CLASSICAL GREECE Meaning and
Definition
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Classical Greece refers to the period in ancient Greek history that spans from the 5th century BCE to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. It is characterized by the emergence of Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta being the most prominent, and their flourishing societies and cultures.
During this period, Greece experienced a remarkable cultural and intellectual growth that had a lasting impact on Western civilization. Classical Greece witnessed the birth of democracy and the establishment of various political systems that influenced subsequent governments. Athens, under the leadership of notable figures like Pericles, became the center of intellectual and artistic achievements, contributing to the growth of philosophy, literature, drama, and architecture. Renowned philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emerged, establishing the foundation of Western philosophy.
Furthermore, Classical Greece experienced significant advancements in art and literature, most notably in sculpting and poetry. The sculptures of this era, like the renowned Parthenon friezes, showcased a great attention to detail, realism, and the human form. The works of playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides enriched the literary world, with tragedy and comedy becoming popular theatrical genres.
Classical Greece is often considered the pinnacle of ancient Greek civilization due to its lasting contributions to various fields of knowledge and its enduring influence on subsequent civilizations. The political, intellectual, and artistic achievements of this period laid the foundation for Western culture and continue to shape our understanding of history, philosophy, and aesthetics.
Etymology of CLASSICAL GREECE
The term "Classical Greece" refers to the historical period and culture of ancient Greece between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, which laid the foundations for Western civilization. The etymology of "classical" comes from the Latin word "classicus", which originally referred to the highest class of citizens in Rome. Over time, it evolved to describe things that were of highest quality and became associated with the artistic and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. "Greece" is derived from the Latin word "Graecia", originated from the ancient Greek word "Γραικός" (Graikos), which was used to refer to the people of the region.
