Greeks have always fascinated me,whether it be Aristotle, Hippocrates, or Alexander the Great. Hippocrates has always been my favorite because he is one of the early physician. He also made the Hippocratic Oath which every medical student takes before becoming a doctor. He also brought new ideas during his times because greeks used to think that diseases and plaques were caused whenever a god was displeased or angry. However, Hippocrates was against this popular belief of the time and believed that there was some medical explanation behind every disease.
I also studied Hippocrates because i am fond of medicine and it is my passion. You can help humanity in many ways, and to me going in health care profession is one way.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Greek Citizenship: Status of Men, Women and Slavery
Role of Men
Men were the most important figures during Greek times. Only men were born to be considered the Greek citizens. They wore special clothes and the richer men wore fancier garments. Men had the ultimate charge and control at home. They were dealt with great respect. Men were also given most of the responsibilities. They worked as businessmen, politicians, and farmers. At home, the men had absolute power. They had the authority to kill their slaves. Men were considered the leading figures in Greece.
In Sparta, only Spartiates (military professionals) were allowed to vote. Since Sparta was a military city state, most men served in the army. At birth, if an infant was considered weak or incapable of meeting social values, he/she was left out to die. A healthy infant was then sent for harsh military training until he turned 30, after that he was allowed to marry and have a family. In contrast, Athenians were not cruel to the babies and even allowed the weak babies to live on. In both city states, boys of high class order were given the best education. Greek men were the prominent figures in Greece and influenced the political life, education, and the daily life.
Men were the most important figures during Greek times. Only men were born to be considered the Greek citizens. They wore special clothes and the richer men wore fancier garments. Men had the ultimate charge and control at home. They were dealt with great respect. Men were also given most of the responsibilities. They worked as businessmen, politicians, and farmers. At home, the men had absolute power. They had the authority to kill their slaves. Men were considered the leading figures in Greece.
In Sparta, only Spartiates (military professionals) were allowed to vote. Since Sparta was a military city state, most men served in the army. At birth, if an infant was considered weak or incapable of meeting social values, he/she was left out to die. A healthy infant was then sent for harsh military training until he turned 30, after that he was allowed to marry and have a family. In contrast, Athenians were not cruel to the babies and even allowed the weak babies to live on. In both city states, boys of high class order were given the best education. Greek men were the prominent figures in Greece and influenced the political life, education, and the daily life.
Role of women
Women in Greece stayed mostly at home. One of their responsibilities was to stay home and do house work. Women also supervised all the slaves at the home. It was very rare to see women in the market place or outside the home. The role of women was to be like a perfect mother, daughter and wife. However, women in Athens were dealt differently than the Spartan women. In Athens, they were not allowed to participate in most of the activities outside home. Women were not allowed to take part in any political activity and therefore they did not participate in the political life. In
Greece, the father controlled them before marriage and husband controlled them after the marriage. It was considered highly important for the women to stay a virgin before marriage. Marriage was done by the women’s father and they did not have much say to choose a good life partner. However, women were not always suppressed in the Greek culture. The attitude towards women started to change after 400 BCE. Statues of women were built and they were somewhat allowed to participate in athletics but not in the Olympics. Women were allowed to participate in religious activities, funerals, where they played very prominent public roles. In Sparta, women were given more freedom because of the fact that they gave birth to strong military leaders and soldiers. Women in Sparta could participate in athletics and other activities. In Sparta, women had the right own property but with limitations. In Athens, as a part of upbringing to girls, home was their school, and mothers were their teachers. They were mostly taught music, house hold work, and how to be a good mother and wife. In Sparta, women had the
Women in Greece stayed mostly at home. One of their responsibilities was to stay home and do house work. Women also supervised all the slaves at the home. It was very rare to see women in the market place or outside the home. The role of women was to be like a perfect mother, daughter and wife. However, women in Athens were dealt differently than the Spartan women. In Athens, they were not allowed to participate in most of the activities outside home. Women were not allowed to take part in any political activity and therefore they did not participate in the political life. In
Greece, the father controlled them before marriage and husband controlled them after the marriage. It was considered highly important for the women to stay a virgin before marriage. Marriage was done by the women’s father and they did not have much say to choose a good life partner. However, women were not always suppressed in the Greek culture. The attitude towards women started to change after 400 BCE. Statues of women were built and they were somewhat allowed to participate in athletics but not in the Olympics. Women were allowed to participate in religious activities, funerals, where they played very prominent public roles. In Sparta, women were given more freedom because of the fact that they gave birth to strong military leaders and soldiers. Women in Sparta could participate in athletics and other activities. In Sparta, women had the right own property but with limitations. In Athens, as a part of upbringing to girls, home was their school, and mothers were their teachers. They were mostly taught music, house hold work, and how to be a good mother and wife. In Sparta, women had the (image 7)
right to earn an education. Spartans gave more education to girls. Spartans women were given more freedom as compared to Athenian women in terms of education, athletics and daily life routines.
