Final answer:
Ancient Greek civilization, particularly during the Athenian Golden Age, made significant contributions to democracy, literature, science, and art, and their culture has profoundly influenced Western society. The Greeks also experienced fierce internal conflicts like the Peloponnesian War, reflecting the complexity of their political life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Greeks established a culture that has had a profound influence on the Western world. This is evident through their contributions in various fields such as literature, democracy, art, architecture, philosophy, and more. The Greeks pioneered the earliest form of democracy, notably the Athenian polis, which was a body of citizens with voting rights in a Greek city-state. The Athenian Golden Age followed the defiance of the Persian invasions, and it marks a period of significant intellectual and cultural growth. Masterpieces such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey were key literary works of the era. Moreover, Greek colonization of the Mediterranean basin, the invention of coins for money, and advancements in science and mathematics are exemplary of their innovation. Mastery in shipbuilding bolstered their commercial exchanges, asserting their influence throughout the Mediterranean.
During this Greek Classical period, the Peloponnesian War was fought between rival city-states, showcasing the penchant for war in Greek political life despite their artistic and intellectual achievements. The Greeks were also known for their anthropocentric worldview, emphasizing individuality within a society that greatly valued community and citizenship.