History and Political Science: Ancient Greece - Essay Example

Although it might appear counter-intuitive at first, the fact that Ancient Greece was an established empire had what facilitated the flourishing of democracy during the period. For example, one of the major developments during the Hellenistic Age was the phenomenon of empire formation. Ancient Athens was truly one of the early models of capital imperialist cities, whose place would later be taken by Rome. Looking retrospectively, historians regard the empires of the Romans and Greeks as pinnacles of human achievement. (Nikolaos, 2005, p.45) Critics point out the entrenched practices of slavery, brutality, and exploitation that were part of the process of empire formation. But the emperors of Ancient Greece saw it in a benign light – equating it to “teaching civilized ways to primitive people”, “helping universal salvation through the spread of moral codes”, etc. More importantly, the political stability afforded by the sizeable empire made it easy the nurturing democratic processes within the domain, especially in its capital city.

The internal organization within Athens also contributed to its successful practice of democracy. In other words, the state of harmony and wilful cooperation that existed among the subjects of the kingdom helped it set about on its imperialist adventure. A common identity, feelings of brotherhood, voluntary cooperation, and a uniting heritage; all helped lay the foundation for implementing democracy while also building the empire. Such qualifiers as culture, language, and economic life too helped build unity.

(Austin, 1981, p.78) But, this is not to say that political dissent was always welcome by the rulers. The tragic execution of Socrates illustrates this point. Socrates was brought to trial by the democratic Athenian jury, which had scores to settle with prominent members of the previous regime. Socrates’ association with the previous regime made him a target of persecution, irrespective of the validity of the alleged charges. He was accused of undermining religious and state authority and for also corrupting the minds of Athenians.

But in reality, Socrates made no deliberate attempts to bring down the religious, state authorities. Instead, he encouraged his students to adopt a critical approach to moral actions, also suggesting that the Athenian rulers themselves are not exempt from such scrutiny. This shows that hypocrisy and double standards were evident in Ancient Greece. And ostracism and political exile (if not public execution) were employed to keep the population and courtiers under control. (Austin, 1981, p.223) 3.

Name three major developments, ideas, inventions, events, etc. of the ancient world, and explain how they affected the development of the Mediterranean world. Despite major achievements on the political front, Ancient Greece would come to be defined by its vibrant and path-breaking intellectual culture. Such luminary figures as Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato would found what is now referred to as Western Philosophic thought, which has continued to grow and develop over the course of two thousand centuries.

Let us now consider the contributions of Aristotle. Born in 384 BC and believed to have died in 322 BC, Aristotle remains the figurehead of Ancient Greek philosophy. He also founded the Peripatetic school of philosophy, which remains in currency even today.