Greeks

Goddess Nike with incense, Louvre.

Greeks (also known as Hellenes), people from Greece; in Literature and History often people from the ancient Greece. Greek culture has evolved over thousands of years, since the Mycenaean civilization (1600 - 1100 BC).

Between Mycenaean civilization and Classical Greek period were the times known as Dark Ages and Archaic Greece; Classical Greek (or Ancient Greek) refers to the period from 5th to 4th centuries BC; The Hellenistic period, that was the zenith of Greek influence goes from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC until the rise of Rome in 146 BC, and its culture until the advent of Christianity. (There is not agreement between scholars about the extension of this periods)

As Christianity spread Hellenism began to diminish its influence, but leaving the roots of western civilization. Three of the most important contribution that are the foundations of our society are Language, Philosophy, and Government [1]. We could add literature, Fine Arts, Architecture and sports. Greek thought and culture rebirth in the Renaissance.

## See also[edit]

* Greek influence on Western Culture
* Greek language
* Greek drama
* Greek philosophers
* Greek mythology
* Aristophanes
* Homer
* Herodotus

## External links[edit]

* Ancient Greek People For kids.