what made the Ancient Greek civilization great?

Answer 1

The technological and educational advancements they made were astonishing for their time period and also the reach of the empire itself was amazing. Even today many of the sciences and procedures we use have their roots in some Greek origins

Answer 2

From the previous posts; one was completely wrong, but also right at the same time. There was racism, slavery, homosexuality; but all of that was common place, like today we celebrate equality between ethnicity and gender (in most countries), people can change social classes, freedom for all.

They expanded on medicine which really started in Egypt, but was carried on in Greece. As far as democracy goes, they never once had a democratic society. They claimed they did, but, as Aristotle pointed out, they did not. Greece was a Aristocracy; it was ruled by the rich men. There was no representation for the women (stuck at home), workers, or slaves; of which 1/3 of Greece was enslaved. But, because of the women, workers, and slaves, wealthy landowners had the ability to run a government that sought out the best for the "Common Good." Greece was the odd duck of the time of Monarchs but it wasn't entirely Greece that was Aristocratic, it was Athens and a few other city-states that were ruled by people rather than a single person.

You can't forget about the great stories and mythology of Ancient Greece. The Iliad, the Odyssey were major works, Hercules, Achilles, Jason, Theseus (can't remember exact name)-all inspiring heroes. Their gods are all well known and often seen in their ruins which are captivating.

It also helped Ancient Greek popularity that Victorian England had a mass movement of collecting Greek statues. They were seen as a status symbol; like cars have become to most Americans.

There were so many different things that made the Ancient Greeks "great", but which aspect of their society was the greatest?

Answer 3

Yes of course you are absolutely right! All scientists and historians who talk about the Greek civilisation are stupid and you are the only one who found out the truth!

I'm sorry I just had to say that! The truth is that the Greeks did not only invent Medicine but they were also the origin of philosophy, theatre, recording history (Herodotus was the first person to ever write history) and of course they began Democracy - the institution almost the whole world now uses.

I can't deny that the Greeks did have a great military power allowing them to conquer lands and that certainly helped them to spread the Greek culture but their achievements were certainly remarkable!

Answer 4

The wrote the rule book on how to conquer.

Created institutions such as:
Slavery
Brothels
Homosexuality
Greed
Religion
Male Chauvinism

They were the first to alter history to make it appear as if they created languages, math, science, and medicine even though they didn't.

Answer 5

Who ever said it was? Plato would argue that a civilization cannot be "great", only it's citizens.