By definition classical means the standard of something, and the Greeks’ new ideas of politics, literature, philosophy and science, set the standard for the civilizations to follow. The influence that Greece had on civilization can be seen even in today’s society.

Greece was set up in city-states, or the polis. City-states were small regions that surrounded land used for agriculture. Because the city-states were small, each citizen had a political relationship with the government. Early Greece was governed by aristocrats, then in the 5th century, the idea of democracy, and political participation by the citizens took over. Most cities strongly believed in the participation, and loyalty of each person. Although every citizen had the choice not to serve in the military, most people did choose to serve in the military. When democracy became popular, most male citizenship was “expanded” to allow them to vote for who they wish to have elected to a council that would monitor the aristocratic government. Not all citizens were granted this expanded citizenship. Women, slaves and foreigners, although considered citizens by the law, were not allowed to vote.

Although Greek literature was unique, the emphasis on tragedy and comedy can still be felt today. The Greeks believed that human reason and balance could easily be “overstepped” and be involved in situations where emotion takes control. They also believed that the inexperience of humans made for a good comedy. The interest in human affairs led to many classic stories such as the Iliad and the Odyssey.

The Greeks’ set the standard for both philosophy and science. Greek religion gave people answers about how they became, but didn’t tell them much about human behavior, society or ethical thinking. Starting in the 6th century, many people began to think differently from their previous religious thought. These people were called philosophers, and began to think about the way humans behave, and began to observe things such as nature and society. These people wanted to make an ethical system based on their ideas of what is right and what is wrong. They wanted people to begin thinking about how their reactions, and actions, may have consequences. This interest in rationality carried over into Greek science. The Greeks soon came up with many theories including some about the motions of the planets, and principles of air and water.

Although there are many Greek stories, Antigone illustrates many classical Greek themes. Some of the many classical themes in Greek literature are romance, tragedy, ethics and revenge. Antigone has each of these themes within the story. When Antigone’s brother does not allow her other brother to be king, he takes revenge on his brother, and attacks the city. Once both brothers are killed, Kreon only allows one brother to be buried. Antigone doesn’t feel that it is right for one brother to go unburied, so she buries him. When Kreon finds out, he is torn between killing his son’s finance, Antigone, or following his own rules.

Classical Greece influenced every culture to follow it. Their new ideas of politics and culture forever changed the way society is run. Western society still uses the democratic system, and some of the philosophies. And the themes in literature can still be seen in many of today’s literature.