Ancient Greece is called the cradle of European civilization for a reason. This relatively small country has had a huge impact on the development of a wide variety of areas of human life. For example, the myths of Ancient Greece have not lost their relevance today. As in those days, they quite clearly reflect the inner world of man, the relationship of people with each other and with the forces of nature.

What does "Hellas" mean?

Another name that the Greeks called their homeland is Hellas. What is "Hellas", what is the meaning of this word? The fact is that this is how the Hellenes called their homeland. The ancient Romans called the Hellenes Greeks. Translated from their language, "Greek" meant "croaking". Apparently, this was due to the fact that the ancient Romans did not like the sound of the Hellenic language. Translated from the ancient Greek word "Hellas" means "Morning Dawn".

Cradle of European spiritual values

Many disciplines, such as medicine, politics, art and literature, originated in the territory of Ancient Greece. Scientists agree that human civilization could not have achieved modern development without the knowledge that Ancient Hellas possessed. It was on its territory that the first philosophical concepts were formed, with which all modern science operates. The spiritual values ​​of European civilization were also laid here. Athletes from Ancient Greece were the first Olympic champions. The first ideas about the world around us - both material and immaterial - were proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Ancient Greece - the birthplace of science and art

If we take any branch of science or art, then it will somehow be rooted in the knowledge obtained during the time of Ancient Greece. A great contribution to the development of historical knowledge was made by the scientist Herodotus. His works were devoted to the study of the Greco-Persian wars. The contribution to the development of mathematics by the scientists of Pythagoras and Archimedes is also enormous. invented a huge number of devices that were used primarily in military campaigns.

The lifestyle of the Greeks, whose homeland was Hellas, is also of interest to modern scientists. What it is like to live at the dawn of civilization is very vividly described in a work called "The Iliad". This literary monument, which has survived to this day, describes the historical events of those times and the everyday life of the Hellenes. The most valuable thing in the work "Iliad" is the reality of the events described in it.

Modern progress and Hellas. What is the “cradle of European civilization”?

The early period of the development of ancient Greek civilization is officially called the Dark Age. It falls on 1050-750 BC. NS. This is the time when the Mycenaean culture has already collapsed - one of the most magnificent civilizations, which was already known for writing. However, the definition of "Dark Age" refers to the lack of information about this era rather than to specific events. Despite the fact that writing was already lost then, it was at this time that the political and aesthetic properties that Ancient Hellas possessed began to appear. During this period of the beginning of the Iron Age, prototypes of modern cities already appear. On the territory of Greece, chiefs begin to rule over small communities. A new era is beginning in the processing and painting of ceramics.

The epics of Homer, which date back to 776 BC, are considered the beginning of the steady development of ancient Greek culture. NS. They were written using the alphabet, which Hellas borrowed from the Phoenicians. The meaning of the word translated as "morning dawn" is justified in this case: the beginning of development fully coincides with the emergence of European culture.

Hellas experienced its greatest prosperity in the era that is commonly called classical. It dates back to 480-323 BC. NS. It was at this time that such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Aristophanes lived. Sculptural works are becoming more and more complex. They begin to reflect the position of the human body not in statics, but in dynamics. The Greeks of that time loved to do gymnastics, used cosmetics, and did their hair.

Literary Hellas.

The emergence of the genres of tragedy and comedy, which also falls on the classical era in the history of Ancient Greece, deserves separate consideration. The tragedy reaches its peak in the 5th century BC. NS. The most famous tragedies of this era are represented by Aeschylus and Euripides. The genre arose out of ceremonies for the veneration of Dionysus, during which scenes from the life of a god were played out. At first, only one actor acted in the tragedy. Thus, Hellas is also the birthplace of modern cinema. This (which is known to every historian) is another proof of the fact that the origins of European culture should be sought in the territory of Ancient Greece.

