The hisory of western civilization before 1500BC, from the book` The Greek Polis` University of Chicago.

The history of western 1

Word count : 362

The history of western civilization before 1500BC , from the book` The Greek Polis` University of Chicago

p Dated 23rd March 2008

The history of western 2

Abstract

The Greek polis reflects the evolution of new social and political in Greece before 1500BC . It gave enough scope for developing the principles of democracy like equality before law and for encouraging the arts like drama and music . It has shown its higher intensity in Athens and hence led to evolution of highly enriched

political and economical society

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The Greece is certainly blessed with rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources . Significant amount of cultural contribution in Western world in general and Greece in particular , however , came from ancient period especially before 1500BC . The city state policy of Greece is other wise known as Greek polis was significantly evolved during this period . It is nothing but the new political and social entity of Greece It includes military oligarchy of Sparta and democracy in Athens

Several political , social , economical and military factors influenced the evolution of Greek polis . It is heartening to note that these factors culminated in morally sound Greek society (Adkins et al , 1986 In addition to accommodating space for modern policies , Greek polis made a good platform for developing artistic , political , and commercial activities . This rich Greek polis has contributed for successful civilization in Greece . One should not forget the fact that the poverty has helped Athens , Greece capital to flourish in cultural and moral aspects . It made the people of Athens to strive hard to build their constructive city state

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or polis . The principle of equality before law was well established among all the citizens as far as sharing of resources are concerned However , in public life , the women were not given freedom to education and were confined to household life . This scenario changed a bit after 1500BC . Integration of rich ideas from various sections of society was experienced along with democratic way of expression of ideas , which suggests rich political state . The decision-making authority in the government included all sections of the society like peasants and artisans . Moreover , the Greek polis before 1500BC made congenial atmosphere for drama , poetry , literature , painting and architecture

Overall , as these constructive factors were highly experienced in Athens , it became center of excellence in cultural , political and economical sphere of life and thus facilitating the rule of the people and sense of freedom and harmony The history of western 5

References

Adkins , A .W .H , Boyer , J .W , White ,

Kirshner , J (1986 . University of Chicago Readings in Western Civilization , Volume 1 : The Greek Polis br

:360 . ISBN-10 . University of Chicago press PAGE

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