Greek and Roman Governments

Unit 1, SSWH 3 a and b

SSWH 3 a & bCompare the origins and structure of the

Greek polis, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire.

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.

Why are modern societies based on the

achievements of the Romans and the Greeks?

Similarities • In Greece

—Social status determines participation in govt p.118 -136—Early Gov’t was strong monarchies

• In Rome—voting Rights: Land owning male citizens —Early Gov’t was strong monarchies

Greek Polis• Polis: Greek city-state fundamental

political unit• Origins:

City-state: Greeks were isolatedEarly History from Homer’s EpicsTrojan War—Defines SocietyPersian War—Unites Greeks

Greek Govt• Structure:

Acropolis: citizens gathered to discuss govt issues

Different types of govt Athenian govt (most famous): direct

democracyDemocracy: a govt where the

citizens control it

End of Golden Age• Greece and democracy ended because of

constant military defeats p. 126 -128

• Peloponnesian War—Sparta v. Athens

• Macedonian King invades—Phillip II (his son is Alexander)

Roman Govt• Republic: govt in which power rests

with citizens who have the right vote (representatives)• Origins

12 Tables: written law code: all free citizens (males) were

protected by the law p. 151 – 154, 165

• Structure:Senate composed of Patricains (land owners)2 Consuls (executive branch of

Gov’t)1st Triumvirate (Crassus, Pompey, & Caesar)Triumvirate declined: Caesar & Pompey went to warCaesar becomes Dictator of Rome

Greek PhilosophersSocrates:

Believed that absolute standards did exist for truth & justiceWanted people to think about their values & actions p.131

Plato:Student of SocratesBelieved in a perfectly governed society

p. 131

Aristotle:Student of PlatoQuestioned the natural world, human belief, thought, & knowledgeDeveloped: rules of logic (scientific method)Teacher of Alexander the Great

p.131

Political LeadersAlexander the Great:

Student of Aristotle: taught him all about GreeceConquered a large empireEstablished several Hellenistic (blended) societiesEncouraged learning

Julius Caesar:1st Triumvirate (Crassus, Pompey, & Caesar)Triumvirate declined: Caesar & Pompey went to warDictator of RomeAssassinated by Senators: Caesar had to much power p. 158

Augustus Caesar (Octavian):August means “exalted one”Avenged Julius Caesar’s death2nd Triumvirate (Lepidus, Mark Antony, Octavian)Most able ruler: stabilized the republic, beautified the city, enduring govtPax Romana: peace & prosperity – 207 yrs. p. 159 -160

Ticket Out the Door

Why are modern societies based on the achievements of the

Romans and Greeks?

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