Greece Essay Questions
Choose 1 question from the following list. Your essay should be 2-3 pages, doublespaced, 1 inch margins, 12 pt. font (Times New Roman). Your paper must contain a
thesis and answer all parts of the question. Use specific facts, details, and information to
support your thesis. Use in-text citations to cite others’ ideas or facts that aren’t
common knowledge. Include at least 3 sources (one of which may be your textbook
and at least one must be a primary source). Include a bibliography/works cited page
at the end. Above all, let me see thought and analysis.
Define Western Civilization. Does ancient Greece fully qualify as a Western
Civilization? Defend your position using specific details.
Trace the rise of democracy in Athens. Did Athens have a true democracy? Defend your
position with specific details.
Describe Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Dionysus and explain how they exemplified Greek
life? Which god or goddess best exemplified ancient Greek life and why?
You and your friend Telemachus are having a café debate about the value of the polis.
Recreate your conversation, paying particular attention to what is included in the polis,
what is of most value in the polis, government styles, social structure, etc. Ultimately take
a position as to whether Greece is better off as individual city-states or unified (using the
Delian league as a reference point).
Summarize the Persian Wars. How were the Greeks able to defeat the Persians? What
were the results of the wars? What was the most important outcome? Did they lead to
the Peloponnesian War? Defend your answer.
Summarize the Peloponnesian War. What caused it? Look at economic, social, and
political issues. Why do you think Sparta won the war? What were the results of the
war? What was the most important outcome of the war? Defend your position.
Which work of Greek art best exemplifies Greek ideals and Greek civilization? Analyze
the work within the context of Greek art at large and how Greek art in general reflected
ancient Greece’s ideals.
Does Spartan or Athenian life better exemplify what it meant to be Greek? Defend your
position with specific details and analysis.
What is ancient Greece’s biggest contribution to modern United States life? Discuss
government, society, and culture.
Identify Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Which of the ancient philosophers was most
influential? Defend your choice with specific details and analysis.
Should Alexander be called “the Great?” Defend your answer with specific details.