Classical Greek Period (800-200 BCE)

 Notes on Classical Greek Period (800-200 BCE)

Historical Context:

• Timeline: Roughly spans from the 8th century BCE to the 2nd century BCE.
• Significance: Known as the foundational period for many aspects of Western civilization, including democracy, philosophy, literature, and art.

Political Development:

1. City-States (Polis):

   • Athens: Known for its democratic experiments, evolving from oligarchy to democracy under leaders like Cleisthenes (late 6th century BCE).
   • Sparta: Known for its militaristic society and unique political system (dual kingship, council of elders, and assembly of citizens).

2. Delian League and Peloponnesian War:

   • Delian League formed under Athenian leadership to defend against Persia but later became an Athenian empire.
   • Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE): Conflict between Athens (Delian League) and Sparta (Peloponnesian League) leading to Spartan victory and decline of Athenian power.

Philosophy and Intellectual Life:

1. Pre-Socratic Philosophers:

   • Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes: Early philosophers focusing on cosmology and natural elements.
   • Pythagoras: Mathematician and philosopher known for his theorem and contributions to mathematics and mysticism.
   • Heraclitus and Parmenides: Philosophers focusing on metaphysics and the nature of reality.

2. Socrates (469-399 BCE):

   • Known for the Socratic method (dialectic) of questioning.
   • Criticized Athenian society and was sentenced to death for corrupting youth and impiety.

3. Plato (427-347 BCE):

   • Student of Socrates, founded the Academy.
   • Wrote dialogues exploring ethics, politics, metaphysics (e.g., "Republic," "Symposium").

4. Aristotle (384-322 BCE):

   • Student of Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great.
   • Established Lyceum, wrote extensively on ethics, logic, politics, biology (e.g., "Nicomachean Ethics," "Politics").

Literature and Drama:

1. Epic Poetry:

   • Homer: Author of the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," foundational works of Greek literature.

2. Drama:

   • Tragedy: Aeschylus ("Oresteia"), Sophocles ("Oedipus Rex"), Euripides ("Medea").
   • Comedy: Aristophanes ("Lysistrata," "The Clouds").

Art and Architecture:

1. Classical Greek Architecture:

   • Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders: Distinctive styles used in temples and public buildings.
   • Example: Parthenon in Athens, dedicated to Athena.

2. Sculpture:

   • Emphasis on naturalism and idealized human forms.
   • Example: "Doryphoros" (Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos.

Conclusion:

• The Classical Greek Period was a pivotal era marked by political innovation, philosophical inquiry, artistic achievement, and literary masterpieces. It laid the foundation for Western civilization's intellectual and cultural heritage, influencing subsequent generations in Europe and beyond.