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nadellii

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I assume that is because of the technological advancements and widespread power of ancient Greek empires. But I’ve always wondered why there isn’t so much emphasis on the other time periods of Greek history. In my opinion other parts of Greek history have such a deep and beautiful rich history that should be just as famous as the ancient Greek history. If anyone has any insight on why there is so much fascination about ancient Greece in ancient Greek mythology, I would love to know.
 
The ancient Greek political, military, theatre, arts, literary, medical, scientific and mathematical processes are the basis for the "western liberal democratic" world that many of us live in. I'm sure if we were born in China or India we would be taught about the ancient Chinese and Indian civilisations and their influence on our modern civilisaion.

I am not aware of any other society or part of Greek history which has contributed so much to "western" society.

I would be interested to hear from you about other times in Greek history where the learning and knowledge has been of such a high level that it is centuries or millennia ahead of the rest of the world.
 
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The ancient Greek political, military, theatre, arts, literary, medical, scientific and mathematical processes are the basis for the "western liberal democratic" world that many of us live in. I'm sure if we were born in China or India we would be taught about the ancient Chinese and Indian civilisations and their influence on our modern civilisaion.

I am not aware of any other society or part of Greek history which has contributed so much to "western" society.

I would be interested to hear from you about other times in Greek history where the learning and knowledge has been of such a high level that it is centuries or millennia ahead of the rest of the world.
I guess it depends on what type of contributions that different societies value. Definitely Greece has made major contributions in terms of western political structures and architecture for example which is highly valued in the west. Of course, there are other great contributions that Greece has made in terms of poetry and modern art for example that may not be as talked about
 
Because we invented everything
 
I think it is because of not only the inventions, but the wealth of knowledge that was gained during this time, not just with philosophy, but math and science as well. For me, this is where the fascination lies. I want to know more about the people who made these remarkable discoveries.
 
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Story of the Birth of Democracy

I just watched a nice documentary about the birth of democracy in Athens. This is so fascinating! I didn't realize the nuances, only the basics about how it began in Athens. This documentary goes into a lot more detail.

Learning about the Olympic Games

It's an Olympics year so I thought I would chat a bit about the Olympic Games!

The original Olympic Games, held in Olympia, Greece, were primarily a festival celebrating Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. These games began around 776 BC and featured a range of athletic competitions, from foot races to combat sports like wrestling and boxing. Interestingly, the games were so significant that wars were put on hold, and conflicts paused to allow athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia. This ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce or "Ekecheiria" is a testament to the power of sport in fostering peace and unity, a principle that remains at the heart of the Olympics today.

I find it absolutely intriguing how these ancient games laid the groundwork for the modern Olympics, introducing concepts of sportsmanship, excellence, and the idea of bringing people together through the universal language of sport.

Has anyone visited ancient Olympia? Do you guys enjoy watching the Olympic Games?

Learning about Greek Independence Day

March 25th marks a significant celebration in Greece, but I realize my knowledge on its historical context is quite limited.

From what I understand, this day commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821, where Greece sought to end several centuries of Ottoman rule. However, I'm eager to learn more about the intricacies of this period, the key figures involved, and how the struggle for independence unfolded over time.

Additionally, I'd be interested in understanding how this day is celebrated across Greece today and whether any particular traditions are tied to it. For example, are there specific ceremonies, parades, or family traditions that uniquely mark this day in Greek culture?


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What did the Ancient Greeks eat?

I am fascinated by the Ancient Greeks. I have a feeling that some of our modern Greek recipes are similar to the ancient ones. Like spoon sweets. It think that seems like something that was developed a long time ago as a way to preserve the fruit harvest.

So, I have been researching this. What did the Ancient Greeks eat? I wanted to share this video because I thought it was interesting.

My Top Favorite Greek Philosophers

There are too many philosophers to count, but these are the ones I am studying at the moment. It's fascinating to me how influential the Greek philosophers are. Here's some things I am learning:

#1 Socrates

If philosophy had a poster boy, Socrates might very well be it. The father of Western philosophy, Socrates was a gadfly to Athenian society, questioning everything and Master to Plato. Known for the Socratic Method and his unflinching commitment to truth, Socrates' influence is immeasurable despite never having written a word.

#2 Plato

Rightly succeeding his mentor on this list, Plato's Academy saw him birth the first "university" of its kind. His unabashed idealism, immortal Forms, allegories like the Cave, and the pursuit of 'The Good' in moral philosophy set the stage for much intellectual discourse.

#3 Aristotle

Aristotle, another of Plato's students, had a more grounded approach to philosophy than his predecessor. With establishing principles of logic and reason, and contributions to virtually every field of academia, from poetry to physics, Aristotle's body of work remains foundational.

#4 Heraclitus

Heraclitus, famed for the idea that "change is the only constant," viewed the cosmos through a lens of process, flux, and an everlasting Logos that governs the world. Although little of his work survives, his influence on ancient and modern thinkers is profound.

#5 Epicurus

Known for his eponymous philosophy, Epicurus taught that the greatest good is to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquility, freedom from fear (ataraxia), and absence of bodily pain (aponia). Often misunderstood, Epicureanism is starkly different from the modern use of 'epicurean' - it's much less about a luxury lifestyle and more about ethical considerations regarding personal fulfillment.
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