Conjured Questions Inspired by Socrates

After concluding the reading assignment, Chapter 2 of Who Are We?  some more questions formulated.  I recognized that the questions I was interested in resolving transitioned from broad generalizations of the concepts of philosophy to specified interest in the important philosophers.  Reading of Socrates conjured up answers to some of my previous ponderings, but also created a multitude of further questions.  In his time, 5th century B.C.E., Socrates was cavalier in formulating his own truths and exhibiting them to the masses.  Ancient Greece had a rigid society and social structure, and I wonder how human nature (disregard for a moment the belief that human nature transcends ages or time periods ) received his revolutionary ideals.  How did his beliefs correlate to the importance placed on religion? Or, how important was religion in those ancient times? His social demonstrations tested the knowledge of craftsmen and proved their façade.   I cannot truly fathom the implications of his actions, as times have evolved to allow more personal freedom and individual rights.  Was it unheard of for such brazen acts at this time- knowing that persecution and damnation by society would result?  Were Socrates's actions the catalyst for the perpetuation of his beliefs- that have endured thousands of years.  Did he earn respects AFTER his death ( taking into account the reading of the story of his trial and sentencing, and subsequent end at the hands of the law)  These questions insight a yearning to understand all the parameters of the ancient times and to better infer the importance of the lifetime of Socrates.