Contributions of the Ancient Greeks

It was about 4,000 years ago when the earliest of ancient Greek civilizations existed. Today, the impact of their achievements are still felt and celebrated in philosophy, the arts, science, math, literature, and politics. In this article, you will encounter a collection of achievements that have been attributed to the ancient Greeks, such as the catapult.

Pulley

When it comes to one of the most influential inventions attributed to the ancient Greeks, the pulley ranks high. Attaching a rope through the middle of a wheel was the basis of this achievement. The wheel was then hung with the help of the rope, which was situated over the rounded edge of the wheel. Items could then be attached to one of the ropes as it hung , making it easier to lift objects. The more pulleys that a chain possessed, the lighter and easier it was to lift an object.

Drama

When you were entertained during ancient Greek days, you most likely gathered as a drama , one of the most popular forms of enjoyment of this time period. Plays were performed in an outdoor stadium with a stage on three sides. It was called a theatre. There were two different kinds of plays that were held in ancient Greek days , comedies and tragedies. The middle-class usually enjoyed a good comedy or two, while the upper class enjoyed laughing at the misfortunes and follies of the lower classes, which were often portrayed in tragedies.

Catapult

As the Greek Dionysius the Elder of Syracuse looked into creating a new weapon, he created one of the most important weapons in ancient warfare. With the capacity to toss heavy objects into the air and for long distances with great force, the catapult was at one time, a popular method of defeating enemies when in battle. The catapult was moved and transported with the addition of wheels. Some catapults were able to throw stones that weighed as much as 350 pounds for distances that reached up to 300 feet. Not only did the catapult fling boulders and fireballs into the air, it could also shoot arrows and at times, was even used to throw people towards their opponents. The popularity of the catapult continued well into medieval times.

The Olympics

Last but not least, how can we forget the origin of the Olympics? The ancient Greeks participated in contests between their city-states , a tradition that started before 776 BCE. Known for their love of competition, the Greeks would compete in a variety of sporting events, including wrestling and chariot racing. The Games were so important that if two or more of Greek city-states were warring with one another, they would cease fighting for the duration of the games. Other competitions were held during ancient Greek days, but the Olympics were the most popular.