Greek-+government

Ancient Greek Views of Government by Jamie, Jaclyn, and Ingrid

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The ancient Greeks views of government are clearly shown through Creon in the play Antigone by Sophocles. Greeks thought that power should be transferred by relations and loyalty should be gained through tests. They also expected the king to not deal with enemies and do what is best for the state, as Creon stated, "I would never have any dealings with and anemy of the people. (I will) follow the course that(I know)is best for the state."(Antigone, Scene 1, lines 27,23) This, however, didn’t always happen though and many kings ended up being tyrannical and stubborn, such as Creon. In many cases the kings started to see themselves as god-like or even as gods. ======

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In the stories of Greek mythology, there is a similar form of aristocracy form of government throughout the stories. The cities of Greece were all ruled by the best and highly acknowledged heroes. These heroes brought peace and law within the cities when they faced corruption. In Ithaca, Odysseus was ruler by left for war in Troy. Years later, it is supposed he was dead and madness is brought forth in the city to find a suitor for the widow wife. And when Odysseus returns he restores order. In Troy, they were ruled by Hector who had fought and died in the Trojan War and fell to Achilles. The ruler of all Greeks was the great warrior, Achilles. He was invincible and could not be stopped. But he fell during the Trojan War, when “Paris shot an arrow at him and…it struck his foot in the one spot where he could be wounded, his heel” (page 193 __Mythology__). Most heroes that were rules fell during battle and left their cities in turmoil over who the new ruler should be. ======

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Socrates was one of the most influential intellects of his time. Although he knew nothing he was appeared as the most intelligent man, for a prophet had told him so. He used his unknowing knowledge to exploit the lies behind government. Not only did he expose the lies in government but also the thoughts of artisans and scientists. They believed in finding the answers to how everything worked, but Socrates knew only the Gods should know why. By exposing their lies he was attacked by government. They did not like Socrates showing the corruption and faults of government and science, so they put him in trial. In Socrates apology to government he explained his reasoning behind his ideas but that was not enough. Some of the court believed he was telling the truth while the rest thought he should be stopped. In the end Socrates was sentenced to death for corruption and for having no beliefs in the Gods. ======