Greece Essay, Research Paper
The country of Greece, in 400-500 BCE was led to greatness by two city-states. These city-states, diverse in ideas and actions, were Sparta and Athens. Sparta and Athens were as different as night and day. Sparta glorified military tactics while Athens took relish in art and learning. These city-states served not only as rivals but also allies. Sparta and Athens, two city-states with nothing in common but the desire to make Greece a powerful, omnipotent nation, accomplished their goal through their unity, diverseness, and controversy. To better understand the interaction between Sparta and Athens and their desire for Greece to be a strong nation, it is imperative to know the situation of these two city-states in the early 400’s BCE. At this point in time, another city-state of Greece, Ionia was under the control of Persia. The Ionian Greeks were dissatisfied by Persian rule. A Persian tyranny dominated Ionia at this time and Ionians begged Sparta and Athens to relieve them from the burden of Persia. Sparta declined to help but Athens decided their assistance would prevent the Persian tyranny from spreading in the direction of Athens, their home. Athens easily defeated Persia and freed the Ionians in the battle of Marathon in what is known as the Ionian Revolt. Margaret Killingray supports this in writing, “Athens, a tiny city, gloried in her victory over one of the world’s largest empires” (Killingray 18). This defeat however, angered the Persian tyranny and thus war was declared on Greece, Persia’s intentions being to conquer all of Greece and make it part of the Persian empire. Thus, in 490 BCE the Persian War began. Now that the threat of the Persians had intensified, Sparta was ready to fight Persia. Greek armies everywhere, including that of Athens who had an incredible naval fleet, united under the supreme military command of Sparta. The Persian’s efforts were crushed by the Greek force; Sparta having led them to a complete victory. This victory signified the strength that Sparta and Greece had developed and that they were accomplishing their goal of becoming a powerful nation. Now that Persia was no longer such an imposing threat, Spartans and Athenians were free to return to their lives as they had been before the Persian War. Sparta reconvened their military way of life just as Athens revived their lifestyle that focused on art and learning. It was through Sparta’s military conduct that Sparta became a powerful city-state. Military training had roots deep in Spartan society, hence the half century they had spent fighting the Persians. It was for that reason, according to Isaac Asimov, that the Spartans ” dedicated their lives to warfare.” (Asimov 52). Spartans were raised in the most unadulterated manner possible so that they might center their lives around combat in order to make Greece a more forceful nation. Spartan children were brought up under military expectations. At birth, Spartan babies were inspected for deformities and if any child was found to be other than physically sound, they were abandoned on mountaintops to die. Asimov wrote that the Spartans’ logic behind this was to ensure that their population was free of defects and more capable of fighting when the need arose (Asimov 52). An article out of Encarta 97 Encyclopedia stated: “Spartans were taught to endure cold and hunger, were not allowed to wear fine clothes or eat good food, were trained in all military arts and were taught to endure weariness and pain without complaint.” (Encarta 97 Encyclopedia). Although the lifestyle of Spartans was harsh, it was attributable to making Sparta the ” greatest military power in Greece.” (Encarta 97 Encyclopedia)
After the Persian War, Athens, like Sparta, returned to ordinary life a more powerful city-state. The primary reason for Athens’ increased influence on Greece was the formation of the League of Cities. Designed by Athens, the League of Cities was, according to Dorothy Mills, ” an establishment whereby members [other Greek city-states] paid to enlarge and strengthen the superior Athenian fleet to protect Greece from the threat of Persia.” (Mills 289). While Athens did perform its duties by offering protection to all of Greece, it used its position in the League to force other city-states into agreeing with Athens. In addition, Athens, according to The Book of Ancient Greeks, by laws of Pericles (the leader of Athens at this time) made it possible for every Athenian citizen to take an active part in the government. Thus the government became a democracy, a state ruled by the many (Mills 299). Furthermore, Athens acquired wealth by collecting payment from members of the League of Cities. With this wealth Athens was able to beautify their city and focus their attentions on the cultivation of learning and the arts. Consequently, Greece was led to a “golden age”, a time of intellectual, philosophical, and artistic growth that produced many scholars, artists, writers and philosophers. Unlike the Spartans, Athenian children were educated and brought up to appreciate beauty and intellect. Athens increased influence of Greece was credited to the Athenians control of the League of Cities, democracy, and the reputation they received by turning Athens into the most beautiful of all Greek cities. Encarta 97 Encyclopedia states that “Athens became famous as an artistic and cultural center.” (Encarta 97 Encyclopedia). Because both Sparta and Athens were powerful countries with strong ideals, controversy was bound to result. One example of their rivalry was the Peloponnesian War. This war was spurred by Athens’ abuse of its control of the League of Cities. Athens used its influence to insist that all other city-states be governed by democracy. Athens forcefully stopped the cities that wanted to leave the League and that preferred an oligarchic form of government like that of Sparta. Killingray described the Peloponnesian War as ” a war about politics and the power of different groups within the city as well as a war between empires.” (Killigray 19). Mills writes in reference to the Peloponnesian War that, ” this war was between Greek and Greek, and it rapidly spread over almost the whole Greek world. The real cause was the rivalry between Athens and Sparta, and it was fought to determine which should be supreme in Greece.” (Mills 296). The outcome of the war was the downfall of Athens and the supremacy of Sparta. The fifth and sixth centuries BCE found both Sparta and Athens in seats of power in Greece. Unified, they defeated Persia and eliminated the threat of becoming part of the Persian Empire. The diverseness of Sparta and Athens allowed Greece to become powerful in two areas; one being military supremacy, the other being intellectual supremacy. Finally, the controversy between Sparta and Athens determined which city-state would have supreme control of Greece, settling the dispute for the last time. The city-states of Sparta and Athens accomplished their goal of making Greece an omnipotent nation through their unity, diverseness and controversy.
