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| An example of an Ancient Greek mathmatics question |
Columns of Ancient Greece
Wednesday 4 June 2014
Ancient Greek Mathmatics and Science
Hi guys! Here is our last legacy, on Ancient Greek Mathmatics and Science. We have a lot to thank the Ancient Greeks for!
The Greeks have produced or made great advancements in mathematics which are being used today. Euclid was known for the basic rules and terms of geometry. While Pythagoras was famous for his theorem a2 + b2=c2 for a right triangle. Pythagoras also came up with a value of pie to calculate the circumference of a circle which is incredibly important. Archimedes discovered the physical law of displacement. This is when an object moves the same volume of water as the object which is placed inside it. Archimedes also used levers and pulleys to move heavy objects which inspired us. He launched a fully loaded ship all by himself. Archimedes also invented the Archimedes screw, which holds water up from rivers for the irrigation of fields. In addition to discoveries in math and physics, he invented weapons to help the Greeks in the Roman invasion. One of those weapons was the famous catapult. In 21 B.C.E. the Romans captured his city and killed him. In ancient Greece they weren’t a fan of equations or algebra but instead they were more focused on geometry, and used geometric methods to solve problems you might use in algebra. They were also very interested in proving that certain mathematical ideas were true. So they spent a lot of time using geometry to prove that things were always true, even though people like the Egyptians and Babylonians (for example) already knew they were right most of the time. I guess you can say that Greek people are very interesting!
The Greeks have produced or made great advancements in mathematics which are being used today. Euclid was known for the basic rules and terms of geometry. While Pythagoras was famous for his theorem a2 + b2=c2 for a right triangle. Pythagoras also came up with a value of pie to calculate the circumference of a circle which is incredibly important. Archimedes discovered the physical law of displacement. This is when an object moves the same volume of water as the object which is placed inside it. Archimedes also used levers and pulleys to move heavy objects which inspired us. He launched a fully loaded ship all by himself. Archimedes also invented the Archimedes screw, which holds water up from rivers for the irrigation of fields. In addition to discoveries in math and physics, he invented weapons to help the Greeks in the Roman invasion. One of those weapons was the famous catapult. In 21 B.C.E. the Romans captured his city and killed him. In ancient Greece they weren’t a fan of equations or algebra but instead they were more focused on geometry, and used geometric methods to solve problems you might use in algebra. They were also very interested in proving that certain mathematical ideas were true. So they spent a lot of time using geometry to prove that things were always true, even though people like the Egyptians and Babylonians (for example) already knew they were right most of the time. I guess you can say that Greek people are very interesting!
Sports, Fitness and the Olympics
Hey guys. Here's our post on Sports and Fitness in Ancient Greece. Hope you enjoy!
In Ancient Greece, being fit was very important. Having a healthy mind, body and weight meant you were higher up on the social structure. Being fit meant that you could play sports better than others. Ancient Greeks took sports very important and competitively. Woman did not play many sports; instead they did more housework. The Greeks created the Olympics; it was originally made for only the Greek men. Although we do not know just when the Games were first played, the earliest recorded Olympic competition occurred in 776 B.C. It had only one event, the one-stade (approximately 630-foot or 192-meter) race, which was won by a cook named Coroebus. This was the start of the first Olympiad, the four-year period by which the Greeks recorded their history. They eventually created more events such as wrestling, running, discus and javelin. One event that I thought that was really cool and is semi similar to horseback riding, was chariot racing; a cart pulled by horses. Winning athletes were heroes who put their hometowns on the map. One young Athenian defended his political reputation by mentioning how he entered seven chariots in the Olympic chariot-race. This high number of entries made both the aristocrat and Athens look very wealthy and powerful. The Olympics were a one-day event until they were extended three to five days. All events were held at the Olympia stadium in Greece. The Olympics were held every four years and nobody could wait until they started again! Now-a-days, people from all across the world take part in the Olympics every two years; alternating with the winter and summer Olympic games.
In Ancient Greece, being fit was very important. Having a healthy mind, body and weight meant you were higher up on the social structure. Being fit meant that you could play sports better than others. Ancient Greeks took sports very important and competitively. Woman did not play many sports; instead they did more housework. The Greeks created the Olympics; it was originally made for only the Greek men. Although we do not know just when the Games were first played, the earliest recorded Olympic competition occurred in 776 B.C. It had only one event, the one-stade (approximately 630-foot or 192-meter) race, which was won by a cook named Coroebus. This was the start of the first Olympiad, the four-year period by which the Greeks recorded their history. They eventually created more events such as wrestling, running, discus and javelin. One event that I thought that was really cool and is semi similar to horseback riding, was chariot racing; a cart pulled by horses. Winning athletes were heroes who put their hometowns on the map. One young Athenian defended his political reputation by mentioning how he entered seven chariots in the Olympic chariot-race. This high number of entries made both the aristocrat and Athens look very wealthy and powerful. The Olympics were a one-day event until they were extended three to five days. All events were held at the Olympia stadium in Greece. The Olympics were held every four years and nobody could wait until they started again! Now-a-days, people from all across the world take part in the Olympics every two years; alternating with the winter and summer Olympic games.
