Chapter 7 Section 3

Greek Culture

The Olympics• Athletic competition

between Greek city-states originated in 776 B.C. and was held regularly until A.D. 393.

The Olympics• If the city-states were at war they

declared a truce to attend the Olympics.

• Was a celebration to honor the Greek god Zeus.

The Olympics• There were running races,

javelin-throwing, and horse races.

• Competitors in the events often competed with no clothes on.

The Olympics• A popular event was the

“Pancratium” which was a combined boxing and wrestling match.

Mythology and Religion

• The Greeks worshipped many different gods therefore they were polytheistic.

Mythology and Religion

• Greeks believed that their gods interfered in the lives of humans. So they offered hymns, prayers, and sacrifices to their gods.

Shrines• Special sites where Greeks

believed the gods lived

Oracles• Prophesies, or predictions of the

future• Many Greeks paid fees in order to

have a priest or priestess tell them their future.

Greek Architecture• In the mid-400s B.C., the

Athenian ruler Pericles (PEHR ih kleez) decided to repair the damage done to the city during the wars with Persia.

Greek Architecture• The great artist Phidias (FIHD ee

uhs) supervised the design and construction of several new buildings in Athens.

The Parthenon • Most famous temple in Athens

dedicated to the goddess of the city, Athena.

The Parthenon• Built of white marble with rows of

tall columns, it is a prime example of Greek architecture.

Greek Drama• The earliest plays began as

dances and songs performed every year at a festival honoring the Greek god Dionysus.

Tragedies • Greek plays with a serious stories

involving men and women who met disastrous ends.

Comedies• Light hearted plays that poked fun

at aristocrats and gods.

Amphitheater• A round stage set at the base of a

hill surrounded by rows of benches and seats.

Greek Drama• Greek actors performed in

Amphitheaters wearing mask that highlighted the features of the character they were portraying.

Greek Art• In contrast to other art of

ancient civilizations, Greek artist strived to capture realistic depictions of people in their sculptures and paintings.

Greek Science and Math• The ancient Greece established

several scientific principles that are in use still today.

Hippocrates (hih PAHK ruh teez)

• Greek physician that attempted to explain illnesses by natural causes rather than supernatural forces.

Hippocrates (hih PAHK ruh teez)

• He was the first to begin keeping careful records of illnesses and treatments and thus began the scientific practice of medicine.

Pythagoras (pih THAG ur uhs)

• Greek mathematician who originated many mathematical theories that are still used today.

Greek Philosophy

Philosophy• Thinking about and studying

human behavior and morals.

• Comes from the Greek Word for “love and wisdom”

Socrates (SAHK ruh teez)

• Famous Greek philosopher who questioned people’s duty in city-states and the need for laws.

Plato (PLAY toe)

• Student of Socrates who opened a school of philosophy

• Plato pondered the nature of love, courage, and goodness.

Aristotle • A student of Plato

that wrote books about art, physics, astronomy, weather, and biology.