Unit 01: Ancient Civilizations

Sequence 02: Read and Consider

Taking a closer look: Read the text and do the following activities.

In spite of the fact that the “golden age” of Greece lasted for little more than a century,
it laid the foundations of western civilization. During this period, many significant advances
were made in a number of fields including government, art, philosophy, drama and literature.
Some of the Greek names most familiar to us lived in this exciting and productive time.
From 480 to 430 BC, no city in the world was as much successful as Athens. All the
advances took place with the help of Pericles, an Athenian statesman with a collection of
perceptions who brought about a new age of architecture during Athens’ golden age. The
Parthenon was on the Acropolis in Athens. It was a temple of Athena, the Greek goddess of
wisdom, war, and peace; and one of the most worshiped gods. Despite being built in the 5 th
century BC, the Parthenon is a masterpiece of Greek architecture.
The Greeks had a great success in the areas of mathematics, particular geometry,
borrowing heavily from the Egyptians. Although Euclid’s book on the Elements of geometry
was so classic, it was considered as the world’s main textbook for almost two millennia. They
also made their mark in astronomy, physics and medicines. Hippocrates, the Greek Father of
Medicine took some giant steps forward in this science.
What brought the golden age to an end? The long and mutually murderous war between
Athens and Sparta, with their conflicting values and aspirations? Military misadventures?
Dreams of imperialism? Possibly the best answer is the sum of these reasons. This means that
Greece tried to fly close to the sun.

Adapted from: in2greece.com

Activity 01: Say if the following statements are T or F.
01. The Greek golden age did not last long.
02. Pericles was one of the most famous Greek builders.
03. In the Greek mythology, Athena was the “city of god”
04. Egypt had a great influence on Greece.
05. The collapse of Greece was due to war.

Activity 02: Answer the following questions according to the text.

1. In which domains was progress made during the “Golden Age”?
...........................................................................................................................................

2. Who helped the advances to take place?

…………………………………………………………………………………………...

3. How did Egypt influence Greece?

…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. What was the cause of the collapse of Greece?
………………………………………………………………………………………..

Activity 03: Match the following definitions to the words in bold in the text.
01. A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. ………………………………
02. Important development or improvement. ………………………………..
03. Periods of thousands years, especially when calculated from the traditional date of the
birth of Christ. ……………………………………….
04. A building devoted to the worship of a god or gods. …………………………………
05. The branch of science, which deals with celestial objects, space, and the universe as a
whole. …………………………………….
06. A skilled, experienced, and respected political leader or figure. …………………………

Grammar Explorer I
• Consider sentences A-C . Then answer the questions.
A. In spite of the fact that the “golden age” of Greece lasted for little more than a
century, it laid the foundations of western civilization.
B. Despite being built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon is a masterpiece of Greek
architecture.
C. Although Euclid’s book on the Elements of geometry was so classic, it was
considered as the world’s main textbook for almost two millennia.

1. What meaning do the three expressions express?

…………………………………………………………………………………………...

2. What other expressions convey the same meaning?

…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………….
 Practice:
Task one: Complete the sentences below with although - despite - in spite of.
1. ……………………………………………………the weather was bad, we enjoyed our trip.
2. The children slept well……………………………………………………………. the noise.
3. …………………………………….. earning a low salary, Linda gave money to her parents.
4. John rarely sees Paul …………………………………………….they live in the same town.
5. Julie failed the exam …………………………………………………….working very hard.
6. …………………………………………………………..the pharaoh’s tombs were much
protected, many of them were robbed of their treasures.
7- Carthage was defeated by Rome ……………………………………....it was a great power.

Task two: Join the pairs of sentences using the given connectors.
1) Egypt was well-resourced with raw-materials. The Egyptians needed to import some of
the raw-materials from neighboring countries.(although)
2) The Phoenicians used to live in the desert .The Phoenicians became famous sailors.
(though)
3) Sumerian became dead as a spoken language. Many other Eastern cultures continued to
use this language. (despite the fact that).
4) Ancient civilizations left prestigious remains .Ancient civilizations disappeared centuries
ago.(despite)
5) Athens was ruled by a king. Athens had a democratic system of government.. (in spite
of)
6) The city was invaded .The city was surrounded by a great wall.(despite)