Другие работы по теме:
Lysistrata Essay Research Paper Lysistrata is a
Lysistrata Essay, Research Paper Lysistrata is a play written in 411 BC by Aristophanes. At that time in Greek history, the city-states were constantly warring with one another. Consequently, the women were left at home. One woman, Lysistrata, was so fed up with the fighting that she called all of the women of Greece to a meeting.
Lycergus Essay Research Paper LycergusIn ancient Greece
Lycergus Essay, Research Paper Lycergus In ancient Greece, the most feared named was Sparta. It was a total war machine willing to take on all comers. They rose above the rest by being well disciplined and educated. The man who brought them this glory was Lycergus. Like any great leader he was very idealistic.
Hades Essay Research Paper Hades Did you
Hades Essay, Research Paper Hades Did you know that Hades is the richest god? He could buy anything. He has a lot of gold and he could buy Mexico or better artillery for our
Hades Essay Research Paper Did you know
Hades Essay, Research Paper Did you know that Hades is the richest god? He could buy anything. He has a lot of gold and he could buy Mexico or better artillery for our country. Hades is the king of the Underworld
Terrorism Essay Research Paper Terrorism is defined
Terrorism Essay, Research Paper Terrorism is defined as “the use of violent means against non-military targets”. Acts of terrorism are typically designed to destroy the authority and legitimacy of a country. While the US is a legitmate world power, we do not experience a substantial amount of terrorism.
Ivan Iv Essay Research Paper Ivan IV
Ivan Iv Essay, Research Paper Ivan IV: The First TsarIvan the Terrible was only 3 years old when he became the tsar of Russia. Obviously too young to actually rule, his mother Elena and her lover, Ivan Obolensky, ruled the country for him. In 1538, Elena died and Ivan Obolensky killed for the chance to rule the country.
Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper Sparta one
Ancient Greece Essay, Research Paper Sparta, one of the powerful city-states, retains this name for good reason. They took over Messenia and used the land wisely, by making a government using the Code of Lycurgus. The Spartan women were given a lot more freedom compared to other Greek city-states; thus, every person provided a part in the development of their city.
Starting Again Essay Research Paper Start AgainStarting
Starting Again Essay, Research Paper Start Again Starting a new life in another country can be extremely stressful. To adapt to a different culture, to lack of financial support and absence of the family can be a very threatening situation.
Religion Is Important Essay Research Paper I
Religion Is Important Essay, Research Paper I think culture, religion, ethnicity is very important in one’s life. They should know where there from and who they are. Everyone comes from somewhere around the world, even if they were born in another country, they still
Athens Essay Research Paper When Athens became
Athens Essay, Research Paper When Athens became the capital of the new kingdom of Greece in 1833, it was a small town of Turkish-style houses clustered at the foot of the Acropolis. Beginning in the 1950?s, much of old Athens was demolished to make room for modern buildings. The movement of large numbers of people into the capital from rural areas has caused conjestion.
Sir Lanval Essay Research Paper Intro paragraph
Sir Lanval Essay, Research Paper Intro paragraph: A warrior is a person that values his country and will protect it at all costs. He is brave and valient and does not care whether he dies in battle just as long as he’s fighting for his country and for a good cause. Sometimes warriors sacrifice their beliefs in the case of love or religion.
Greece Government Essay Research Paper Government in
Greece Government Essay, Research Paper Government in Greece Our next stop on our journey through ancient Greece will describe the government of Greece to you. Ask yourself the following questions and read the answers to learn more about how ancient Greece was ruled and who made the laws that you would have followed.
Mali Essay Research Paper Developing a CountryThe
Mali Essay, Research Paper Developing a Country The country of Mali is considered an under developed country. Our group had to think of a proposal that would help a town in Mali stay well off on their own. The
Greece Essay Research Paper Greece contributed many
Greece Essay, Research Paper Greece contributed many things to our society. In Athens they had a limited democracy. This shows some basic ideas that our very similar to ours. One of many philosophers, Socrates taught us all to think for ourselves. Greece gave order in the universe through the writers, artists, and many philosophers Greeks architecture is must famous for its column style.
