Learn more about Greece

Greek civilization arose between the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, around 2000 BC. Formed after the migration of nomadic tribes of Indo-European, for example, Achaeans, Ionians, Aeolians, and Dorians. The polis (city-state), so that characterizes the political life of the Greeks emerged around the eighth century BC The two most important polis of Greece were Sparta and Athens.

Expansion of the Greek people (Diaspora) Around centuries BC and BC Greek migrations happen several people at various points in the Mediterranean Sea as a result of high population growth, internal conflicts and the need for new territories for the practice of agriculture . In Thrace, the Greeks founded colonies in the southern part of the Italian Peninsula and Asia Minor (modern Turkey) region. Conflicts and disagreements among the colonies of Asia Minor and the Persian Empire Medical causes (492 BC to 448 BC) famous wars, where the Greeks are victorious. 

Sparta and Athens become involved in the Peloponnesian War (431 BC to 404 BC) won by Sparta. In the year 359 BC, the Greek polis are dominated and controlled by the Macedonians.

Economics of Ancient Greece

The Greek economy was based on the cultivation of olive trees , vineyards and wheat . The Greek crafts , especially ceramics, had great acceptance in the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek amphorae carried wines, olive oils and perfumes to the four corners of the peninsula . With maritime trade Greeks achieved great development , even to the coinage metal . Slaves , debtors or prisoners of war were used as manual labor in Greece . Each city-state had its own political and administrative order , social organization and tutelary gods 

Culture and religion

It was in ancient Greece , in the city of Olympia , who emerged the Olympic Games in honor of the gods . The Greeks also developed a rich mythology . Even today Greek mythology is a reference for studies and books . The philosophy also reached a surprising development , especially in Athens V ( Classical Period of Greece ) century. Plato and Socrates are the best known philosophers of this period .

The Greek drama may also be highlighted. Almost all Greek cities had amphitheatres , where actors had stage dramas or comedies , wearing masks . Poetry , history , fine arts and architecture were very important in Greek culture .

The Greek polytheistic religion was marked by a strong humanist brand . The gods had gods and human characteristics . Greek heroes ( demigods ) were the sons of gods with mortals . Zeus , god of gods , commanding all others from the top of Mount Olympus . We highlight other Greek gods : Athena ( goddess of the arts ) , Apollo ( god of the sun ) , Artemis ( goddess of the hunt and protector of cities ) , Aphrodite ( goddess of love , sex and beauty body ) , Demeter ( goddess of the harvest ) , Hermes ( messenger of the gods ) among others . Greek mythology was also very important in the life of this civilization , because through the myths and legends of the Greeks conveyed important messages and teachings The Greeks also used to refer to the gods in the Delphic oracle . Believed that this holy place , the gods were guiding on important questions of everyday life and unveiling facts that could happen in the future .

In architecture , the Greeks erected palaces , temples and acropolis marble on top of mountains . Policy decisions , especially in Athens , the Greek city where democracy emerged , were taken in the Agora ( public space for political debate ) .