Contributions of Greek Civilization to the West

The growth of western civilization can traced back to the immense contributions of Greeks in the field of politics, art, architecture, literature, drama, philosophy, science, and sports. Greece is known as the cradle of western civilization.
The word "politics" is derived from the Greek polis. The idea of democracy began from ancient Greece. Athens, the southeasters polis of Greece was the home of democracy. The type of government in Athens was that of direct democracy. All the adult members of the polis were the members of the Assembly and had the right to vote. The political process of the western world was the child of Greek democracy.
Greeks had contributed in the field of literature. Some of great Greek epics of the period were Iliad and Odyssey. Greeks considered it as the greatest literary work, which was written by Homer who lived in 6th century BC. The Greek literature is closely connected with the ancient Greek mythology and it had profound impact on the western civilization.
Greek theater or drama had great influence on the western culture. Athens was the epicenter of the Greek drama. Greek tragedy, comedy and satyrs were played during this period. Some of the great names associated with Greek theater were Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles.
Western civilization was greatly influenced by the Greek contributions in the field of science. Some of the great scientists and mathematicians of the Greek period were Euclid, Pythagoras, and Archimedes.
The Ancient Greece is known for its great philosophers. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were well-known Greek philosophers of the time. These philosophers were known for their rhetorical skills. Socrates method is widely used in the areas of science today. The origin of the Olympic Games can be traced back to Greek town of Olympia in ancient Greece.
In short, Greeks helped in the growth of western civilization in different ways. Truly, Greece is the cradle of Western Civilization.