The Culture of Classical Greece To better understand the influence of philosophy and religion on Greek culture and the impact of Greek culture on Western civilization

Greek Religion Greek Religion did not have a body of doctrine, nor was it focused on morality. It focused on making deities look favorably on people, which is why they had many rituals Rituals were the most important part of Greek religion. After death, most spirits (good or bad) went to the underworld-ruled by Hades.

Greek Religion festivals were also used to honor the gods. The games at Olympia, first held in 776 B.C, are the basis for the Olympic Games today. Wanting to know the will of the gods, Greeks consulted oracles. The response of an oracle could e interpreted in many ways.

Greek Drama The Greeks in Athens, created western Drama The original Greek dramas were tragedies The tragedies examined universal themes: Nature of good and evil; rights of the individual; role of the gods in life; and nature of human beings. Greek comedy developed later. It criticized society to invoke a reaction.

The Writing of History The writing of history began with Herodotus and his History of the Persian Wars. He understood the conflict as a war was between Greek freedom and Persian despotism. Many consider Thucydides the greatest historian of the ancient world