Ancient Cultures and Our Culture

Many parts of modern life are influenced by ancient Greece and Rome. Government, sports, architecture, medicine, theater, and language all contain ideas from these ancient cultures.

About 4,000 years ago, early Greeks lived on the island of Crete. They built ships and palaces and traded with nearby lands. Later, Greece entered a period called the Dark Age, when people lived mostly in farming villages.

By 700 B.C., Greece had developed city-states. Some city-states used democracy, where citizens voted on laws and leaders. Greece became powerful and influenced many other countries through art, science, and government.

In Rome, kings ruled at first, but rich and poor Romans later worked together to overthrow the king and create a republic. In a republic, citizens elect representatives to make laws.

The ancient Olympic Games began in Greece as a religious festival honoring Zeus. Athletes competed in running, wrestling, discus, javelin, and long jump events. Modern Olympic Games still include many of these sports today.

Ancient Greek and Roman architecture also influences modern buildings. Greek architecture used columns and high roofs, while Roman architecture used arches, cement, and bricks. Buildings such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Metropolitan Opera House show these influences.

The United States government combines ideas from Greek democracy and Roman republics. Americans vote for leaders and laws, and the government uses checks and balances to prevent too much power in one group.