BA 1/12

Write a paragraph explaining how you would describe the word “culture.”

In this paragraph, include how art (paintings, poetry, TV, movies, books, etc.) have an impact on our culture.

Lastly, why is culture important?

**Since you are writing a paragraph, you do NOT have to write the question**

Greek Culture

Chapter 5

SSWH3 The student will examine the political,

philosophical, and cultural interaction of Classical Mediterranean societies from 700 BCE to 400 CE.

b. Identify the ideas and impact of important individuals; include Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and describe the diffusion of Greek culture by Aristotle’s

pupil Alexander the Great and the impact of Julius and Augustus Caesar.

c. Analyze the contributions of Hellenistic and Roman culture; include law, gender, and science.

d. Describe polytheism in the Greek and Roman world and the origins and diffusion of Christianity in the

Roman world.

7 Areas of Focus

1. Philosophy

2. Drama

3. Literature

4. Religion

5. Architecture

6. Daily Life

7. Olympics

Philosophy

Philosopher: thinker who uses logic & reason to investigate nature of the universe, human society, and morality Greek word for “lover of wisdom”

Assumed:1. Universe is put together in an orderly way & subject to

absolute & unchanging laws

2. People can understand these laws through logic & reason

Concerned with the development of critical or rational thought about the nature of the universe

(video)

Sophists

Questioned beliefs of justice and values

3 Beliefs:

1. Impossible for human mind to understand the universe

2. Important for individuals to improve themselves

3. No absolute right or wrong

Socrates

SocratesLittle is known about his writings Died at age 70

Accused of corrupting youth and neglecting the godsFound guilty of crimes & given option of a fine or death

• He chose death

Beliefs:

1. All real knowledge is present within each person

2. Socratic methodQuestion/answer method by using reason

3. People should constantly question themselves

Plato

Plato

Student of Socrates

One of greatest philosophers of Western Civilization

Wrote The RepublicVision of a perfectly governed society

Started The AcademyAcademy: school of philosophy

School lasted 900 years

Plato continued

3 Beliefs:

1. Distrusted democracy

2. Society should be ruled by intellectuals

3. Divided people into 3 groups:Philosophers: rulersWarriors: protected societyMass population: producers

Aristotle

Aristotle

Student of Plato

Taught Alexander the Great

Invented method of arguing based on logicBasis for scientific method

Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Data, Results, Conclusion(video)

DramaPerformed in outdoor theaters

1st Greek dramas were tragediesBased on love, hate, war, or betrayal

2 Characteristics of tragedies

1. Conflict between the protagonist (hero) & a superior force

2. Protagonist brought to ruin and extreme sorrow

BA 8/10

1. Define philosopher.

2. What are the sophists 3 beliefs?

3. What are Socrates beliefs?

4. Who is Plato? What did he write and build?

5. Why is Aristotle important?

Literature

Learned history through spoken wordDid not write history down during this period

Epic poem: narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds, courage, and honor

Homer most famous poetWrote Iliad and The Odyssey

Iliad: Trojan War with Achilles Odyssey: A soldier’s attempt to go home 10 years after the

Trojan War

Myth

Myth: traditional stories about Greek gods

Designed to understand mysteries of nature & power of human passionsEx: changing of the seasons

Greeks believed in gods and goddesses in which they attributed human qualities, such as love, hate, and jealousy

Religion

Affected every aspect of Greek lifeConsidered necessary to the well-being of the state

Polytheistic

Gods and goddesses thought to live on Mount Olympus

Among the 12 were:Zeus: chief god & father of the godsAthena: goddess of wisdom & craftsApollo: god of sun & poetryAphrodite: goddess of love

Architecture & Art

Architecture: temples dedicated to godsAltar was outside in open

Temples used to store treasure given to the god or goddess & display the god’s picture

Columns and open structures were common

Best Example: Parthenon

Daily Life in Athens

Family:

Important institution in ancient Athens

Primary function was to produce new citizens

Women could only participate in religious festivals Excluded from public life

Women’s life

Could not own property

Had male guardians

Married at 14-15

Expected to remain at home

No education

Olympics

Greatest of all ancient Greek sport festivals

Held every 4 years beginning in 776 BCE

Designed to honor Zeus

Games: footraces, wrestling, boxing, javelin, discus throwing, long jumping, chariot racing

Olympics continued

Only one winnerReceived wreath of olive leaves as prize

Olive leaves considered sacred to Zeus

Games could be dangerousWrestlers gouge out opponents eyes

Slam opponent head first onto hard surface

Some athletes killed during games

EA 1/10

Start the “Build Your Own City” assignment

We will present this later in the week for a presentation grade.