The Hippocratic Oath
I swear by Apollo the physician, and Asclepius, and Hygieia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses as my witnesses, that, according to my ability and judgement, I will keep this Oath and this contract:
To hold him who taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents, to be a partner in life with him, and to fulfill his needs when required; to look upon his offspring as equals to my own siblings, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or contract; and that by the set rules, lectures, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to students bound by this contract and having sworn this Oath to the law of medicine, but to no others.
I will use those dietary regimens which will benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgement, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.
I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.
In purity and according to divine law will I carry out my life and my art.
I will not use the knife, even upon those suffering from stones, but I will leave this to those who are trained in this craft.
Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick, avoiding any voluntary act of impropriety or corruption, including the seduction of women or men, whether they are free men or slaves.
Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.
So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time. However, should I transgress this Oath and violate it, may the opposite be my fate.
Ancient Greek Medicine
Medicine in ancient Greece was very different from today because people thought that illness came as a punishment from the gods, until Hippocrates the physician came up with the theory that illness did not come from the gods and could be cured. So, during war, injured soldiers did not pray but was tended to by a doctor. Hippocrates is still a part of medicine today, because today all doctors must take part in something called the “Hippocratic Oath”. We will write down the full Hippocratic Oath in our next post!
Tuesday 3 June 2014
Theatre and Drama
The Ancient Greeks for sure lived the good life. They loved to attend the live theatre in the open air. Some theatres were able to hold 15,000 viewers! The Greeks didn’t just come to the theatre for fun. Drama contests were held in theatres across towns; and winners were held with as much respect as Olympic winners! There were three types of of plays that the Ancient Greeks invented:comedies, tragedies, and satires. Comedies are plays that always have a happy ending. Satires are plays that made fun and humour out of real people and events. Tragedies are play that always have a sad ending. The play was portrayed in two ways. The story was spoken out loud by a Greek chorus, and the performers told the story with masks and body movements; they did not speak at all. One of the most famous and successful actor in all of Ancient Greece was Thespis. Now-a-days, actors are called thespians in his honour. When you’re going to your next booked play, thank the Ancient Greeks for creating the theatre, and the stage the actors are on!
Ancient Greek Literature
Geia sas! (that's hello in greek). For the next few posts, we'll be exploring Literature and Drama. Get out your mask, because this is about to become interesting!
The Ancient Greeks wrote some of the best literature that the world has ever seen. We still read Greek stories, like Aesop’s fables, today. The Ancient Greek writing style is normally divided into two parts: the epic, and the poem. Epics are stories that follow the adventure of a hero. Around 700 B.C.E, Homer (a well-known Ancient Greek author) wrote two famous epics that are still read today, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Poems, as you already know, are compositions that are written in verse format. Two examples of poems in early Ancient Greek times include Theogony and Works and Days, both by a fantastic Greek author, Hesiod. Also, authors Archilochus and Sappho wrote many short poems from around 600 B.C.E. Sappho’s poems are the only surviving written work by an Ancient Greek woman!
The Ancient Greeks wrote some of the best literature that the world has ever seen. We still read Greek stories, like Aesop’s fables, today. The Ancient Greek writing style is normally divided into two parts: the epic, and the poem. Epics are stories that follow the adventure of a hero. Around 700 B.C.E, Homer (a well-known Ancient Greek author) wrote two famous epics that are still read today, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Poems, as you already know, are compositions that are written in verse format. Two examples of poems in early Ancient Greek times include Theogony and Works and Days, both by a fantastic Greek author, Hesiod. Also, authors Archilochus and Sappho wrote many short poems from around 600 B.C.E. Sappho’s poems are the only surviving written work by an Ancient Greek woman!
Ancient Greeks Columns
The Ancient Greeks were one of the best architects on Earth. The Greeks invented three types of columns to support their building . All of them were very pretty. Most columns look very straight from a distance but almost all are slanted a tiny bit to support the building. The Greeks preferred thing to look beautiful, but to be strong like them. Almost every building was incorporated by one of the three columns. Even in Sparta most of the designs are still used today.
Ancient Greek Vases and Pots
The Greeks made beautiful vases and pots to store things like olives, water, wine, oil, and many more. The pots and vases were painted with patterns and pictures using a mixture of water and clay called slip. Pictures that were painted on pots and vases gave us many clues about what life was like 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece.
