Language/Modern-greek-1453/Culture/Greek-history
Greek history is a fascinating subject that has influenced the world in many ways. From democracy and philosophy to literature and architecture, the ancient Greeks have made significant contributions to human civilization that continue to impact us to this day. In this lesson, we will explore the rich history of Greece and its impact on modern times.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Best Greek Street Food & Allegory in Art and Literature.
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of western civilization. It was a time of great accomplishments in the arts, literature, philosophy, and science. Some of the most famous Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have had a profound influence on western philosophy. Greek architects have created some of the most impressive and enduring structures of all time, from the Acropolis in Athens to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.
During this period, Greece was also home to the Olympic Games, a series of athletic contests held every four years in honor of the god Zeus. The games attracted thousands of spectators from all over Greece and beyond.
- Greek historical figures:
|- | Alexander the Great || aléxandros o méga || Alexander the Great |- | Pericles || períklis || Pericles |- | Socrates || sókratis || Socrates |- | Plato || platónas || Plato |- | Aristotle || aristotélis || Aristotle |- | Zeus || días || Zeus |-
Byzantine Empire
After the fall of the western Roman Empire, Greece entered into the Byzantine era, which lasted for over a thousand years. During this time, Greece became a Christian country and the Greek Orthodox Church was established. Byzantine art and architecture employed many of the techniques and styles that were developed during the Greek and Roman periods. One of the most impressive structures of the Byzantine era is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, which was built as a Christian church and later became a mosque.
- Byzantine historical figures:
|- | Constantine the Great || konstantínos o méga || Constantine the Great |- | Justinian I || ioystinianós A' || Justinian I |- | Theodora || theodóra || Theodora |-
Ottoman Empire
Greece became part of the Ottoman Empire in the mid-15th century, and this period of history is known as the Ottoman era. During this time, Greece was controlled by the Ottoman Turks, and the Greek people endured many hardships. The Greek War of Independence began in 1821 and lasted for several years until Greece finally gained its independence in 1832. The war was fought by Greek rebels against the Ottoman Empire, and it was supported by many powerful countries, including Britain, France, and Russia.
- Ottoman historical figures:
|- | Suleiman the Magnificent || soleyman o mégas || Suleiman the Magnificent |- | Mehmed II || mehmet II || Mehmed II |- | Ali Pasha || ali pashá || Ali Pasha |-
Modern Greece
In 1832, Greece became an independent country for the first time in nearly 2,000 years. The first king of modern Greece was Otto von Wittelsbach, a Bavarian prince who took the throne in 1833. Since then, Greece has gone through many political and social changes, including periods of dictatorship, military rule, and economic crisis. Today, Greece is a member of the European Union and plays an important role in international affairs.
- Modern Greek historical figures:
|- | Eleftherios Venizelos || elefthérios venizélos || Eleftherios Venizelos |- | Melina Mercouri || melína merkoúri || Melina Mercouri |- | Andreas Papandreou || andreás papandréou || Andreas Papandreou |- | Alexander Papagos || alexándros pápagos || Alexander Papagos |- | Konstantinos Karamanlis || konstantínos karamanlís || Konstantinos Karamanlis |-
Conclusion
Greek history is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years and encompassing many different periods of time. The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to the world in the areas of science, philosophy, literature, and art. The Byzantine era saw the rise of Christianity and the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church, while the Ottoman era was a time of great struggle and hardship for the Greek people. Modern Greece has gone through many political and social changes but remains a proud and independent nation that continues to make its mark on the world.
Sources
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