Is Greece Still Ruled by Rome?
Greece, a country rich in history and culture, has long been associated with its ancient past. From the impressive ruins of Athens to the mythical tales of gods and goddesses, Greece’s ancient civilization continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.
But what about its relationship with Rome? Is Greece still ruled by Rome?
The Roman Conquest
In order to understand the current state of Greece’s relationship with Rome, we must first delve into history. The Roman conquest of Greece took place in 146 BC, when the Roman general Lucius Mummius Achaicus captured and pillaged the city of Corinth. This marked the end of Greek independence and the beginning of Roman rule in Greece.
However, it is important to note that Roman rule did not mean complete domination over Greek culture. The Romans were greatly influenced by Greek philosophy, art, and literature, and they admired many aspects of Greek civilization. As a result, they incorporated elements of Greek culture into their own society.
The Byzantine Empire
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Greece came under the control of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines considered themselves as direct successors to the Roman Empire and maintained many aspects of Roman administration and governance.
The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, lasted for over a thousand years until it was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD. During this period, Greece remained an integral part of the Byzantine Empire but also retained its distinct cultural identity.
Ottoman Rule
Following their conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul), the Ottomans established their rule over Greece. This marked a significant shift in power, as the Greeks were now under Muslim rule rather than Roman or Byzantine.
Under Ottoman rule, the Greeks faced various challenges, including cultural suppression and religious persecution. However, they managed to preserve their language and culture through underground schools and secret societies.
The Greek War of Independence
In the early 19th century, a wave of nationalism swept across Europe, inspiring Greeks to fight for their independence. The Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821, marked a turning point in Greece’s history.
The Greeks successfully fought against the Ottoman Empire with the support of other European powers. In 1830, Greece was recognized as an independent nation by the Treaty of London.
Modern Greece
Since gaining independence in 1830, Greece has undergone significant political changes. The country has experienced periods of democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, and republicanism.
Today, Greece is a parliamentary republic with a president as its head of state. It is no longer ruled by Rome or any other external power.
Greece’s Cultural Legacy
Although Greece is no longer ruled by Rome or any other empire, its cultural legacy remains strong. The ancient Greek civilization continues to inspire artists, philosophers, and scholars worldwide.
- Greek mythology: The tales of gods and goddesses from ancient Greek mythology are still widely known and studied today.
- Democracy: Ancient Greece is credited with inventing democracy – a system of government that has had a profound impact on modern political systems.
- Olympic Games: The ancient Olympic Games originated in Olympia, Greece, and continue to be celebrated every four years.
The Influence of Rome
While Greece’s influence on Rome is well-documented, Rome also left a lasting impact on Greece. Roman architecture, engineering, and legal system influenced Greek society during the Roman occupation.
The Roman period also saw the spread of Christianity in Greece, which eventually became the dominant religion in the region.
In Conclusion
Greece may have been ruled by Rome in ancient times, but today it is an independent nation with its own government and cultural identity. While the influence of Rome can still be seen in certain aspects of Greek culture, it is important to recognize that Greece has a rich and unique history that extends far beyond its relationship with Rome.