legacies of ancient greece

Legacy of the Ancient Greeks - (How Ancient Greece influenced modern day culture.)

The influence of the Ancient Greeks are still felt by us today. The major impact in our lives today are in the arts, in philosophy, and in science, math, literature and politics.

Trial by Jury

Greek Myths

Democracy
The word 'democracy' is Greek. It means 'government by the people. We have a form of democracy in Britain, and this is a legacy of the Athenians and their assemblies and councils.

Tragedy and Comedy

Theatre
The word 'theatre' is Greek. Most modern theatres follow the Greek plan.

The Olympics
The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC at the Greek city of Olympia.

Marathon
Pheidippides ran from Athens to Sparta to ask for help against the Persians just before the Battle of the Marathon (490 BC).

Building styles (Architecture)
Throughout the world, buildings have been constructed in the style of Ancient Greece. The British Museum is an example of this.

The first alphabet with vowels
The Ancient Greeks played an important part in the development of the alphabet. The first two letters of the Greek alphabet - alpha and beta - have given us the word 'alphabet'.