Aeschylus introduced a second actor to the theater, thus becoming the creator of dialogue and dramatic action. For Sophocles, the number of actors has already reached three. Tragedies revealed the conflict between man and unforgiving fate. Faced with the impersonal force that reigned in nature and in society, the protagonist recognized the will of the gods and obeyed it. The Greeks believed that the main goal of the tragedy is catharsis, or cleansing, which occurs in the viewer with empathy for its heroes.

Objectives: to form students' ideas about the state of Ancient Greece; describe the main features of Greek culture, art and religious beliefs; to educate, by means of an object, a sense of beauty.

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Greece - "the cradle of European civilization" Religion of the Greeks Walking along the Athenian Acropolis In search of man

Religion of the Greeks How often do I, with a yearning soul, Madly rush into your wonderful ancient world, Holy Greece! M. Mikhailov One of the characteristic features of the artistic culture of Ancient Greece was the reflection in it of mythological ideas about the phenomena of nature and human life. The fantasy and vivid imagination of the Greeks populated the world with omnipotent gods and courageous heroes whom they worshiped and sacredly revered

The Greek gods have a human appearance, they, like people, suffer from grief, and rejoice in the delights of life, fall in love and hate fiercely. People erect temples and colossal statues to them, compose hymns, dedicate unique literary works

Gods of Egypt Gods of Greece Zoomorphic image of gods Different images of the same god Gods do not interfere in the life of people Anthropomorphic image of gods God is endowed with one name Gods are actively involved in the life of people

Walk in the Acropolis PROPILLEI

A walk around the Acropolis The highest achievements of ancient Greek architecture are associated with the ensemble of the Acropolis. The day will be forever dear to me, When I entered the Propylaea, Under your marble shade, That the foam of the waves of the sea is whiter than the Temple of Niki Apteros (Wingless)

Acropolis Athena Promachos (All-Warrior) Patroness of Athens and all the people The night looked into my face. The branches of the cypress are black. And at the feet, folding the ring, Sleeps the theater of Dionysus.

Walk on the Acropolis TEMPLE ERECHTEION

In Search of Man Greek art is imbued with love for man. The philosopher Diogenes walked around the city in broad daylight with a lantern in search of… .MAN. The ideal embodied in itself: Spiritual beauty youth charm health The whole history of Greek art is the search for the ideal PERSON

Many of us have heard, listened and read the myths of Ancient Greece, about heroes and monsters, about gods and exploits, about Olympus and about fire. It is Greece that is rightfully considered the cradle of the entire Western European civilization.

Greek cuisine: moussaka, olives, feta cheese and wine This is an amazing country, in which every city is filled with myths and legends. It is a country with a long history and rich cultural heritage. This is a country with a wonderful climate - this is a paradise reserved corner, which is worth visiting at least once in your life in order to get the opportunity to fully enjoy the excellent local culture, communication with the local population, getting acquainted with national dishes and other important moments.

The culture of Ancient Greece gave birth to common cultural values ​​in literally all areas of the spiritual and material activities of mankind. Only three generations of cultural figures of Ancient Greece created the art of high classics, laid the foundations of European civilization and role models for many millennia. Having assimilated the cultural experience of Egypt and Babylon, Ancient Greece determined its own path both in the socio-political development of society, and in philosophical searches and artistic and aesthetic understanding of the world.

I would like to come to Greece, and for those who have visited once, come back here again and again, and it does not matter to mainland Greece or to the cozy Greek islands, here you will find a gentle clean sea, the best beaches, the healthiest and wholesome cuisine, close in spirit. and by faith they are very cordial friendly and hospitable people.

Greece is ideal for a vacation from May to October, although the rest of the time there is always something to do, something to see. A huge number of relics on the territory of the country will help awaken in your minds a real interest in the history of mankind. Wonderful climate, warm sea, European service, excellent cuisine will leave the most pleasant memories.

