Why Did Ancient Greeks Crave Knowledge? (Video)

The ancient Greeks’ passion for knowledge is noteworthy for its lasting impact on Western civilization. Their contributions to philosophy and politics have significantly influenced modern thought, and their historical observations offer crucial insights into ancient life and our understanding of the past. The origins of this fervor for knowledge can be traced back to the formation of Greece, or Hellas, where isolated communities emerged after the collapse of the advanced Mycenaean civilization around 1200 BC.

Following the Mycenaean collapse, the Greek Dark Ages began, characterized by the absence of written records and the decline of advanced urban centers. During this period, a culture based on farming and oral traditions replaced the previous bureaucratic systems. By the 9th century BC, the Greeks had begun to revive their economy and reestablish trade routes, leading to the Archaic period. This era saw the development of a new writing system influenced by the Phoenician alphabet, as well as significant advancements in art and architecture.

The Greeks’ fascination with their own history during this time led poets like Homer and Hesiod to record epic poems and myths that became foundational to Greek culture. Hesiod’s works, detailing the Ages of Man, reflect a longing to return to a perceived golden past of wisdom and harmony. This historical perspective, combined with the influence of lost Mycenaean and Minoan cultures, likely fueled the Greeks’ quest to regain what they saw as lost knowledge.

The Greeks’ pursuit of knowledge extended beyond their borders, as they traveled to regions like Mesopotamia to learn from other civilizations. This quest for understanding, exemplified by figures such as Herodotus, the world’s first historian, underscores their dedication to learning and reason.

Top image: The School of Athens, by Raphael.      Source: Public Domain

By Robbie Mitchell