Guided Readings 4-4

The Greeks created dramas as we know it in Western culture.

A. The first Greek dramas were tragedies , which were presented in a trilogy. 1. The only complete trilogy in existence today is the Oresteia by Aeschylus. 2. Sophocles's most famous play was Oedipus Rex. B. Greek comedy was used to criticize both politicians and intellectuals.

Religion affected every aspect of Greek life.

A. Greeks considered religion necessary to the well-being of the state. B. Twelve chief gods and goddesses were thought to live on Mount Olympus.

Philosophy refers to an organized system of thought.

A. Pythagoras taught that the essence of the universe could be found in music and numbers. B. The Socratic method of teaching uses a questions-and-answer format to lead pupils to see things for themselves. C. Plato was fascinated with the question of reality; how do we know what is real?

Some of the finest examples of Greek classical architecture were from the fifth century.

A. The most famous building from this period was the Parthenon. 1. The patron goddess of Athens was Athena. 2. The Parthenon was an expression of Athenian pride in their city-state. B. Greek sculptors did not seek to achieve realism, but rather a standard of ideal beauty.