Formations and Changes of Classical Greece through Long-Distance Trade - Coursework Example

Formations and Changes of Classical Greece Through Long Distance Trade Introduction The concept of trade and the economy in the Classical Greek world was one that was able to shape the way that business was done during this time frame. The ability to trade over long distance became one of the essential components in shaping society and business. More importantly, the ability to trade with other areas over a distance was able to shape the social and cultural beliefs and influences of this time period. For the Classical Greek culture, the influences that were a part of the outside areas of this space were as important as the internal structure in the area. The economic, social and cultural constructs that resulted were able to provide a stronger basis with the lifestyle and overall structure that was a part of this time frame. The changes that were occurring in society at this time were not only influential with the basic functions in society. The more that long distance trade within Greece, the more that there were influences and changes within the social and cultural components of Greece. The results were several dimensions of Classical Greece that began to change as a result of the trade. Defining Long Distance Trade in Classical Greece The concept of long distance trade in Classical Greece is often overlooked because of the cultural and social attributes that were a part of this time frame. However, the ability to trade was one of the essential factors that contributed to the wealth and well – being of society during the time. It has been found that there are several commercial relations that are attributed to Classical Greece, all which have a direct reflection on the time frame. Wines, oils, foods and artistic works were all known to have a large network of exchange for both imports and exports in Greece. The system that was established not only included large amounts of trade but also had a systematic placement in society. The first part to this was a set of stamps that were used for the imports and exports of Greek foods and goods. It has also been found that commercial monopolies, the geography of Greece and events were able to contribute to long distance trade and the significance that it held within society1. The concept of trade moved beyond the basic concepts of long distance economic alterations. There were several defined attributes that were a part of Greek culture that led into the long distance trade and the values that were associated with this. The most important concept of this was linked to the concept of economy and the importance of trade. Most Greeks believed that there was a direct contribution to trade and the wealth of a community. The more that one could partake in the concepts of trade, the more likely they would become a wealthy community. The idea of wealth was not based on the materialistic values that are often associated with trade. More importantly, they were based on the ability to create new innovations and to develop a city by using the extra materials that were a part of other countries. More importantly, the idea of trade was able to build the wealth of relations between the different communities and the way that they were able to function with the other2. The concept of trade over long distances and the different associations with value led from wealth to the ideologies about the sea and the connections that should be made. It was believed that the trade that was linked to society had a specific association with the sea and the ability to cross over the bridges of the sea to exchange goods. Individual exchanges to commercial trades became interdependent over the geological locations. Greece became the central location for this because of the association with other cultures. The ability to be a central point, specifically for Mediterranean trade, then became essential to the success of those in different regions. The belief was that the central location in Greece was able to add value through relationships and connectivity. The more that the different societies could connect over long distances, the more likely they would be able to build and exchange wealth, with Greece as the central power for the economic development of each region. It can be assumed that the redistribution of goods was specifically linked to the location of Greece and the interest they held from the values of long distance trade3. The geographical factors that were a part of Greece became essential in redefining boundaries, cultures and affiliations with trades. The Mediterranean region became known for different trade cities and centers that were located throughout the region. The accessibility of these cities led to more wealth and economic prestige in the cities. The geographical factors were then able to provide a stronger development with the trade and the different associations with wealth, economy and the importance of long distance trade within one region4. The more that Classical Greece was able to define different cities and growth, the more effective they were in growing into long distance trade, wealth and prestige on an international basis. Religious Affiliations with Trade The values that were a part of trade were not limited by the economic relationship to Greece, as well as the wealth that was a part of this. The values that were present in Greek society moved beyond the societal expectations for expansion and as a part of the trade that was accepted during the time. The Greeks also incorporated religious beliefs to the economic trade and to the long distance associations that were a part of this. The beliefs and rituals that surrounded this were to create a specific association with Greek trade that was conducive to society. The remains that are seen from ancient Greece display this, specifically with the architecture that is in each community. There are several central points in the cities that have trade centers and which were main arenas for trade. More importantly are buildings that are seen as temples and which incorporated the Greek gods and goddesses for trade and wealth. The representation of structure that was used in ancient Greece was known to directly reflect a combination of long distance trade with the wealth of the religious beliefs and practices. At the height of long distance trade, was also a growth in the temples that were used and built, specifically in association to the wealth that was a part of the community5. As the trade between different regions increased, so did the association with the temples and the gods and goddesses of Greek practice. It was believed that this increase in wealth was directly attributed to the modernization in the communities. More importantly, it was believed that this modern and contemporary approach was directly affiliated with the religious blessings of the gods and goddesses. The movement of trade then led into an understanding with social and cultural activities that these two were not separate. Individuals began to incorporate the long distance trade into lifestyle, religious beliefs and the modernization of society. The growth into wealth of different materials, for instance, also led into the dependency on these materials as a sign of social status and religious belief. The representation that the trade led to was more than a basic affiliation