GREECE
=Literature.=--_Davidson_, Education of the Greek People; _Felton_,
Ancient and Modern Greece; _Grote_, History of Greece; _Curtius_,
History of Greece; _Morris_, Historical Tales (Greek); _Mahaffy_, Old
Greek Education; Social Life in Greece; The Greek World under Roman
Sway; _Clarke_, Ten Great Religions; _Guhl_ and _Koner_, Life of Greeks
and Romans; _Timayenis_, History of Greece; _Wilkins_, National
Education in Greece; _Lord_, Beacon Lights; _Monroe_, Source Book of the
History of Education.
=Geography and History.=--Greece lies in the center of the ancient
world. The numerous islands between it and the mainland of Asia made
stepping-stones for the hardy mariners who, filled with the spirit of
adventure, pushed out farther and farther from the Asiatic shores until
they reached Greece--the first European country to be settled. Here we
find another branch of the great Aryan race.
The coast is broken up by many indentations which afford fine harbors
and invite seafaring life. The surface is mountainous, the ranges
cutting the country up into many sections or states. The climate is
varying, depending upon proximity to the sea, and upon the elevation.
The scenery is beautiful, and the soil in the valleys is fertile. The
productions are fruit, grain, and silk. As might be expected from the
nature of the country, the people show much commercial enterprise. The
area is about twenty-five thousand square miles, and the population
about 2,200,000.
The Greeks were a brave and ambitious people, and their history is full
of heroic deeds and stirring events. The many small states were often
hostile to one another. Athens and Sparta were the two most important
cities. Around them centered two diverse forms of civilization, and in
them were developed two very different standards of education. It will
be necessary, therefore, to discuss separately the education of these
two cities. When the Grecian states were united in defense, no outside
power was able to conquer them; but, unfortunately, jealousies often
arose which brought them into conflict with one another, and which
finally caused the overthrow of all. In art and literature Greece
reached the summit of her glory in Athens in the age of Pericles, the
fifth century B.C. The work accomplished by Athens has been the
inspiration of the world for nearly twenty-four hundred years.
In government, in manners, and in customs the Greeks were very different
from the oriental nations. The spirit of political freedom prevailed
here for the first time in the history of the world. Doubtless the small
size of the states, which were separated from each other by natural
boundaries, was an important factor in stimulating the people to secure
and maintain this independence. "Man's character is formed by the
surroundings of his home." The beautiful valleys and mountains, the
varying climate, the sea with its many islands and harbors, the soil, in
the main yielding its fruit only by hard labor, were elements well
calculated to produce a hardy race,--a race with lofty ideals, loving
beauty both of mind and body.
=The Olympian Games.=--Because of their national popularity and their
direct influence on the education of the people, a description of the
Olympian games is not out of place in a history of education. At first
they were religious in character. They were celebrated in honor of Zeus,
at Olympia, in Elis, which became the Holy Land of Greece. They took
place once in four years, and this period, called an Olympiad, furnished
the basis of computing time. The first Olympiad begins with
B.C. 776. All of the states took part in these contests, and
when at war, hostilities were suspended during the games, that visitors
might attend them unmolested. Thus once in four years the various states
of Greece were united in friendly contest and joyous festivity.
At first there was only the foot race, but afterward wrestling, jumping,
and throwing the spear were added. Still later, chariot and horse races,
and contests in painting, sculpture, and literature, were included. Only
Greek citizens of good moral character could enter the contests. The
prize, though but a simple wreath of laurel or olive, was most highly
esteemed. At first spectators were attracted from the different parts of
Greece only; but afterward the games became great fairs for the exchange
of commodities, as well as contests which attracted people from all
parts of Europe.
The Olympian games tended to unite the people and cultivate the arts of
peace. They encouraged the development of perfect bodies, the training
being designed to produce superior athletes. They inculcated broader
views, bringing together people from different parts of their own land
and from other lands. They incited intellectual ambition by adding in
later times literary productions. They created a manly spirit and
stimulated a national patriotism.