Final answer:
Ancient Greeks unified in defense of their culture and way of life primarily due to external invasion, particularly during the sixth century BCE when some of their territories fell under Persian control, leading to the Greco-Persian Wars. Their shared cultural practices, language, and traditions fostered a sense of Greek identity that was pivotal in uniting the distinct city-states against the common threat.
Step-by-step explanation:
What United Ancient Greeks Against External Threats?
The Greek unification in defense of their culture and way of life was primarily due to external invasion. The historical context for this unification is best understood through the events of the sixth century BCE, when some Greek colonies came under the control of the Persian Empire. This external threat culminated in a series of conflicts known as the Greco-Persian Wars. Greek city-states, or poleis, although often engaged in squabbles among themselves, recognized the need to unite against a common enemy that threatened their shared cultural identity, language, and traditions. It was this sense of a common Greek identity and the need to defend their autonomy that brought them together.
Greeks shared a pantheon of gods, language, and political traditions. Moreover, cultural practices such as the Iliad and Odyssey recitations, and symposia (drinking parties), also fostered a sense of collective identity. Such unity was showcased during Panhellenic festivals like the Olympics, which brought together Greeks from across the Mediterranean. When faced with the prospect of Persian domination, these shared bonds became the bedrock of their defense against the external invasion.