Classical Antiquity
Classical Antiquity, often simply referred to as the Classical Age, is a broad term used to describe the period of cultural history between the 8th century BC and the 6th century AD, primarily focusing on the Mediterranean Basin with its center in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. This era is noted for its profound impact on Western civilization, influencing art, philosophy, politics, and science.
Historical Overview
- Archaic Period: Beginning around 800 BC, this period saw the rise of city-states in Greece, including Athens and Sparta, and the beginnings of Greek colonization in the Mediterranean.
- Classical Period: From the 5th to the 4th century BC, this era is marked by the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and the flourishing of Greek culture, particularly in philosophy, drama, and the arts.
- Hellenistic Period: Following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, Greek culture spread across the known world, blending with local traditions in regions from Egypt to India.
- Roman Republic and Empire: From approximately 509 BC with the establishment of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476, Rome absorbed much of Greek culture while also developing its own unique contributions, particularly in law, engineering, and governance.
Cultural Achievements
Classical Antiquity is renowned for several cultural achievements:
- Philosophy: Figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundations for Western philosophical thought.
- Literature and Drama: Greek tragedies and comedies, along with epic poetry like the Iliad and Odyssey, have had a lasting influence.
- Art and Architecture: The development of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders in architecture, along with realistic human figures in sculpture, set new standards in art.
- Science and Mathematics: Contributions in areas like geometry by Euclid and the beginnings of systematic scientific inquiry.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of Classical Antiquity has shaped modern Western thought, law, politics, and culture. The Renaissance in Europe was fundamentally a revival of classical learning and values. Many modern political structures, including democracy, owe much to Greek and Roman systems.
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