Do you know what is the secret of Greek cheerfulness and longevity? In the ability to relax: from the heart, sincerely, enchanting and contagious. It is not for nothing that the term "Greek vacation" means a 100% successful, prosperous and varied vacation in Greece, where every season reveals its own charm to travelers, gives delight of discovery and unforgettable impressions. For example, a vacation in Greece in winter is absolutely not inferior to the usual travel in the summer season. It just becomes different: ski resorts, various excursion programs, pilgrimage - this is not all that Greece can boast of. Tourism in this amazing country does not stop developing, which the local government tirelessly cares about, investing considerable funds in the industry, realizing the importance of this area

Well, now let's figure out some of the nuances for general development

Geography: Greece is located on the Balkan Peninsula in the southeastern part of Europe. In the north, it borders Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria, and in the east with Turkey. The southern shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the western by the Ionian and the eastern by the Aegean. A fifth of Greece lies on islands, about a thousand in number. The largest of them are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Lesvos, Samos. Due to the large number of islands, Greece has a particularly long coastline (15.020 km), which is the longest in comparison with the rest of the Mediterranean countries.

Climate: Mild, Mediterranean. The average temperature in January is + 4 + 12 ° С, in July + 27 + 30 ° С. The swimming season on the mainland of Greece begins in mid-May and ends in mid-September. The average sea temperature in July is + 25 ° C. The holiday season on the islands begins earlier and lasts from April to mid-October.

The beach season in this country lasts from March to October.

Time: 1 hour behind Moscow.

Flight: The duration of the flight from St. Petersburg to Greece is 3.5 - 4 hours.

state system: Greece is a republic. The head of state is the president.

Capital: Athens

Population: about 10.7 million people.

Language: Greek.

Religion: 98% - Greek Orthodox Church ..

Ground public transport in large cities is represented by buses and trolleybuses. Tickets are sold at newsagents or at terminal stops. If a passenger stands at a stop and sees an approaching bus of the desired route, he must vote, otherwise the driver will not stop.

You can rent a car at a car rental office (rent a car) or contact a travel agency. Persons who are at least 21 years old are allowed to take a car. At the same time, in addition to the rights of the international standard, you must have at least a year of driving experience.

LESSON 21

ANTIQUE CULTURE. PERIODS OF DEVELOPMENT.

“Ancient history developed not only in time - it also moved in space. Either one or other peoples became the bearers of human progress, as it were, the focus of world history, for centuries, sometimes for millennia; then new ones picked up the baton of development, and the centers of old civilizations, once great, plunged into twilight for a long time ... "(N. A. Dmitrieva, N. A. Vinogradova)

Ancient civilizations were replaced by culture, which became the basis , the cradle of all European civilization... Her ideal was the image human citizen, harmoniously developed physically and spiritually. The masterpieces of this Mediterranean culture have inspired poets and painters, playwrights and composers for centuries. Permeated with joy, light, faith in the dignity, beauty and value of man, they continue to "give us artistic pleasure and, in a certain sense, serve as a norm and an unattainable model."

What was the name of this culture?

Of course it is ancient culture. It arose in the free city-states of Ancient Greece, and later in Rome, which conquered it.

What is antiquity? How did this term come about?

Antiquity is the name for the entire 1500th period from the emergence in the 1st millennium BC. NS. Ancient Greece and before the death of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. n. NS. And the ancient culture is the culture of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome in the corresponding historical period.

Word "antiquity" comes from the Latin "antiques" - "ancient". This term appeared for the first time in the 15th century. in medieval Italy, where, in the struggle against church tradition, a new culture of the Renaissance was established, which did not know Eastern civilizations significantly superior in age to the Greek. After some time, the term "antiquity" entered European culture.

Antiquity can be divided into the following periods of historical development:

1. Aegean (Cretan-Mycenaean) culture (III-II millennium BC)

2. Culture of Ancient Greece (XI-I centuries BC)

Homeric period (XI-VIII centuries BC)

Archaic period (VII-VI centuries BC)

Classical period (V-IVbb. Don. E.)

