Q:
What language did the Ancient Greeks speak?
A:
Quick Answer
The Ancient Greeks spoke Ancient Greek with three different major dialects: Aeolic, Doric and Ionic. They were the first Europeans to both read and write with an alphabet. This alphabet eventually led to the development of all modern European languages.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Darrell Gulin
Photodisc
Getty Images
Full Answer
Ionic was the first literary language used in Ancient Greece and was used by Homer in his epic poems "Iliad" and "Odyssey". This literary language continued to be used until the late fifth century. Attic Greek, a sub-dialect of Ionic, includes works by Aristotle and Plato. Ancient Greek is written in the Greek alphabet and is written from right to left. This alphabet was developed from that of the Phoenicians.
Learn more about Ancient GreeceSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
How long did the Ancient Greek Olympic Games last?
A: The Ancient Greek Olympic games first started in 776 B.C. to honor Zeus as a 1-day festival; however, the games quickly expanded to a 5-day event filled wi... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What did ancient Greeks invent?
A: Ancient Greeks invented many things that we still use today, including democracy, trial by jury, the Hippocratic oath and the Olympic games. Other things a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What was a major impact of the Ancient Greeks and Romans on Western Civilization?
A: A major impact of the Ancient Greeks and Romans on Western Civilization can be seen in the United States and many other Western governments in the democrat... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What did the ancient Greeks believe in?
A: The ancient Greeks were polytheistic and believed in a pantheon of Gods, some of whom were more powerful than others. Though Zeus was the king of the gods,... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
Who won the Persian War?
-
Q:
What purpose did myths serve for the ancient Greek people?
-
Q:
How do you change the language on your laptop?
-
Q:
What kinds of language and literacy programs does Imagine Learning offer?
-
Q:
What were Alexander the Great's major contributions?
-
Q:
When did the Olympic Games start?
