The Contribution of Ancient Greece to the Western Civilization

The ancient Greeks gave many contributions to the western civilization. They gave the Pythagorean Theory, Hippocratic Oath, limited democracy and more. Today those contributions benefit us. Pythagoras gave the Pythagorean Theory to us. He made a formula (a2+b2=C2); this formula is used to calculate the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. Euclid was a Greek mathematician and is often called the father of geometry. He put together, scientifically arranged, and wrote portions of the mathematics textbook Elements.

Very little is known about Euclid’s life. The place and date of his birth are uncertain, though it is known that he taught mathematics at the Museum, an institute in Alexandria, Egypt

With the help of math and observation skills, the astronomer Aristarchus argued that the Earth rotated on its axis and orbited around the sun. This theory was not accepted until almost 2,000 years later. Another astronomer, Eratosthenes, showed that the Earth was round and calculated the circumference. Archimedes, the most famous Hellenistic scientist, made practical objects using the principles of physics. He mastered the use of the lever and pully used today in everyday life. People watched in amaze as one of his inventions drew a ship onto shore.

The Hippocratic oath is a promise made by doctors allowing them to swear to “help the sick according to my ability and judgment but never with a view to injury and wrong”, and to protect privacy of patients. A Greek physician, Hippocrates, created this oath. He studied the cause of illnesses and found the cures. His oath set ethical standards for doctors. He lived from 460 B.C. to about 377 B.C. We have to obey our laws. Our government keeps us safe. Our government is Democracy, a government by the people. Pericles preferred democracy to any other type of government. Democracy allowed people, no matter what social status, to have a saying in political issues. Athens was a direct democracy. Under this system a large number of citizens take part in the day-to-day affairs of government. But we now our governments don’t participate directly but through elected representatives. Pericles believed that all male citizens no matter what social class and regardless the wealth, should take part in a government.

The Gods were very important to the Greeks. The Greeks believed that the gods kept them safe from danger. They believed that it was immoral to disobey them. Gods set their rules and they were to be followed. Their gods had an important role in their lives. Gods were put into plays as a show of respect. Greek architect gave a sense of perfect balance to reflect the harmony and order of the universe. The most famous example of Greek architecture is the Parthenon. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena. Greek architecture is still widely admired. Today many public buildings have adopted various kinds of Greek Columns. In conclusion I’ve learned that Greece has made many contributions. Education, Architecture, Government, and oaths have affected the whole western civilization into making it a better civilization.

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