with a neighboring country. More importantly, there was an association with the changes in society and the functioning and beliefs that one held in association with religious development6. Societal Development and Trade The concepts of trade that began to develop moved into the social arena and the interactions that many had in society. The social development led into class and wealth, specifically with the luxury items that were traded in different areas. The more that one could use this material wealth, the more recognized they were in the community. More importantly, was a clash with the cultural factors among traders. Generally, traders were considered to be a lower class and were not as wealthy. The distinct boundaries that were created also led to conflicts with the trade and divisions in Classical Greece. The main concept with this division in social status led to specific influences as well as dichotomies within society. The economic base of trade, specifically with long distance agreements, can then be said to have influenced the definitions of societal standing and the concepts that several had toward wealth7. The concept of wealth and status, as well as the social changes that began to occur were not only attributed to the luxurious items that many were able to gain. As Classical Greece became a central area for those that were interested in trade, it also brought in different social constructs that were accepted and rejected in society. This furthered the behaviors and the divisions that were a part of society, specifically by changing the associations with those who were wealthy and those who were considered peasants. The cross – cultural demands that were brought into society occurred specifically because of the alterations that were a part of society during this time. “Peasants could exert or by the more effective but differently focused demand for goods of status, luxury, and power which a landlord or chiefly class may have been able to wield.8” The concept of trade led to mentalities of the culture from a perspective of how individuals interacted with trade as well as their influence over the luxury that was moving in and out of the Greek areas. The mentality was a main component that created a specific social status and division by those who were looking for the power and status within society. The division that was created not only was divided by the peasants and those who were looking for luxury and power. There were also changes with the societal divisions because of those who were not a part of the system. The social divisions continued outside of Greece and were divided specifically by those who were interested in long distance trade and those who weren’t. The societal divisions that spanned across cultures moved into the desire for wealth and power and the way that many moved into the civilized world of Greece and Rome. The civilized world, according to Classical Greece, was defined specifically by those who were interested in trade and who had the capacity to bring in wealth through the long distance economical system. Those who were not involved in this system were considered as barbarians and were known to be uncivilized. The divisions that were created led into the desire to expand territories throughout Europe through the Greek empire while building economic benefits between those who were civilized and those who were considered barbaric. The causes that were created then led into a different set of associations that were a part of the empire and the interactions that were a part of the interdependent system of the Greeks9. Not only did the attitudes of the ancient Greeks move into divisions between cultures and those within different societies, but also became associated with the different trades that were produced. Many of the items that were a part of the imports and exports of Greece were known to carry a sense of wealth, prestige and social status. The objects and materialism that were used were able to create further divisions, dependent on the acceptance of society and the relationships to the Greek divisions. For instance, the olive tree was known as a luxurious item and was able to carry a specific relationship to those who were in Greece. Those who grew and produced olive trees, as well as those that were able to buy the oils and the olives, were instantly recognized as wealthy and held a higher status within society. The cultivation of the olive, as well as the ability to produce and use these within society, then became a main component toward the growth of the tree and the way in which many were able to look at their social status10. Political Associations and Trade The growth of trade within society was not only associated with social class and the different divisions that began to arise as a result of wealth and luxury. More importantly, were alterations in the political associations that were a part of Classical Greece. Several types of relationships began to develop as a result of long distance trade, all which were valued specifically by the way that systems began to develop. Before wealth began to develop through long distance trade, there was an association with a political system that was based on justice from the gods and goddesses, as well as political leaders that had a socialist attitude toward what was occurring. However, as trade began to open up, there were also changes in the governmental affiliations and the systematic procedures that were used. Different affiliations and partnerships as well as the social and cultural aspects that were a part of the economic system began to change the approach that many had toward society. Many note that the change in long distance trade also led to a Communistic idea toward society and the government. The concept of changing the governmental structure began with Plato’s Republic in which he questioned the ideas of justice and the role that the government had in society. The consideration was to have a sense of equality toward all. Since there were changes in the social status of many, as well as alterations in the economic displays and trade, it was also essential to change and pressure the government to change the justice that was a part of the system. The concept that is referred to with these philosophies was to find a way to create a utopia of society. The utopia would be one that was based first on the social and cultural equality and justice from the government. The questions and treatments of how the government was able to relate to and identify with the different relationships was then further defined by a different social point of view that was directly associated with trade and government11. Not only was there a movement into the philosophical agreements and the governmental considerations with the building of trade into distant land. To ensure that the Greek arena could compete with other areas, it was also essential to build other policies that were a part of the internal structure of Greece. The governmental policies led into mass production, division of wealth and specific concepts that applied to production. The main agenda was to know what the amount of food sources and supplies were for the Greek society. To do this correctly, models were made to increase the amount of supplies that were made as well as what was available to the community. The main thought process that centered around this was to