About Greece
Yesterday, I went to Omnimax Theatre to watch "Greece - Secrets of the Past" with 3 friends. I have not been there for more than a decade since my secondary school days. I went with an expectation that I would learn more about the history of Greece within the short 40 minutes. I was quite disappointed because the content was not substantial enough and it focused quite a fair bit on the vulcanic and archaelogical parts. I was trying to keep myself awake during the show. That was how bad it was.
Neverthless, I thought this information below which I captured on Ominmax exhibit boards was interesting.
SCIENTIFC LEGACY
Ancient Greece made many impressive contributions to science and technology.
Astronomy
Thales of Miletus, an early Greek astronomer gave us the measurement of the apparent diameter of the sun. He explained solar eclipses. He also defined the constellation Ursa Minor and wrote on astronomy's use in navigation. Pythagoras stated that Earth is sphere and ships over horizon, positions of starts and poles change in relation to Earth if move N or S. Heracleides of Pontus stated that Earth rotates.
Mathematics
Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician gave us the Pythagoras theorem in geometry. The theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Medicine
Hippocrates was regarded as the father of medicine. One of his most important contributions was to set standards (the Hippocratic Oath) for medical practioners. In taking the Oath, a physician promised to be honest with patients, to protect and preserve life, and to keep information about patients private.
Science and Technology
Science in Ancient Greece was based on logical thinking, mathematics, technology and everyday life. A brilliant Greek scientist, Archimedes invented the Archimedes' screw, a machine for raising water. He also accurately estimted the value of pi and explained the law of the lever. Another invention of his was the pulley to life heavy objects.
Engineering
Hero, the first hydraulic engineer lived after 150 BC. He modernized the obtaining of water through a method known as the siphon principle. The siphon principle allows pipes that carry water to follow the terrain of the land.
MYTHS VS MEANINGS
One of the most enduring legacies of Ancient Greece is the collection of stories that tell the tales of gods and heroes. Collectively, these stories are known as myths.
"Myths" or the Ancient Greek word "Mythos" came from Homer. It meant story without the connotation of any falsehood. Over time, as these "mythos" became "harder-to-believe stories", they came to have the connotation of modern day "myth" - something that is false.
You'll be surprised these words and expression in modern day English was influenced by Greel mythology.
Achilles' Heel
Meaning: A person's weak spot
Greek Myth: A hero of the Trojan War, Achilles was a Greek hero whose mother, Thetis, was a sea goddess. Achilles was destined to die young, so his mother dipped him in to the river Styx, which would make him invincible. However, she held him by the heel, thus, leaving a vulnerable srea. He would later die, as prophesized by an arrow to his heel.
Herculean Effort
Meaning: A mighty try
Greek Myth: Heracles ("Hercules" in Roman/Latin) was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. He was obligated to fulfill twelve tasks, called the Labours of Heracles. Hence, any effort we nowadays deem as tremendous can be attributed as "Herculean" or great and is associated with the Labours.
Midas Touch
Meaning: A person who is always lucky is said to have the Midas touch
Greek Myth: One of mythology's most famous tales is that of King Midas. He was granted the wish that everything he touched would turn to gold. However, he soon realized he could not eat, drink or even hug his daughter. Therefore, he rescinded his wish and immersed himself in the river Pactolus, and lost his "golden touch".
Phobia
Meaning: Fear
Greek Myth: Phobos is the Greek word for fear. However, myth has it that Phobos, was a son of Ares - who was the personification of fear, essentially in battles.
Ancient Greece made many impressive contributions to science and technology.
Astronomy
Thales of Miletus, an early Greek astronomer gave us the measurement of the apparent diameter of the sun. He explained solar eclipses. He also defined the constellation Ursa Minor and wrote on astronomy's use in navigation. Pythagoras stated that Earth is sphere and ships over horizon, positions of starts and poles change in relation to Earth if move N or S. Heracleides of Pontus stated that Earth rotates.
Mathematics
Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician gave us the Pythagoras theorem in geometry. The theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Medicine
Hippocrates was regarded as the father of medicine. One of his most important contributions was to set standards (the Hippocratic Oath) for medical practioners. In taking the Oath, a physician promised to be honest with patients, to protect and preserve life, and to keep information about patients private.
Science and Technology
Science in Ancient Greece was based on logical thinking, mathematics, technology and everyday life. A brilliant Greek scientist, Archimedes invented the Archimedes' screw, a machine for raising water. He also accurately estimted the value of pi and explained the law of the lever. Another invention of his was the pulley to life heavy objects.
Engineering
Hero, the first hydraulic engineer lived after 150 BC. He modernized the obtaining of water through a method known as the siphon principle. The siphon principle allows pipes that carry water to follow the terrain of the land.
MYTHS VS MEANINGS
One of the most enduring legacies of Ancient Greece is the collection of stories that tell the tales of gods and heroes. Collectively, these stories are known as myths.
"Myths" or the Ancient Greek word "Mythos" came from Homer. It meant story without the connotation of any falsehood. Over time, as these "mythos" became "harder-to-believe stories", they came to have the connotation of modern day "myth" - something that is false.
You'll be surprised these words and expression in modern day English was influenced by Greel mythology.
Achilles' Heel
Meaning: A person's weak spot
Greek Myth: A hero of the Trojan War, Achilles was a Greek hero whose mother, Thetis, was a sea goddess. Achilles was destined to die young, so his mother dipped him in to the river Styx, which would make him invincible. However, she held him by the heel, thus, leaving a vulnerable srea. He would later die, as prophesized by an arrow to his heel.
Herculean Effort
Meaning: A mighty try
Greek Myth: Heracles ("Hercules" in Roman/Latin) was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. He was obligated to fulfill twelve tasks, called the Labours of Heracles. Hence, any effort we nowadays deem as tremendous can be attributed as "Herculean" or great and is associated with the Labours.
Midas Touch
Meaning: A person who is always lucky is said to have the Midas touch
Greek Myth: One of mythology's most famous tales is that of King Midas. He was granted the wish that everything he touched would turn to gold. However, he soon realized he could not eat, drink or even hug his daughter. Therefore, he rescinded his wish and immersed himself in the river Pactolus, and lost his "golden touch".
Phobia
Meaning: Fear
Greek Myth: Phobos is the Greek word for fear. However, myth has it that Phobos, was a son of Ares - who was the personification of fear, essentially in battles.
posted by Dee at
5:10 PM
1 Comments:
Achilles... (The vision of Brad Pitt in mini skirt come to mind, hehehe)... Yeah I also interested at these things, and sometimes amazed how these old stuff influence the modern way of phrasing things. For example... Oedipus... becomes one term of psychological condition... Oedipus complex. Eros (Cupid) the god of love influencing the term erotic. ETC.
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God's Grace, at 7:27 PM
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