Slavery
The entire economical Greek life was dependant on slave labor. There were several ways one could become or end up being a slave. Prisoners of war were lowered down in class level to slaves. A father who did not wish to take the responsibility of his infant’s upbringing, deserted the infant. Infant either died, or if rescued, became a slave. People, who were dying from shelter and hunger, sold themselves to a master in return of some bread and a bed. Few doctors in
ancient Greece agreed to treat the desperate cases, only if the patients upon recovery would turn themselves as slaves to the doctor. Slaves were less harshly treated in Athens as compared to any other Greek city state. Some were even given the ranks of police officers. In Sparta, slaves were expected to give ½ of their produce to the land owners. In Greece, slaves had no rights and an owner could kill a slave. Any slave who tried to run away was severely punished. They were not considered as citizens. Slaves had (image 8) a harsh life and were considered not more than simple objects.
Greek Food and LifeStyle
Ancient Greeks ate variety of foods. Greeks had a very little breakfast in the morning that mostly consisted of bread soaked in undiluted vine. Olives and figs were also used in the breakfast. A day was divided into divisions. Dawn, market rush hour occurred at noon, and evening. Greeks used sundial or hour-glass water-clock to tell the time. Towards midday, Greeks took a slight meal that consisted of snacks. The most substantial meal of the day occurred in the evening or even later. Greeks had a moderate appetite. Bred was the most common among their food and during a meal, bread was accompanied by green vegetables, olives, meat, fish or fruit. Garlic, cheese and onions were consumed in large quantities. However, meat was an expensive choice except pork. Meat was usually eaten on religious ceremonies, festivals or other important events. Most of the Athenians relied on fish rather than meat. Most of the cooking was done by women, especially slaves. The most common drink was obviously water but milk was also drunk, especially goat milk. Vine was considered the “drink of kings”; the use of vine among Greek was common. Greeks enjoyed banquets and feasts. Unfortunately, In Greece, all the banquets were male affairs and women were not considered a part of it.
Greek Medicine
Greek Medicine
In ancient Greece, most of the medical facilities were located at sanctuaries of the healing god Asclepius. The medicine reached its highest level in 5th century Greece. Most of the advancements in this field were made by Hippocrates and his students. He and his followers opposed the ancient idea that diseases were caused by evil spirits or god’s bad mood. Hippocrates believed that there was a rational reasoning behind every disease. He also discovered the symptoms of pneumonia. He and his followers treated patients based on a natural healing process. New surgical tools were also invented and doctors had started to understand human anatomy in a much clearer sense. There were many medical schools in Greece present at that time but most famous was the medical school at Alexandria. Hippocratic Oath is still being taken by the newly graduated doctors.
In ancient Greece, most of the medical facilities were located at sanctuaries of the healing god Asclepius. The medicine reached its highest level in 5th century Greece. Most of the advancements in this field were made by Hippocrates and his students. He and his followers opposed the ancient idea that diseases were caused by evil spirits or god’s bad mood. Hippocrates believed that there was a rational reasoning behind every disease. He also discovered the symptoms of pneumonia. He and his followers treated patients based on a natural healing process. New surgical tools were also invented and doctors had started to understand human anatomy in a much clearer sense. There were many medical schools in Greece present at that time but most famous was the medical school at Alexandria. Hippocratic Oath is still being taken by the newly graduated doctors.
GREEK WAR AND MILTARY
image 4. Spartan army
ATHENS AND SPARTA
Greece geography plays an important role in wars because Greek life centered on the sea which made it difficult to unite the country under one rule. It led to city states instead of one governing body. Out of 300 city states, the two most important city states were Athens and Sparta. Even though both of the city states were Greek, they had different customs and values, social structures, military strength, culture and education systems.
Spartans were considered the most powerful army on Earth while the Athens had a very strong navy force. Sparta followed Oligarchy while Athenians were democratic. Spartans followed a tough military program. At birth, if an infant was weak or sick, he/she was left out to die. However, the stronger infants were put in a military program. They went through tough trainings, lived in harsh conditions and were trained to be strong and wild. To Spartans, it was their honor and respects that mattered the most. In contrast, Athenians were not harshly trained in military. In fact, most of the army consisted of blacksmiths, and people belonging to other professions.
