Time period: 500 BC-338 BC
Places: two city-states of ancient Greece –Athens and Sparta
Even after three thousand years, the ancient Greek Legacy survives in art, literature, philosophy and science. The origin of democracy, medieval mathematics and science can all be traced back to golden age of Athens when there was a high level of achievement in very field.
There was a great rivalry among the city –states, especially between Athens and Sparta which eventually led to a war to rule Greece in 431 BC. Finally, Macedonian power was established in 338 BC and the golden period of ancient Greece came to an end.
`To lead a Spartans life’ that is the meaning of `to lead a simple life, because the Spartans were traditionally indifferent to comfort and luxury.
`Achilles’ heel’ refers to the one weakness, flaw or vulnerable point in person’s otherwise strong character.
`Beware of Greeks bearing gifts’ means to be suspicious of presents or to be on one’s guard against `treachery in the guise of gift.’ This derives from the event of the Trojan horse in Greek history.
`Trojan horse’ means hidden danger or something intended to hide someone’s true intentions or secret purposes.
Epic songs: a poem which is long and has a lot of action, usually dealing with a historical subject.
Legacy: something that is part of your history or which stays from an earlier time.
Parthenon: the temple of Athena built on the acropolis in 447 -432 BC.
Acropolis: a fortified part of ancient Athens built on a hill.
Immortal: lasting for ever