Western Civilization Greeks During the Archaic Age, Essay Example

The growth of populations surrounding the Mediterranean spurred the development of Greek Culture during the archaic period.  The political and philosophic thought that developed at this time underscored the rise of a common identity among these communities.  This common identity is primarily due to the common associations that these various political entities, gathered within their respective city-states, held with one another.  The spread of populations from within these areas to the outlying communities caused the mingling of the individual cultural identities among the people.

These changes developed within the pre-established culture of competition and intellectual awareness that had been pervading the area previously. “All ancient Greek culture was inherently performative and competitive, and Greek intellectuals reflected the competitiveness of politics in both the manner and the matter of their own internal disputes” (Rowe, 2000 p. 21).  These similarities in their culture coupled with an increasingly broad reach across the Mediterranean inspired a common identity among those that were settled within the various political spheres and colonies that were scattered throughout the area.

In addition to a common political atmosphere, the common cultural and artistic sensibilities of these cultures further helped to establish a strong sense of communal unity between these various Greek entities.  Furthermore, common literary traditions that were forged in the oral histories of these Greek nations allowed them to develop common bonds among their varying historical conceptions.  These commonalities were an important aspect in the development of their common identities.  Through the growth of their populations, and the mingling of cultural values, the common practices that they shared created the context for this common identity.

References

Rowe, M. (2000). The Cambridge History Of Greek and Roman Political Thought. Cambridge University Press. 1-23.