Hellenistic period (IV-I centuries BC)

3. The culture of the Etruscans (VIII-VI centuries BC)

4. Culture of Ancient Rome (V century BC - V century AD)

The period of the republic (V-I centuries BC)

Empire period (1st century BC - 5th century AD)

Of course, this framework is rather arbitrary, since it is impossible to indicate the exact boundaries of a continuous, eternal process of development.

What is the significance of ancient culture, its achievements and features?

Ancient civilization made a significant contribution to the history of world artistic culture, remaining to this day an ideal of beauty and a model of artistic taste. It is difficult to assess the significance of the artistic heritage of this period. Ancient cultural monuments clearly expressed ideas about the universe, religious beliefs, moral ideals and aesthetic tastes of the era that ended the centuries-old history of the Ancient World.

“True reflection of reality, simplicity and clarity of the artistic language, perfect mastery of execution - all this determines the enduring value of ancient art"(B. - I. Rivkin).

Ancient science and culture were created by free people who discovered harmony in everything, be it the comprehension of the universe or the human person. Harmony and spirituality determined the organic nature and integrity of Greek culture.

The queen of ancient science was philosophy... The Greek philosophers were concerned with the origin of the universe and the nature of all things. The philosophical schools of the Greeks were free associations that gathered around the Teacher his like-minded people and students. Such are the schools of Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus of the archaic period. Each scientist-philosopher had his own teaching. Democritus considered the basis of everything to be atoms moving in emptiness, and all living things, according to his theory, differed from inanimate ones by the presence of a soul. Socrates argued that self-knowledge is the beginning of true wisdom. Plato created the doctrine of ideas - the prototypes of the world. His disciple, the encyclopedic scientist Aristotle, considered matter to be the basis of everything.

Strongly influenced the culture of many peoples ancient mythology, on the plots of which many works of Western European art were written.

Ancient literature survived the centuries and forever entered the golden fund of mankind. The texts of ancient authors were rewritten by monks in the Middle Ages, they were perceived as the norm and ideal in the Renaissance. Many generations were brought up on the noble beauty and calm greatness of the heroes of antiquity. Pushkin transformed Catullus and Horace. Leo Tolstoy studied Greek in order to read Homer in the original.

But a special place in the culture of antiquity was occupied by the plastic arts: architecture, sculpture, painting and arts and crafts, striking in their diversity and wealth. The ancient order system still admires the nobility of forms and constructive simplicity and is used in modern architecture. An invaluable contribution of antiquity to world art can be considered the developed system of pictorial means of reproducing reality: the techniques of the anatomical structure and movement of the figure, the representation of three-dimensional space and the volume of objects in it.

What are the origins of antiquity, which civilization preceded it?

The founders and creators of ancient culture were the ancient Greeks, who called themselves Hellenes, and your country - Hellas.

However, even before the birth of Greek culture in the Eastern Mediterranean in the III-II millennium BC. NS. there was an older civilization, which, according to legends and archaeological finds, dominated the entire Mediterranean and perished in the 15th century. BC NS. as a result of a natural disaster. It was the predecessor of the ancient culture of the Cretan-Mycenaean, or Aegean, civilization, with which many myths and legends are associated.

One of the most amazing is a legend that has been worrying people for two and a half millennia. This is legend of Atlantis - a mysterious island swallowed up by the ocean in one day and one night. Apparently, it was Atlantis that was the cradle of all ancient cultures and the foremother of civilizations.

The first to tell the world about the beautiful island and the mighty state of the Atlanteans was the ancient Greek philosopher Plato(427-347 BC) in his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias". Plato relied on the story of his ancestor Solon, who, while traveling through Egypt, learned the history of Atlantis from the Egyptian priests.

1 - Plato

Plato on Atlantis

"Poseidon ... populated it (the island) with his children."

"Poseidon divided the island into 10 parts" (by the number of sons)

"... He gave Atlantis his mother's house and the surrounding possessions - as the greatest and best share ..."

