Greek Civilization Assignment, Essay Example

The role of the polis in ancient Greece is considered to be beneficial for both country’s economy and culture. Scientists support the idea that such city-state has influenced Greek political order, commercial activity of the citizens, and urbanization level. On the one hand, development of small communities enabled concentration of labor force, money flow, increased productivity and, therefore, was efficient for each polis. Secondly, “the development of the Greek polis – whether a military oligarchy in Sparta or democracy in Athens – allowed citizens to participate in political issues.” (Finely 10) On the other, polis as a form of city-state was inefficient for the city growth on the long run. In this paper, writer will examine the role of polis in the development of Greek culture.

Poverty was one of the primary reasons for polis creation in Grease. Small communities were established to eliminate poor soil problem as it preconditioned the division of labor. “Lacking large distinctions between the rich and the poor, kings and priests could not rise to power and prominence, and Greeks were forced to develop different, more democratic systems of government.” (Pearson Education) Polis was also created for the safety purposes of the city. The city itself was situated in the center of the polis and farms surrounded the city. Therefore, if someone has invaded the territory of the polis, citizens had enough time to prepare for the battle and attack invaders.

Greek polis creation was also essential for the development of human rights. If the ancestors of the person were Greek, the man has rights to vote, own property, for legal marriage, for participation in cult activities and decision-making process. The polis of Sparta was an example of military machine that enabled Spartans to conquer enormous territory. “After the first Messenian War, the Spartan warriors divided the land among themselves and reduced the Messenians to Helots.” (J. B.) The military order of Spartan polis preconditioned the development of bureaucracy. The polis of Athens had somewhat another concept. “Under the leadership of the aristocrat Solon, Athens developed a social system in which power was based on wealth rather than aristocratic birth.” (The Library of Congress) The creation of various layers in Greek society was a positive factor for economic growth. Despite of the fact there still was inequality, people of higher layers had more opportunities for prosperity, education, and country decision-making.

The only disadvantage of polis creation was its inefficiency in the growth of the city on the long run. As farms surrounded the city, there was no way to expand the territory of the polis center behind the walls. Little streets with almost no space between houses was one of the primary reasons for huge fires in the center. Secondly, in case of infections, all citizen of the polis became sick.

In conclusion, I want to write that the development of polis in Greece was definitely a positive stage for both economic and cultural growth. Concentration of people on rather small territory enabled cooperation and labor division. Moreover, participation of all citizens in social life of each polis was beneficial for political improvement, establishment of the philosophy as a science, and increased quality of life.

References

Finely, Moses. The Legacy of Greece: A New Appraisal. New York: Oxford, 1981. B. 2000. The Polis of Sparta. The Greeks. May 8, 2009. <http:/ /www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/Polis/GREECE.html>.

Pearson Education. 2008. Overview. The Greek Polis. May 8, 2009. <http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_king_westernciv_2/0,6774,207415-,00.html>.

The Library of Congress. (1994). The rise of Athens and Sparta. Greece. May 8, 2009. http:/ /lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+gr0024)