create a system that was a part of the larger community, rather than through the individual. As this was done, there would be the ability to create a sense of liberation for the community and their ability to provide for one another and to increase with economic wealth. Policies that changed the ownership of land, amount that could be used for processing and policies for taxes and other associations with long distance trade and wealth all became a main component of the growth of this region into long distance economics12. The importance of social status and the combination of government was not only important with the direct association to the economy. More importantly, were different associations with the state and the policies that were developed as a result. As the trade in Greece continued to grow, so did the governmental policies and procedures that applied to this. Foreign policy was developed for the import and export of goods, trade labor and the association with production, all which were designated to create a specific association with the commercial advantages of development. The foreign policies not only led to regulations and restrictions, but were also known to create associations that led to warfare and debates. Many state that the Peloponnesian War, for instance, had motives based around commercial policies that were a part of Athens. The individuals that were interested in commerce and trade over long distances took part in the war, while others, such as farmers, opposed the war because they didn’t believe in the long distance economic development13. The conflicts occurred reached not only those in Greece, but also created division among those that were in other areas and which were a part of the trading system from long distance areas. Cultural Affiliations with Trade The influences that still come from Greece today can be attributed not only with the political, social and religious concepts. The long distance trade also increased the influence and changes into a contemporary area through the cultural associations that occurred. As Greece became more aware of outside trade, they also began to change their expressions and levels of understanding with culture. The influences that occurred created alterations in artistic development, association with architecture and the concepts that were related to the ancient Greek concepts of cultural entertainment. The daily needs as well as the entertainment sectors moved outside of the secluded ideals related to art and instead began to be influenced by the surrounding cultures that were a part of the trading system. There are several associations with trade that show the cultural influence that was a part of the economy. Many archeologists relate this directly to artifacts that have been found, such as pottery. When looking at the pots and the different vases, it can be seen that there are direct influences from other regions. More importantly, there is an identification of cross – cultures among the different vases and pots from other places throughout the globe. It can be seen through the identification of these different pieces of art that the trade first influenced what was used within the society. There was also the ability for the artistic works to create a different understanding of visual arts and the presentation that it had within society. As trade continued to occur throughout Classical Greece, the representation of art and the association with what was most effective in the visual arts became prevalent14. Not only did the concepts of art begin to alter the influences with visual representation, but also began to change the perceptions and the relationships to philosophies that the Greeks and others held throughout time. When looking at theatre, wedding bowls, sculpture or painting, it could be seen that interpretations began to change more as the trade in different areas continued to grow. Many that were associated with the concepts of different types of trade also found there were other philosophies that could be altered. Instead of relying on the perfect art of the Greek gods and goddesses, other alternative concepts began to be displayed. For instance, the concept of naturalism began to be defined by what was occurring in society. Many of the visual displays, as well as the philosophies, theatre and the music that was incorporated into the different artistic works, then led into a different understanding of what was perceived as valuable as a culture and community. The changes that occurred from the economy were said to be linked directly to the cultural affiliations that were a part of society15. The concept of culture and trade didn’t only affect the societal areas of visual arts and expression. Other areas of culture, such as lifestyle, were also affected by those that were beginning to move into the trade. As the different foods and associations with the trade became a main staple of society, it also began to represent different affiliations that were a part of the culture. The concept of foods first began with an alteration of human thought, which placed meats and vegetables in a hierarchy that was associated with what was considered valuable or healthy to eat. The food in society began to reflect the social status, wealth and prestige associated with the different individuals. As the food changed, those who were not wealthy would eat the foods that were not a part of the trades or considered luxurious items. Those who had more wealth were able to change their dietary habits, recipes and wealth. The cultural influx that was associated with this led to a relationship between the natural world, society and the trade that led to different cultures and associations with the trade that had developed16. Conclusion The concepts that were associated with long distance trade in Classical Greece not only created small changes among those that were in society. More importantly, there was an alteration in the entire society and the way that it functioned. The cultural levels began to change with the association with arts and lifestyle, as well as the importance that materials had in everyday life. Social changes were also a part of this, specifically with the economical alterations that led to divisions and boundaries with social status. Government policies that were both internal and international followed these two components with the association of foreign policies. Not only did this affect basic functioning within the country, but was also known to lead to warfare and battles among several. The religious affiliations and the associations with the basic concepts of economics and trade also began to create a difference in how society functioned. Not only did the long distance trade create a difference in the basic components of society, but also altered the way that the culture of ancient Greece functioned on multidimensional levels. References A. Johnston, ‘Greek vases in the marketplace’ in T. Rasmussen & N. 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Purcell, The corrupting sea: a study of Mediterranean history (Oxford 2000) R. Osborne, ‘Workshops and the iconography and distribution of Athenian red figure pottery: a case study’, in S. Keay and S. Moser (eds), Greek Art in View: essays in honour of Brian Sparkes (Oxford 2004), 78-94 S. Isager & M.H. Hansen, Aspects of Athenian society in the fourth century BC (Odense 1975) Read More