.
The Greek world-view, to which Homer contributed significantly, manifested itself
throughout the society in cultural and political form:
1. The Heroic Ideal: The Hero. Personification of what is best in Man. Often best
exhibited in the service of the polis (ex: war).
2. Olympic Games: A non-war demonstration of the heroic ideal. Initially, the competitive
events focused on five military skills/ arts (pentathlon).
3. Arete: The qualities of the heroic ideal. Striving for excellence (mental as well as
physical), courage, honor and glory.

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Unit02: New Directions in Government and Society

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D. Historiography (The Recording of History)

1. Herodotus (~6th 5th C BCE)
Classical Greece increasingly turns to the written word to record events of the past.
Unlike Homer, Herodotus is credited with employing techniques that are part of the scholarly
standards we take for granted today.
Like Sima Qian of the Han dynasty (China), Herodotus is considered the first 'True'
Western historian. As in the case of Sima Qian, Herodotus searched for 'Truth' and wanted to
record it. Along the way, he would find sources, cite them, and often preserve data that eventually
disappears when the original source is lost.
Like Homer, the central event of Herodotus' greatest work is a war. The History of the
Persian War may adhere to the developing standards of Western historiography, but it reinforced
Arete by recording exploits of Greek soldiers (Ex. Thermopylae and Marathon).3
2. Thucydides (~458 400 BCE)
An Athenian aristocrat probably in his late twenties at the time the Peloponnesean War began; he
realized its importance from the start and began to plan to write its history. In 424 BCE he was
elected one of the Athenian generals, and for failing to prevent the loss of an important city to the
Spartans, was exiled from Athens. He spent the rest of the war collecting evidence and talking
with participants in the various actions. Herodotus, writing a few decades earlier than Thucydides,
recorded almost all he heard, whether he believed it himself or not. Thucydides stands at the
other pole; he gathers all available evidence, decides what he thinks is the truth, then shapes his
presentation to emphasize that truth. We see everything through his eyes, and his views on the
forces which shape human events emerge on every page.
II. The Sciences
Philosophy (Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Nature of Man)
1. Socrates & the Socratic Method (469 BCE)
Formerly a soldier during the Peloponnese War, he appeared to some as a 'homely'
individual. He didnt pay much attention to his personal appearance, or at least not as much as
other Athenians thought he should have. He annoyed some citizens of Athens by asking
questions. He would lure you into a conversation by first asking a question that could easily be
answered. Then he would extend his questioning to achieve a point. The Socratic Method was
born from this ritual which he used often with his students so they could substantively investigate
an issue. If 'Truth' is Socrates' goal, then 'Reason' would be the vehicle to reach it.
Socrates was sentenced to death on a charge of corrupting the minds of Athenian youth,
particularly as it related to Athenian religious beliefs. Myth indicates that Socrates chose death
rather than the option of exile on a matter of principle.
2. Plato (427 - 347 BCE)
a. Student of Socrates for 10 years.
b. Chronicler of Socrates later life and teaching.
c. The first 'true' political scientist.4
d. Established the 'Academy'.
e. Most famous work: The Republic (his vision of a perfectly governed society
ruled by Philosopher-Kings).
f. He was an idealist. (Refer to Raphael's School of Athens for an artist's
expression of this attribute)
g. Significant Philosophical Conclusions4
The State shapes and nurtures man by emphasizing education.

The State ensures that justice thrives shaping 'Right' behavior in the

individual (the Quality of Excellence in each).

'DO NO HARM' = A concept evident in Plato's understanding of medical

science and political science.

AN02a3

Unit02: New Directions in Government and Society

Ch.05

In this State, men & women should participate in communal life (no
'nuclear family') so both can equally develop their respective 'qualities of
excellence'. The community would care for the children.
3. Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE)
a. Student of Plato for 20 years.
b. Quest for knowledge extended to numerous fields of study, not just political
science.
c. His contributions in the field of logic (Syllogism) became a foundation for
further advances in mathematics.
d. Personal tutor of Alexander (The Great).
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
1. Archimedes (~287 - 212 BCE)
Mathematician and inventor. Employed by Rome at one point to devise a distance calculating
device to setup mile markers on Roman roads.
2. Haran or Heron of Alexandria (~10 70 CE)
Inventor closely associated with the Library of Alexandria. Many of his inventions, to include plans
for the earliest vending machine, were stored and/ or developed there.

Materials/Sources: Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates.

World History: Patterns of Interaction

Did the ancient Greeks get their ideas from the Africans? Accessed on 21 Jan. 2013 at http://

history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/greek-philosophers-african-tribes.htm