Greek and Roman civilizations

 The fascination with Greek and Roman civilizations for me, can be attributed to several factors, ranging from their historical significance to their lasting cultural and intellectual contributions. Greek and Roman civilizations laid the groundwork for much of Western culture, philosophy, governance, and art. Concepts such as democracy, the rule of law, and individual rights have roots in ancient Greece, while the Roman Empire significantly influenced the development of political institutions and legal systems. The rich literary traditions and mythology of ancient Greece and Rome continue to captivate readers. Works like the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Aeneid have become timeless classics, and the myths of gods and heroes remain influential in contemporary literature, art, and popular culture.

In addition, the architectural and artistic accomplishments of these civilizations are renowned. From the grandeur of the Parthenon in Athens to the engineering marvels of Roman aqueducts and coliseums, the physical remnants of their societies serve as a testament to their advanced craftsmanship and engineering prowess. Ancient Greece is celebrated for its profound philosophical inquiries. Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have profoundly shaped Western thought and continue to be studied and referenced in various academic disciplines. Their ideas on ethics, politics, and metaphysics remain foundational. The Latin language, originating from Rome, has had a lasting impact on the development of Romance languages and is still used in fields such as law, medicine, and science. Additionally, many English words have Greek or Latin roots, showcasing the linguistic legacy of these civilizations.

Athenian & Taiwan

In ancient Athens, citizenship was restricted to free adult male Athenians. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from the political process. The franchise was limited to citizens, and they had the right to participate directly in decision-making through assemblies. In Taiwan, citizenship is not restricted based on gender or ethnicity. All citizens, regardless of gender or ethnicity, have equal political rights. Universal suffrage is practiced, allowing eligible citizens to participate in elections. Athenian laws were proposed and voted on by the Assembly (Ekklesia), where all eligible citizens could participate. The Council of 500 (Boule) played a role in proposing legislation and preparing the agenda for the Assembly. In Taiwan, citizenship is not restricted based on gender or ethnicity. All citizens, regardless of gender or ethnicity, have equal political rights. Universal suffrage is practiced, allowing eligible citizens to participate in elections.

Overall, while both Athenian democracy and Taiwan's modern system share the democratic principles of citizen participation and governance, there are significant differences. Taiwan has evolved a more inclusive and representative system, with a professional judiciary and formalized mechanisms like judicial review. Athenian democracy, in contrast, was a direct form of democracy with a more limited scope of citizenship and different mechanisms for decision-making and checks on power.

Reference

1, M. (2022, October 26). Archaic Greece and the emergence of tyranny. Brewminate. https://brewminate.com/archaic-greece-and-the-emergence-of-tyranny/ 

Editor. (2020, February 1). The significance of Taiwan as the first and only Chinese democracy. Taiwan Insight. https://taiwaninsight.org/2020/02/04/the-significance-of-taiwan-as-the-first-and-only-chinese-democracy/ 

Rothchild, J. A. (2007). Introduction to Athenian Democracy of the Fifth and Fourth Centuries BCE. Wayne State University Law School Research Paper No. 07-32.

Traces of ancient Rome in the modern world. Education. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/traces-ancient-rome-modern-world/ 

What is the influence of greek philosophy and literature on Roman culture?. Quora. (n.d.). https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-influence-of-Greek-philosophy-and-literature-on-Roman-culture