"This whole land was very high and fell abruptly to the sea."

"This whole part of the island was facing the south wind, and from the north it was covered by mountains ..."

2 -A variant of the construction of Atlantis according to Plato, made by Drozdova T. N. (from the book “In Search of the Image of Atlant Ida”): I - the Horseshoe Archipelago; 1 - about. Horseshoe - Atlantis; 2 - Poseidon's North Trident Islands (Azores); 3 - Poseidon's South Trident Islands (Canary Islands); A - the capital of Atlantis

3 - The main state of Atlantis. Atlantis Island - a variant of the "Horseshoe" reconstruction (after T. N. Drozdova):

1 - Kingdom of Atlanta; 2 -Kingdom

3 swept; 3 - the Kingdom of Amfera;

4 - Kingdom of Evemon; 5 - Kingdom of Mniesei; 6 - the Kingdom of Avtokhona;

7 - Kingdom of Elasippus; 8 - Kingdom of Mnestor; 9 - the Kingdom of Azayes; 10 - The Kingdom of Diaperen

According to Plato, Atlantis was in the ocean behind the Pillars of Hercules (Strait of Gibraltar). The island was inhabited by Atlanteans - strong and proud descendants of the god of the sea Poseidon and his wife Kleito, who not only kept the entire Mediterranean in obedience, but also carried their high culture to the conquered peoples. Plato wrote: “On this island, called Atlantis, a great and amazing alliance of kings arose, whose power extended to the entire island, to many other islands and to part of the mainland, and in addition, on this side of the strait, they took possession of Libya up to Egypt and Europe up to Tyrrenia (Etruria) ". Plato also reports about the capital of the Atlanteans, round, like a disc of the sun, located on a picturesque plain, about 555 by 370 km in size. “Around the capital was a plain, surrounded by mountains, reaching along its edges to the sea. This whole plain was facing south and protected from the northern winds by the mountains surrounding it, very high and superior in beauty to all of the present ”(Plato). The capital was fortified with three water rings and two earth rings. In the center of it there was a hill, on top of which, at the behest of Poseidon, two springs with hot and cold water gushed. The entire city was divided by beams into 10 sectors. Canals were dug, connected by curved channels and high bridges were built connecting all parts of the city. “They dug canals that joined with bridges so wide that one trire could pass from one water ring to another ... The largest water ring in circumference, with which the sea directly connected, had a width of three stages (555 m)” (Plato). After that, the Atlanteans surrounded their capital with impregnable walls, running strictly in a circle.

The central part (acropolis) was located in the center, on a flat rocky hill. "In the very center stood the inaccessible holy temple of Kleito and Poseidon, surrounded by a golden wall." There was also a fortress on the acropolis. The fortress housed the royal palace and the sacred grove of Poseidon with outlandish trees.

The largest was the kingdom of the eldest son of Poseidon and Kleito - Atlanta. The capital of Atlantis was also located here. Here is how Plato writes about it: "The entire plain that surrounded the city, and itself, surrounded by mountains that stretched to the sea itself, was a smooth surface ...", “Straight canals have been dug, nearly a hundred feet wide (30 m) after one hundred stades (18,500m) ", "The canals were dug ... the width ... had stages (185 m), the length along the perimeter was 10 thousand stages", "The canals are connected with each other and the city by crooked channels ...", « ToEach plot is 10 by 10 stades ... Total plots 60 thousand "(throughout the plain)

5 - Plato and Aristotle. Fragment of a drawing from Raphael's fresco "School of Athens"

These questions have worried scientists and travelers for centuries. They searched for Atlantis in Africa, Europe and America. But today, when representatives of the exact sciences began to search for the mysterious island, only two versions of the location of Atlantis remained. This is the Atlantic Ocean, according to Plato, and the Mediterranean Sea with the island of Crete.

