Greek styles are still used in many buildings today.
Greek Contributions
• The word, theater, comes from the Greek word theatron, which means "place for viewing," from theasthai "to behold" (cf. thea "a view," theates "spectator") + -tron, suffix denoting place
• Greek theaters were built as semicircles.
The rows of seats rose steeply from the stage so that everyone in the audience could see and hear.
These ideas influence the way
theaters are built today.
Greek Contributions
The Greeks even invented special effects. They used hoists to make people appear to fly.
They also created scenery that revolved, or turned.
-Perhaps the greatest Greek contributions to the theater are their stories and plays.
Writers throughout the ages have been inspired by Greek myths and stories.
Greek dramas are still performed today all over the world.
Greek Contributions
• The first Olympics were held in 776 B.C.E. to honor the Greek god Zeus.
• Today’s Olympics reflect ancient Greek customs.
-During the opening ceremony, an athlete lights the Olympic flame.
-This custom comes from the time when the first Olympic athletes lit a fire on the altar of Zeus.
Greek Contributions
Many modern Olympic events grew out of Greek contests.
One example is the pentathlon.
The word, pentathlon, which means “five contests,” comes from the Greek words pente meaning "five" and athlon meaning "prize, contest.“
The Greek pentathlon included:
Greek Contributions
The Greeks invented the pentathlon as a test of all-around athletic skill.
Although the five contests are different today, the pentathlon is still an Olympic event.