Monday 2 June 2014
The Parthenon and the Acropolis
For the next few posts, we'll be writing about Arts and Architecture. The Ancient Greeks sure left a lasting impact when it came to the Arts!
The Parthenon is a temple built in honour of Athena in Athens. It is located in The Acropolis ( meaning High City) on the highest hill. In 1300 B.C.E around the late century, this Acropolis then had been where the king of Athens lived in and also where everybody went to defend themselves during the war. After the Dark Ages, the Athenians had no more kings to rule the land and people. They had an oligarchy and so there was no king to live in the Acropolis. Instead, the Acropolis became so sacred the goddess Athena was awarded by the Athenians who built her a temple in the spot of the Acropolis. This temple was called the Parthenon.
Trial by Jury
Hi! Here's our post about Trial by Jury in Ancient Greece. Without this important legacy, many innocent people would be in jail!
In Ancient Greece anybody can make a charge against another, you just needed the jury to agree with you. To be on a jury you had to be a citizen over 30 years old, you had to promise to be fair to each side no matter what conditions. The jury members were selected from volunteers, they were not paid. The number of jurors could be huge; some trials have more than 500 jurors. Only the jury could decide if someone was guilty or innocent. A judge was at the trial only to keep order, he could not decide the fate of the accused. The complainant and the accused both presented their case and the jurors decided who was guilty, majority rules. When someone was found guilty, both side presented a punishment and the jury decided which punishment was appropriate. The jury could not make a third punishment. The idea of trial by jury was not invented by the Greeks but it was fine-tuned by them. Today we still use many of the Ancient Greeks ideas in court for the jury.
In Ancient Greece anybody can make a charge against another, you just needed the jury to agree with you. To be on a jury you had to be a citizen over 30 years old, you had to promise to be fair to each side no matter what conditions. The jury members were selected from volunteers, they were not paid. The number of jurors could be huge; some trials have more than 500 jurors. Only the jury could decide if someone was guilty or innocent. A judge was at the trial only to keep order, he could not decide the fate of the accused. The complainant and the accused both presented their case and the jurors decided who was guilty, majority rules. When someone was found guilty, both side presented a punishment and the jury decided which punishment was appropriate. The jury could not make a third punishment. The idea of trial by jury was not invented by the Greeks but it was fine-tuned by them. Today we still use many of the Ancient Greeks ideas in court for the jury.
Ancient Greek Democracy
Hey Guys! Here is our post about Ancient Greek Democracy, another fantastic legacy. Hope you enjoy!
As you probably know, the American and Canadian Government System are run as a democracy. However, you might have not known democracy was made by the people of Greece. In the year 507 B.C.E. the Athenian ruler Cleisthenes made a system of political reforms that he called democracy. In Greek the word Democracy means “Rule by the People”. In this law all citizens of Greece were required to vote for their ruler and for their laws. Although the Athenian Democracy only survived two centuries, the system was one of Ancient Greece’s most important contributions to the modern day life.
However, the form of democracy we have now is quite different from the democracy that the people of Athens had. In both Canada and Ancient Athens only citizens can vote, but in Athens only male citizens can vote, and slaves and travelers don’t qualify as citizens. So, in the end only about 40,000 people could vote. In Canada all citizens can vote and that includes woman. At around 460 B.C.E., when Athens was under the rule general Pericles the democracy began to evolve into something called aristocracy. Aristocracy is sort of alike a dictatorship. Democratic ideas did not survive through Greece but they have been influencing people ever since.
As you probably know, the American and Canadian Government System are run as a democracy. However, you might have not known democracy was made by the people of Greece. In the year 507 B.C.E. the Athenian ruler Cleisthenes made a system of political reforms that he called democracy. In Greek the word Democracy means “Rule by the People”. In this law all citizens of Greece were required to vote for their ruler and for their laws. Although the Athenian Democracy only survived two centuries, the system was one of Ancient Greece’s most important contributions to the modern day life.
However, the form of democracy we have now is quite different from the democracy that the people of Athens had. In both Canada and Ancient Athens only citizens can vote, but in Athens only male citizens can vote, and slaves and travelers don’t qualify as citizens. So, in the end only about 40,000 people could vote. In Canada all citizens can vote and that includes woman. At around 460 B.C.E., when Athens was under the rule general Pericles the democracy began to evolve into something called aristocracy. Aristocracy is sort of alike a dictatorship. Democratic ideas did not survive through Greece but they have been influencing people ever since.
Welcome to our Blog!
Hi! Welcome to our blog. We are just six Canadian students searching for the good life. New posts on the legacies of Ancient Greece coming soon!
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