Modern oceanologists have identified many seamounts at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the highest of which form the Azores, Canary Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas and other islands. But no traces of large sunken islands have been found there. Maybe Plato's Pillars of Hercules are not Shbraltar, but either the mouth of the Nile, or the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, or other rocks in the Mediterranean?

Taking this into account, we can say that at that time in the Mediterranean there was a powerful state of the Atlanteans, which held many peoples in obedience, and in the 15th century. BC NS. suddenly died. Perhaps it was the Cretan-Mycenaean state, the ancestor of the greatest culture, the continuation of which was then the classical Greek art.

Yes, Atlantis, described by Plato, is not on the map of the Earth. But in the legend of a lost high civilization one can find the origins of European culture.

HOMEWORK

Read the text, complete the assignments

Assignments and questions to the text

1 Underline the lines dedicated to Atlantis in the text.

2 Underline in the text the expressions of Plato and Aristotle, who became winged.

3 Which philosophers are associated with the words "academy" and "lyceum"?

4 What did Plato consider the fundamental principle of the world, and what - Aristotle?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5 Who were the teachers of Plato and Aristotle?

Vladimir Butromeev. Plato and Aristotle

Plato's real name is Aristocles. He was nicknamed Plato for his strength and wide chest. Platos means wide. In his youth, he was involved in wrestling and was the champion of the Isthmian Games, a competition similar to the Olympic Games.

Plato came from a royal family. His mother married for the second time one of the friends and assistants of Pericles, who then ruled Athens. Plato grew up and was brought up, communicating with famous poets and writers, artists and actors. He himself began to write comedies and tragedies, but, having met Socrates, he burned his writings and devoted himself to philosophy.

The trial of Socrates and the death of his beloved teacher shocked Plato. He left Greece and traveled for a long time. By that time, he had already become a famous philosopher, and one of the close associates of the tyrant Dionysius, who ruled in Syracuse, the main city of the island of Sicily, invited him to the royal court. This approximate thought that Plato would be able to convince Dionysius to reign justly, and not cruelly and willfully. Plato wrote a lot in his writings about an ideal state that should live according to reasonable laws, and he also wanted to make his dreams come true. When Dionysius understood why Plato had arrived, he sent him back to Greece, secretly ordering him to sell the philosopher into slavery on the way. "He is a philosopher, which means that he will experience happiness in slavery," the tyrant said mockingly.

Plato was bought by a certain Annikerides, a wealthy man who brought his horses to Greece to show them in equestrian competitions. Upon learning that he had become the master of the famous philosopher, Annikerides immediately released him. When Plato's friends raised money for his ransom, Annikerides refused to take it and gave it to Plato himself.

Now everyone knows the name of the great philosopher Plato, and no one remembers the name of Annikeris.

With the money received from Annikerides, Plato bought land on the outskirts of Athens, built himself a house and opened his own philosophical school. Plato's house was located not far from the place where, according to legend, the mythical hero Akadem was buried, so Plato's school was called the Academy. The academy is still called higher educational institutions and collections of recognized scientists, writers and artists.

Plato wrote many works. Some of them are devoted to the explanation of the philosophical ideas of Socrates, others - to the description of the structure of a reasonable state. These writings also describe Atlantis - a state in which people lived according to wise laws. Modern scholars argue whether Plato meant the real Atlantis that sank to the seabed, or whether he simply invented it to better interpret the laws he wanted to propose to people. Science fiction writers have written more than one adventure novel about Atlantis, and the mystery of Atlantis remains a fascinating mystery.

Like many other philosophers, Plato was looking for the fundamental principle of all things. He believed that all things have an invisible idea, which is their most important essence and reason. These ideas, according to Plato, are the fundamental principle of the world. Therefore, Plato is called the father of idealistic philosophy.

Shortly before his death, Plato was asked how he believed whether they would write about him in the future. The philosopher replied: "It would be a good name, but there will be notes." This phrase became winged, as his postscript in the will became famous. Having distributed his property among close people and relatives, Plato wrote: "I have no debt to anyone."

