Greek Civilization Essay

Greek Civilization: Politics and War

From 750 BCE to 30 BCE, the Greek civilization was founded, developed and sustained. The significance of this time period would go on to affect history by having an impact on how nations would later be created and operated and how we as citizens think and act in our society. Some of the first and great philosophers, scientists, artists and politicians arose from this era. One of these forever memorable players and catalyst for change in this extraordinary time was Alexander the Great. His actions, specifically political and war-focused, would solidify Greece 's place on the world stage and expand its influence and reach.

The Archaic Period (750 BCE - 500 BCE) was the foundation of many Greek policies, one of these being the polis or, in other words, city-states (The West pg. 80). With Greece facing increasing political tension and a general lack of economic opportunities, many Greeks wanted to emigrate. With entrepreneurs and merchants seeking new markets, trade networks were expanded. The Greeks who did move out into the world brought back with them the polis, its political system and ideals (In

slide 13). With him, Alexander brought Hellenistic thought, values and culture to his new lands, including Egypt, where he saw some of the most interesting cultural blending and economic growth (The West pg. 127). He allowed and encouraged this cultural assimilation across his Macedonian Empire. These new viewpoints from his various acquisitions transformed the Greek political system from a simple collection of city-states or poleis to a more complex collection of cosmopoleis, or city-states with people of many different countries (Greek expansion pp. slide 21). Alexander’s imperial conquests marked the end of the Hellenic era and the beginning of the Hellenistic (Ancient Greek Civilizations