Original subtitles

- [Narrator] Art, philosophy, democracy, and heroes.

These are just a few achievements

of the legendary civilization known as ancient Greece.

Ancient Greece was born on the shores of the Aegean Sea

about 4,000 years ago.

In over a millennium, it expanded to lands

as far west as Spain and as far east as India.

Throughout this age of empire,

the ancient Greeks made political, militaristic,

and cultural achievements that resonated

long after their empire fell.

Part of the ancient Greeks' legacy involved politics,

one of which was the political system of Greece itself.

Unlike many nations that were under unified rule,

Greece was a collection of over 1,500 territories

that acted as sovereign nations.

Called city-states, these territories

had their own rulers and sometimes fought each other.

Another political development was the institution

of the first large-scale democracy.

Developed in the city-state of Athens,

democratic rule was a way to give the Greek people

representation and political power.

The Greeks also earned a strong reputation

for their military.

The military helped expand the Greek Empire

by establishing colonies overseas,

and it protected Greece itself from foreign invaders

like the Persian Empire.

When such a threat occurred, city-states united

to defend their homeland.

Many Greeks, particularly in Sparta,

took immense pride in their military

and regarded their soldiers as heroes.

Their heroism was often turned into legend

thanks to literary works like "The Iliad."

War heroes also inspired the creation of the Olympics,

which celebrated physical competition.

Of all aspects of ancient Greek civilization,

their cultural contributions left a considerable mark

on the western world.

Particularly noteworthy were the ancient Greeks' art

and architecture.

They created incredible sculptural works,

such as standing figures and reliefs.

Plus, they developed three types of columns

and incorporated them to structures like the Parthenon.

This artistry was imitated by other civilizations

and spread throughout the globe for thousands of years.

How the Greeks interpreted the world

was also reflected in other cultures.

Greek religion, which was comprised

of many anthropomorphic deities,

helped shape the spiritual beliefs

of the Etruscans and, later, the ancient Romans.

Greek philosophy, which explored matters of reason,

ethics, and natural law influenced

later civilizations' achievements and politics and science.

Greek language made quite an impact as well.

Ancient Greek, at about 3,400 years old,

provided the basis of many modern languages.

The English language alone has thousands of words

with Greek roots.

Ancient Greece's artistry, regard for heroes,

and democratic rule left a considerable impression

on world history.

With contributions that lasted for millennia,

the civilization of ancient Greece

is nothing short of legendary.