Important Greek Historical Figures

People don't often realize just how much the ancient Greeks impacted our modern-day society. It's truly amazing learning about how advanced some of these historical figures were, making discoveries and creating theories still used today. It's clear these individuals were way past their time! Here are 20 of the most amazing ancient Greek figures and how they influenced us.

Pixabay on Pexels

1. Archimedes

Eureka! One of the greatest mathematicians and inventors of his time, we have Archimedes to thank for creating the Achimedes' Screw. Deemed one of the earliest hydraulic machines ever made, his design was so impeccable that it's still being used to this day. It's sad to hear that he was taken out during the siege of Syracuse as who knows what other amazing things he could have invented. 

Domenico Fetti on Wikimedia

2. Plato

One of the most well-known ancient philosophers in history, Plato's theories and ideas are still being studied in schools today. One of his most important contributions was the Theory of Forms which suggests that our physical world doesn't reflect our actual reality.

emkanicepic on Pixabay

3. Socrates

Arguably the most influential philosopher, Socrates is credited with being the founder of Western Philosophy. So much so that he's been given the nickname, "Father of Western Philosophy."  He taught numerous others including Plato and Xenophon, passing on his wisdom despite being a controversial figure in ancient Greece.

Andy Bodemer on Unsplash

4. Aristotle

Ancient Greece was definitely an era of amazing philosophers! Adding another to this list, Aristotle, a student of Plato, is another esteemed thinker that shaped our world of philosophy. He's also considered a scientist, combining the two fields to create the field of formal logic. 

After Lysippos on Wikimedia

5. Pythagoras

Do you remember learning about the Pythagoras Theorem in your high school calculus class? Whether you loved it or hated it, it's all thanks to Pythagoras. This well-known philosopher and mathematician created many groundbreaking theories during his time, even influencing big names like Plato and Aristotle. 

Makis Hristaras on Unsplash

6. Euripedes

It's fascinating thinking about how we're able to restore and discover pieces of art created way back when. Euripedes is one of three ancient Greek playwrights (alongside Aeschylus and Sopocles) with plays that managed to survive the test of time. Though he wrote 92 plays in his life, sadly, only 19 have been recovered in full. 

Marie-Lan Nguyen on Wikimedia

7. Aesop

If you've heard of the stories, "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," "The Hare and the Tortoise," or "The Crow and the Pitcher," you've unknowingly read Aesop's works all this time. Best known for his collection of short stories known as Aesop's Fables, each one holds an important moral still relevant today. 

user:shakko on Wikimedia

8. Herodotus

Herodotus is often considered to be the world's first ever historian. He was the first to note down moments in history in a systematic way that today's historians use as reliable information. Thanks to his work, he's been given the nickname, "The Father of History." 

Jastrow on Wikimedia

9. Homer

As the author of the iconic epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, Homer will forever be remembered through his writing. Both poems are seen as key works in ancient Greek literature, making him a very influential writer of our time. It's amazing seeing how these hold up today too.

Yonidebest on Wikimedia

10. Hippocrates

As "The Father of Medicine," all doctors today must swear by the Hippocratic Oath which states they must be responsible and protect all their patients. Hippocrates is arguably the most famous physician to come from ancient times, making crucial contributions including the use of prognosis, systematically categorizing diseases, and much more. 

user:shakko on Wikimedia

11. Euclid

Euclid is an ancient Greek mathematician who made mindblowing discoveries in his field that have deemed him the "Father of Geometry." Essentially building the foundations of geometry through his contributions in the Elements treatise, he's considered one of the most influential individuals in history. 

Photograph taken by Mark A. Wilson (Wilson44691, Department of Geology, The College of Wooster). [1] on Wikimedia

12. Alexander the Great

With "great" already in his name, it makes it hard to forget Alexander. As one of the most powerful and strategically dominant leaders throughout history, this king conquered most of the ancient world during his reign. It's safe to say he was unstoppable in his time. 

Unknown artistUnknown artist on Wikimedia

13. Pericles

Called "the first citizen of Athens" by an old historian, Pericles is typically associated with politics in in this ancient city. He's best known for establishing a democratic government there and for building the Acropolis of Athens, a famous citadel that is still admired by tourists today.

Unknown artistUnknown artist on Wikimedia

14. King Leonidas

Sparta is notorious for being a military-focused city that was home to the fiercest, battle-hardened warriors in ancient Greece. One mighty example is King Leonidas, recognized for his heroic deed in leading his troops as a last stand in the Battle of Thermopylae. 

Mattinbgn (talk · contribs) on Wikimedia

15. Solon

Being called "The First People's Champion" is no small amount of praise. Solon wasn't just any ancient Greek lawmaker, he's credited with building the groundwork for democracy in Athens as well. One of his most well-received contributions was the addition of debt relief. And as a fun small fact, he was also a well-known poet!

No machine-readable author provided. Kpjas assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia

16. Sappho

About time we got a female on this list! Though very little is known about this Greek poet, Sappho was highly regarded for her beautiful lyric poetry which she sung. Sadly, many of her works were lost and those that were found contained only pieces and fragments. 

Marie-Lan Nguyen on Wikimedia

17. Aristophanes

Why so serious? Writing a total of 40 plays throughout his life (only 11 of which survived), Aristophanes was a popular comic playwright in ancient Greece. Dubbed the "Father of Comedy," his ability to make fun of individuals in his play was something that was both feared and respected. 

Unknown artistUnknown artist on Wikimedia

18. Praxiteles

As the first ancient Greek sculptor to create a life-size statue of a female, he was (and still is) considered one of the greatest alive. His works of art are often described as elegant and mature, with his most famous one being modeled by Aphrodite of Cnidus. 

Jordiferrer on Wikimedia

19. Herostratus

Let's just say Herostratus is the perfect example of how you don't want to be remembered in history. He sure did something amazing - but in all the wrong ways. Wanting to be remembered forever, he committed a terrible act by burning down the sacred Temple of Artemis. Talk about doing things for all the wrong reasons. 

Rijksmuseum on Wikimedia

20. Phidias

Phidias is known as many things, including a sculptor, painter, and architect, but what he will always be remembered for is his Statue of Zeus at Olympia. It's so highly regarded that it's considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! Many of his sculptures are found in the most important landmarks, including a statue of Athena that's placed in the Acropolis. 

Yair-haklai on Wikimedia