Greeks
The Greeks refer to the people native to Greece and their culture, which has had a profound influence on Western civilization. Here is an overview:
History
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Ancient Greece: The period from the Greek Dark Ages (c. 1100 BC to 750 BC) through the Classical Greece era (c. 500–323 BC), which includes the rise of the City-States, the development of Democracy, and significant contributions in philosophy, art, science, and politics. Key city-states included Athens and Sparta.
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Hellenistic Period: Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek culture spread throughout the known world, influencing regions from Egypt to India.
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Roman and Byzantine Greece: After the decline of the independent Greek city-states, Greece was incorporated into the Roman Empire, later becoming part of the Byzantine Empire.
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Ottoman Rule: From the 15th to the 19th century, Greece was under Ottoman Empire control, leading to a period of cultural and political suppression.
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Modern Greece: The Greek War of Independence (1821–1830) resulted in the establishment of the modern Greek state. Since then, Greece has evolved through various political systems, joining the European Union in 1981.
Culture
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Philosophy and Science: Ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the groundwork for Western philosophy. Greeks made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
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Art and Architecture: Greek art, particularly in sculpture, and architecture, with structures like the Parthenon, have been foundational in Western art history.
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Literature: Ancient Greek literature includes epic poetry like the Iliad and the Odyssey, drama, and works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
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Language: The Greek language has evolved from Ancient Greek to Modern Greek, influencing many European languages with its vocabulary and grammar.
Modern Impact
Today, Greek culture continues to influence various fields:
- Politics and Philosophy: Concepts of democracy, ethics, and political theory.
- Art and Architecture: The neoclassical revival in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Education: The study of classics, including Greek literature, history, and language.
- Culture: Greek festivals, food, music, and dance continue to be celebrated worldwide.
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