Paige's+Greece+Exhibit

=__**Greece Exhibit**__=

Ancient Greek Society
The Minoan and Mycenaean peoples formed early civilizations in Greece. In approximately 3000 BC, the Minoan civilization formed. The Minoans traded with countries like Egypt and Sicily, developed a writing system, and created art on the walls inside their buildings. At approximately 1400 BC, the Mycenaeans conquered the Minoans' territory and moved civilization to the main land of Greece. The Mycenaeans were known for gaining authority through conquering other civilizations. They also traded and spoke an ancient version of modern Greek. The city-states of Greece struggled politically for many years, until they eventually followed democracy. In the beginning, aristocrats, or people from wealthy families, controlled the city-states. Eventually, men who assumed command of the government took over. These selfish people were called tyrants. The people of Athens and other city-states did not favor these methods of government, so instead they chose to follow the system of democracy. Democracy allowed each city state to elect officials to respresent them. Democracy, philosophy, religion and the arts expanded during the Golden Age of Athens, from 479 BC to 431 BC. Pericles, a democratic leader, organized reforms that enriched democracy. As for religion, oracles, or buildings for speaking with gods and goddesses, were constructed. Philosophy was enhanced by Socrates, and his successors Plato and Aristotle. The people of Athens also composed dramas to be performed at festivals. Life in Greece varied within each city-state. In Athens, Greek men traded goods at the agoras. At home, families ate simple foods such as bread and vegetables. This life is much more relaxed than life in Sparta, another ancient Greek city-state. In Sparta, boys were required to leave their homes for war training at age seven. Girls wrestled and entered spear-throwing competitions. Life in Sparta was very brutal.

Ancient Greek Artifact


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When the Parthenon, located in Athens, was built in the 400's BC, decorative sculptures were imprinted on it. These ancient Greek sculptures are known today as the Parthenon Sculptures. Over the many years, they have been damaged as the Parthenon was renovated. However, this artifact is priceless, and sometime during the early 1800's, Greece allowed Lord Elgin of England to bring the Parthenon Sculptures to his country. A growing curiosity of ancient Greece was emerging from England, and these sculptures were placed in the British Museum. The Parthenon Sculptures were renamed the Elgin Marbles in honor of Lord Elgin.

Current Event
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John Keats' poem, "On Seeing the Elgin Marbles for the First Time," describes his emotions while viewing the artifact at the British Museum: "...Bring round the heart an indescribable feud... That mingles Grecian grandeur with the rude wasting of old time (1)." Keats is describing the sadness associated with tearing the ancient Greek artifact away from its country and shipping it to a museum in England. Eventually, Greece demanded the British Museum to return the Elgin Marbles. London claims Greece's space for the precious artifact is deficient in the necessary safety and preservation factors. Greece nevertheless fights for the Elgin Marbles to be permanently sent back to them.

1. Keats, John. "On Seeing the Elgin Marbles for the First Time." Web. 1 Feb. 2011. []