1. The Culture of Classical Greece
Chapter 4-4

2. Greek Religion
Religion was a major aspect of Greek life. Temples could be found all over the Greek City-States, which were built to honor the Greek Gods & Goddess.
Greeks believed that 12 gods & goddess live on Mt. Olympus.
Greek religion was not based on morality or a written text or doctrine, like most modern religions.
- Greeks would partake in rituals in order to gain favor with the Gods.
- The Romans would adopt the Greek Gods years later.

3. Classical Greek Arts & Literature
Greek architecture was based around the gods. The temple was the most important structure.
The Greeks were also known for their sculptures which were almost always of the male figure. The sculptures were lifelike and had enough definition that you could identify muscles.
Plays were presented in outdoor theaters, the first Greek dramas were plays.

4. Classical Greek Arts & Literature
Greeks are considered the first historians. They were the first to systematically record events.
The history of the Persian War by Herodotus are considered the first real history of Western Civilization.
Thucydides is considered the greatest historian of the ancient world. A former general who fought in the Peloponnesian War wrote about these events. He also looked at the conflict as purely human activity with no influence from the Gods.

5. Greek Philosophy
Many early Greeks philosophers tried to explain the universe on the basis of unifying principles.
Not all Greeks agreed with the philosophers. Sophists rejected these ideas of the Greek philosophers because they believed the understanding of the universe was to complex for the human mind
Socrates, a sculptor 7 philosopher is credited with creating the Socratic method of teaching which is formatted around questions and answers. People would reach their conclusion based on reasoning.

6. Plato
Considered the greatest philosopher of western civilization, Plato was a former student of Socrates.
In Plato's The republic, he criticizes democracy. He believed that people could not achieve a good life unless they lived in a just and rational state.
Plato suggested a perfect state should include 3 classes consisting of.
- Philosopher Kings
- Warriors
- Everyone Else
( People not driven by wisdom or courage, but by desire)

7. Aristotle
Aristotle was student of Plato even though he studied under Plato for over 20 years, He disagreed with his theory of an ideal state.
Aristotle believed in analyzing and classifying things based on observation and investigation.
Aristotle also differed with Plato over the most ideal government. Rather than come up with plans for an ideal state, Aristotle instead studied 158 governments amongst the Greek city-states and came to the conclusion that monarchies, aristocracies, and constitutional government were the most effective way of governing the state.
Of the 3 he believed a constitutional government was the most effective.