PERSIANS AND GREEKS
Persians were a rising military force around the sixth century BCE. They had already threatened the Greeks. In such situation, all the Greek city states had to find a way to fight back and save their homeland. Nevertheless, Greek city states were tiny compared to the emerging power in the east and also Greeks were weakened by the fighting among themselves. However, on the positive side, Greek soldiers were brave, had brilliant battle tactics and advanced weapons. They also found good leaders who would lead them in the times of war. The three most famous wars, Battle of Marathon, Thermopylae and Battle of Salamis were fought between the Greeks and the Persians. Persians always wanted to expand their empire and therefore they had their eyes on the Greek city states. They first met the Greeks in the battle of Marathon where the Persians were defeated by the Greeks. The outraged Persians took revenge on Greeks by defeating them in the battle that was fought at Thermopylae.
Nevertheless, the final battle was fought and in it, the Greeks finally drove the Persians out of Greece. The last battle that was fought was known as the Battle of Salamis and was fought on the sea. This battle represents the cunning battle tactics and smart leadership of Greeks.
Persians were a rising military force around the sixth century BCE. They had already threatened the Greeks. In such situation, all the Greek city states had to find a way to fight back and save their homeland. Nevertheless, Greek city states were tiny compared to the emerging power in the east and also Greeks were weakened by the fighting among themselves. However, on the positive side, Greek soldiers were brave, had brilliant battle tactics and advanced weapons. They also found good leaders who would lead them in the times of war. The three most famous wars, Battle of Marathon, Thermopylae and Battle of Salamis were fought between the Greeks and the Persians. Persians always wanted to expand their empire and therefore they had their eyes on the Greek city states. They first met the Greeks in the battle of Marathon where the Persians were defeated by the Greeks. The outraged Persians took revenge on Greeks by defeating them in the battle that was fought at Thermopylae.
Nevertheless, the final battle was fought and in it, the Greeks finally drove the Persians out of Greece. The last battle that was fought was known as the Battle of Salamis and was fought on the sea. This battle represents the cunning battle tactics and smart leadership of Greeks.(image 5. Battle of Salamis)
Peloponnesian Wars (431-404 BCE)
Peloponnesian wars were fought between Athens and Sparta. It all started with Athens interfering in Corinth’s colonies. Soon enough, Athens was accused of breaking the peace treaty and it eventually lead to the Peloponnesian wars. This war turned out to be a very long and costly war. Pericles was the ruler of Athens at that time and tried his best to save Athens from Sparta. Almost every city state aligned itself to either Sparta or Athens. When Athens was attacked by Sparta, Pericles was successful enough in holding them outside of Athens. His strategy was to hold the Spartans as long as they could until Sparta ran out of food supplies. In contrast, Athenian navy proved to be a great source of food supplies and Athens had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, Athens was struck by a plague and it resulted in killing one third of the population and Pericles himself died of the plague. It sent Athens in a shock and soon both of the armies in an equal state. Spartans asked for peace when Athenians captured 300 Spartans but Cleon, the Athenian leader, was not smart enough to make that decision. Similarly, when Sparta attacked and captured Athens’ allies, Athens demanded peace. Unfortunately peace was not something that was in their fate. Series of costly wars were fought and it eventually led to complete downfall of Athens. Spartans were aided by the Persians and they completely captured Athens. Spartans spared Athens but as their punishment, they ordered them to tear down the wall that protected Athens and surrender their navy fleet except 12 ships and several others. This was to be marked as the beginning of the dark ages for the Athenians. However, Athens recovered itself but it was never able to become a powerful state ever again.
Alexander the Great
Greek expanded to its maximum size under the emperor Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great was born to a Macedonian, King Philips, who united entire Greek under one rule. Alexander inherited military skills and the realistic approach to problems from his father. Alexander was also the student of Aristotle who influenced Alexander a lot and taught him very important aspects of life. Alexander himself was very ambitious and brave. At the age of 22, he started a military campaign which would last for 11-12 years. It was his father’s dream to conquer every state in the East. Therefore, Alexander went on to expand Greece. Alexander conquered Persia, the Greeks main threat. He went on to conquer Egypt and he even conquered India up till the Indus River, modern day Pakistan. Elephants were used by Indians as their weapons but they were no match against Alexander’s ambitious army. Greeks were famous for using their cunning battle tactics in the battle field. Alexander was very clever and an intelligent leader. In order to prevent chaos and rebel in his empire, he made Persians the governor of Persian provinces, yet hesitated to give them too much power. In order to bring the Persian and Greek culture together, he also married a Persian princess. Alexander wanted to expand further and conquer Arabia, but unfortunately he fell sick and died. He didn’t leave any heir to this throne and therefore his army generals took control of the provinces. Alexander was a great leader and expanded the Greece to its maximum size.