Greek And Roman Gods Essay Research Paper
1. The Queen and King of the gods and goddesses were Zeus and Hera (Greece), known as Jupiter and Juno (Rome). 2. Apollo had the same name in both Greece and Rome.
Greece And Rome Essay Research Paper Early
Greece And Rome Essay, Research Paper Early man s life was based on survival; he spent much of his time in search of food, water, and safety for his family. In the early times of Greece, and Rome however, food and water were both readily available. There was permanent shelter, and little threat from animals or other people.
How Were Spartans Different From Athens Essay
, Research Paper This is a comparing on two city-states in Greece. In Greece Sparta and Athens were different in so many ways such as in religion, government, culture, beliefs, education etc.
The Greek Economy Essay Research Paper Greek
The Greek Economy Essay, Research Paper Greek Economy Agriculture The Greek economy depends a lot on agriculture. One quarter of the Greek workforce is engaged in farming, and agriculture constitutes about 15% of the domestic production. Not much attention has been drawn on the agricultural sector of the economy.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Ancient Greece
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Ancient Greece A Time Of Great Cities And Lives Ancient Greece was an interesting time and place with huge markets in which people could sell items of every kind. Strict laws
The GreekMacedonia Issue Macedonia Is Greek
! Essay, Research Paper In 1912, after the Balkan wars, the geographical territory known as Macedonia, in ancient times known as the Greek Kingdom at the northern end of Greece, was divided-up between Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece. The ownership of the territory, or more importantly, the identity of it, has been an important issue ever since.
Greek Geography Essay Research Paper The geography
Greek Geography Essay, Research Paper The geography in Ancient Greece did affect the way the Greeks lived their day-to-day lives. Greek?s geography prevented most kinds of agriculture the opportunity to grow. Also, it forced most of the Greek city-states to develop their own customs and government. Being on the seafront of the Mediterranean Sea gave them many opportunities to make an empire.
Enfluening OF Music Essay Research Paper This
Enfluening OF Music Essay, Research Paper This Essay is about how music can influence the emotions and effects of a person. I will be giving you precentages. I will also be giving you quotes of students
Athens
& Sparta Essay, Research Paper The two most dominating city-states in Greece of their time, Athens and Sparta, were great rivals with two very different ways of life. Sparta?s overbearing military and Athens? impartial justice system and government are models for many modern day countries. Even though these two city-states differ greatly from one another, they share many characteristics of their country and their time period.
Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper ANCIENT EGYPT
Ancient Greece Essay, Research Paper ANCIENT EGYPT Ancient Egypt – Info on pyramids, temples, king and queens and hieroglyphs. Ancient Egypt’s mysterious Language: Hieroglyphics – This site has a hieroglyph
To What Extent Should Nationalism Be Encouraged
? Essay, Research Paper Nationalism is very important towards a person’s self pride towards the country they live in. Nationalism is the base on what a country stand for and how strong the country is as a whole. With this in mind do people go over board and express this sense of pride to an extent to which it can be dangerous.
Greece Heroism Essay Research Paper Greece HeroismIn
Greece: Heroism Essay, Research Paper Greece: Heroism In ancient Greek times heroism was much different than it is now. Today, all you have to do to become a hero most of the time is rich, after you do this the
Changes To Greece Brought About By WWI
Essay, Research Paper Changes to Greece Brought About By WWI. World War One greatly affected many countries in Europe. Some of the post-war affects were the country’s population, economy, politics, and geography. Usually, when wars come to end, there are winners and losers. One party celebrates its victory while the other tries to overcome its defeat.
Roman Vs Greek Gov
’t Essay, Research Paper Ancient Governments: A comparison of ancient Greek democracy and Roman republic Even today, the ideals of government expressed and used by the ancient Greeks and Romans are well known. Although the Greek democracy and the Roman republic have many resemblances they also have many differences.
Country Music Essay Research Paper Country MusicToday
Country Music Essay, Research Paper Country Music Today, many people in the United States listen to country music. People have almost always listen to this type of music, from early rebels, to the families of today. The topic of true country music usually remains the same in all songs. The country atmosphere is more family oriented and provides children and all people with good role models.
Italy And Greece Essay Research Paper Italy
Italy And Greece Essay, Research Paper Italy and Greece Report Italy is located in southern Europe. Rome was once capital of the Roman Empire, but today is the capital of Italy. Nearly all Italians are Roman Catholics, although many do not attend church regularly. There are about 100,000 Protestants. Italy also has a very small Jewish community.
Origins Of Tennis Essay Research Paper Historians
Origins Of Tennis Essay, Research Paper Historians trace the origins of tennis back to the Stone Age, when humans first used clubs to hit rocks back and forth over barricades of dirt and stone. The next sign of tennis development was in the form of handball played in ancient world of Greece, Rome, and Egypt. However, these Herculean atheletes did not have a name for this pastime.