But even more famous is Plato's disagreement with another great philosopher of antiquity, Aristotle. Aristotle was Plato's favorite student. But, having assimilated the philosophy of Plato, Aristotle decided that the teacher was mistaken in the most important thing - in the question of the fundamental principle of the world. Aristotle came to the conclusion that all things exist by themselves, without any previous ideas. The teacher and the student parted. When Aristotle was asked why he left Plato, Aristotle replied: "Plato is my friend, but the truth is dearer."

Aristotle wrote a huge number of philosophical treatises. He embraced with his mind all nature and all areas of human knowledge. He also founded his own school of philosophy. She was in an area dedicated to the god of the arts Apollo, Lycea. Lycean means wolfish, such a nickname

Apollo received according to ancient tradition, because he was once depicted as a wolf. The word "lyceum", or "lyceum", became famous thanks to the school of Aristotle, the so-called educational institutions in which they teach according to a special, complicated program.

Aristotle is also famous for the fact that he was the educator of Alexander the Great. But most of all he became famous for his words: "Plato is my friend, but the truth is dearer." They became winged, they are said when they want to emphasize their commitment to the truth, despite any personal sympathy and friendship.

Ancient Greece gave the world a lot of completely new ideas and inventions. Here appeared:

• philosophy,
• mathematics,
• the medicine,
• Olympic Games,
• theater,
• realistic art,
• science, in general, - as a special form of cognition with its own methodology and conceptual apparatus,
• historiography,
• civic consciousness

and, finally, the democratic system. Almost everything that Western civilization has today, from scientific achievements to political concepts, has its roots in ancient Greek culture.

In Europe, more than once attempts were made to break the connection with the ancient past and create something radically different from the ancient Greek ideals. For example, in the Middle Ages, the life-affirming worldview of the ancient Greeks was replaced by the cult of asceticism and mortification of the flesh. The ancient heritage was declared godless and pagan. Many wonderful monuments of this era have been destroyed. However, even medieval monks were unable to completely abandon Greek culture. Thomas Aquinas, Anselm of Canterbury and many other medieval theologians wrote their works based on philosophical concepts and concepts developed by Plato and Aristotle. Today, Greek culture is deservedly recognized as one of the brightest and most influential in the history of mankind.

The reasons for the cultural upsurge in ancient Greece

The emergence of such a rich culture on the Balkan Peninsula was associated with many factors. First, Greece had a very convenient geographic location. Free access to the sea allowed the Greeks to travel throughout the Mediterranean and Asia. Sea voyages without navigational aids, maps, astronomical calculations, and well-designed ships were difficult and dangerous. Therefore, the Greeks began to engage in the development of engineering sciences, mathematics and astronomy early enough. This people was engaged in trade a lot, accumulating enormous wealth, receiving foreign merchants and borrowing the best from the culture and science of neighboring countries. The favorable climate, magnificent mountain landscapes and lush vegetation awakened in the Greeks a special understanding of nature and the desire for harmony with the Cosmos.

Secondly, the Greeks lived in a region with large deposits of metals, including precious ones. Metal processing contributed to the rise of all other economic areas (for example, agriculture), and also allowed the Greeks to become a powerful nation from a military point of view. But the use of metals was not limited only to war and the economy, the ancient Greeks began to create magnificent jewelry, figurines and dishes.

Thirdly, in Greece, after the disintegration of the tribal system, a special type of social organization arose - the polis. For the Greeks, the polis reproduced the Cosmos in miniature. Democracy reigned within the city-states. Assemblies of free citizens determined the political goals of the entire society, ruled courts, and resolved land issues. Every resident of the polis felt responsible for his homeland. The value of a person was also measured by the benefits that he brings to the policy. Therefore, in the mentality of the ancient Greeks, there was always a share of competition. They sought to prove themselves on the battlefield, in the Olympic arena, or in science.

Despite the collapse of the ancient world, the cultural heritage of the ancient Greeks is still alive and continues to actively develop.