Peloponnesian wars were fought between Athens and Sparta. It all started with Athens interfering in Corinth’s colonies. Soon enough, Athens was accused of breaking the peace treaty and it eventually lead to the Peloponnesian wars. This war turned out to be a very long and costly war. Pericles was the ruler of Athens at that time and tried his best to save Athens from Sparta. Almost every city state aligned itself to either Sparta or Athens. When Athens was attacked by Sparta, Pericles was successful enough in holding them outside of Athens. His strategy was to hold the Spartans as long as they could until Sparta ran out of food supplies. In contrast, Athenian navy proved to be a great source of food supplies and Athens had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, Athens was struck by a plague and it resulted in killing one third of the population and Pericles himself died of the plague. It sent Athens in a shock and soon both of the armies in an equal state. Spartans asked for peace when Athenians captured 300 Spartans but Cleon, the Athenian leader, was not smart enough to make that decision. Similarly, when Sparta attacked and captured Athens’ allies, Athens demanded peace. Unfortunately peace was not something that was in their fate. Series of costly wars were fought and it eventually led to complete downfall of Athens. Spartans were aided by the Persians and they completely captured Athens. Spartans spared Athens but as their punishment, they ordered them to tear down the wall that protected Athens and surrender their navy fleet except 12 ships and several others. This was to be marked as the beginning of the dark ages for the Athenians. However, Athens recovered itself but it was never able to become a powerful state ever again.
Alexander the Great
Greek expanded to its maximum size under the emperor Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great was born to a Macedonian, King Philips, who united entire Greek under one rule. Alexander inherited military skills and the realistic approach to problems from his father. Alexander was also the student of Aristotle who influenced Alexander a lot and taught him very important aspects of life. Alexander himself was very ambitious and brave. At the age of 22, he started a military campaign which would last for 11-12 years. It was his father’s dream to conquer every state in the East. Therefore, Alexander went on to expand Greece. Alexander conquered Persia, the Greeks main threat. He went on to conquer Egypt and he even conquered India up till the Indus River, modern day Pakistan. Elephants were used by Indians as their weapons but they were no match against Alexander’s ambitious army. Greeks were famous for using their cunning battle tactics in the battle field. Alexander was very clever and an intelligent leader. In order to prevent chaos and rebel in his empire, he made Persians the governor of Persian provinces, yet hesitated to give them too much power. In order to bring the Persian and Greek culture together, he also married a Persian princess. Alexander wanted to expand further and conquer Arabia, but unfortunately he fell sick and died. He didn’t leave any heir to this throne and therefore his army generals took control of the provinces. Alexander was a great leader and expanded the Greece to its maximum size.
RELIGION IN GREECE
Greek Religion and Mythology
(image 1) Olympian gods
(image 1) Olympian godsThe Greeks believed in Polytheism and worshipped several gods. They believed that each god controlled different aspects of life. Zeus was considered the king of all gods and Hera was his wife. Apollo was the god of music, plagues and healing. Artemis was the goddess of hunting and she was also in charge of child birth. Athena was the goddess of wisdom, guardianship and invention where as Ares controlled warfare. There were several other gods and each was responsible for different aspects of life. According to a popular belief, the gods resided on Mount Olympus. The Greeks respected the gods and considered it their duty to keep them satisfied. They satisfied and honored their gods through sacrifices, festivals, honey cakes and terracotta figurines.
Greeks thought that the gods processed human characters and that’s true, since gods married, had human qualities like jealousy, greed and acted like humans for the most of the part.
Greek Mythology 
Greek’s belief in gods was itself a myth but Greeks also believed in many myths and one of the most popular myths was the Myth of the Minotaur
Minotaur
In Greek mythology, Minotaur was a monster who consisted of human body and a bull’s head. He relied on human flesh to survive. He lived in the island of Crete in a labyrinth and was believed to be the son of a Cretan king. One of the Cretan King’s sons was killed by an Athenian. The Cretan king plagued the city. Therefore, every year Athens had to send seven unmarried males and females to be fed to the Minotaur. Theseus, the son of an Athenian King, decided to kill Minotaur and set to the Island of Crete as one of the sacrificial victims. Upon reaching there he fell in love with the daughter of the Cretan king. Daughter of the Cretan decided to help Theseus and gave him a
Minotaur
In Greek mythology, Minotaur was a monster who consisted of human body and a bull’s head. He relied on human flesh to survive. He lived in the island of Crete in a labyrinth and was believed to be the son of a Cretan king. One of the Cretan King’s sons was killed by an Athenian. The Cretan king plagued the city. Therefore, every year Athens had to send seven unmarried males and females to be fed to the Minotaur. Theseus, the son of an Athenian King, decided to kill Minotaur and set to the Island of Crete as one of the sacrificial victims. Upon reaching there he fell in love with the daughter of the Cretan king. Daughter of the Cretan decided to help Theseus and gave him a
ball of string to help him find his way back from the labyrinth. Very deep in the labyrinth, Theseus met Minotaur and killed him. Theseus then returned to Athens. Other famous myths were the myth of Hercules and the Legend of Troy.
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