Ancient Greece was one of the most sophisticated civilisations in the ancient world. When we talk
about Ancient Greece, we usually mean the years between 800 BC and 146 BC when there was a lot of cultural, social and scientific progress.
Ancient Greece is often called 'the birthplace of Western Civilisation', because we still follow a lot of its philosophy,
architecture and culture today. Ancient Greek literature and poetry is still popular today; school children worldwide
still study the vast range of Greek myths, which feature mythical monsters, heroes and Greek gods. The Olympic
Games, which began in Greece in 776 BC as a religious festival dedicated to Zeus, took place every four years for over
1000 years!
The Ancient Greek period came to an end when it became part of the Roman Empire in 146 BC. However, the Romans respected the Greeks and
they adopted several Greek gods as their own, as well as being influenced by Greek architecture and culture.
The city-state Sparta was well-known for its strong army. Spartan boys trained to become warriors from the age of 7 years old!
Ancient Greek pottery was decorated with scenes of soldiers, gods or daily life, as well as geometric patterns.
The Parthenon is a temple in Athens that was built to honour the goddess Athena. It took around 15 years to build!
The Ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses. Many of the gods were part human,
which meant they were not perfect! They were immortal, though, which means they would live forever. Ancient Greeks believed that the twelve most
important gods lived on Mount Olympus.
Zeus was the wisest and most important of all the gods. He was God of the
Earth and the Sky, and is often shown holding a bolt of lightning. The Ancient Greeks believed that Zeus threw bolts of lightning when he
was angry, causing our thunderstorms.
Ancient Greece was not a united country with one king or leader. Instead, it was made up of lots
of city-states, each with its own ruler. There was always a large city at the centre of a city-state. Each city-state
had formed its own government, and some had kings as well. The two most powerful city-states were Athens and Sparta.
Sparta is well-known for its military strength. It had a very strong army, because Spartan boys trained to become
warriors from the time they were 7 years old. They joined a tough military school where they learnt how to become
a mighty warrior.
The Ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses. Many of the gods were part human,
which meant they were not perfect! They were immortal, though, which means they would live forever. Ancient Greeks believed that the twelve most
important gods lived on Mount Olympus.
Zeus was the wisest and most important of all the gods. He was God of the
Earth and the Sky, and is often shown holding a bolt of lightning. The Ancient Greeks believed that Zeus threw bolts of lightning when he
was angry, causing our thunderstorms.
Ancient Greece was not a united country with one king or leader. Instead, it was made up of lots
of city-states, each with its own ruler. There was always a large city at the centre of a city-state. Each city-state
had formed its own government, and some had kings as well. The two most powerful city-states were Athens and Sparta.
Sparta is well-known for its military strength. It had a very strong army, because Spartan boys trained to become
warriors from the time they were 7 years old. They joined a tough military school where they learnt how to become
a mighty warrior.
Ancient Greece is famous for its mythology. Greek myths are stories that include magic
and creatures, as well as the Greek gods and goddesses. There is usually a message at the end of the story.
The myths were often stories of good versus evil, with characters facing difficult obstacles.
Medusa and her two sisters were monsters called Gorgons. Medusa looked like an ugly witch with poisonous
snakes instead of hair. She turned people to stone by looking them in the eye. She was eventually defeated by
Perseus, who avoided looking Medusa in the eye
by using his shield as a mirror to see where she was. He then slayed her with his sword.
The Ancient Greeks built many impressive buildings, including temples, theatres and palaces.
We still use many of the Ancient Greek designs and styles today.
You will often see these designs in government
buildings, museums and libraries, because modern democracy and arts are based on Ancient Greek ideas. Buildings
tended to be symmetrical, with very high ceilings.
Examples of Ancient Greek styles being used in modern buildings are everywhere: for example the British Museum
in London and The White House in Washington DC.
