The Ancient Greeks

EQ 1: How did the geography of ancient Greece affect the development of the Greek civilization?

Key Terms: Mediterranean Sea, polis, mythology, Olympics

Geographic Features—The Sea

Made up of islands & peninsulas surrounded by Mediterranean, Black, & Ionian SeasEffects economy relied on sea travel and trade; early cities less than 50 miles from coast

Geographic Features—The Mountains

Divided the people; long travel time by landEffect nearly impossible to unite under one countryEffect development of the polis—city-state, city that operates as an independent nation

Geographic Features—The Climate

Moderate temperatures, rainfall only in the winterEffects public discussions held outside, leading to democracy=Rule by the People

Early Settlers— 1. Minoans

c.2000 B.C. – 1400 B.C.SignificanceSettled island of Crete; named after mythical king MinosWealthy, advanced civilization w/ beautiful homes and indoor plumbing; disappeared w/o explanation

Early Settlers— 2. Mycenaeans

c.2000 B.C. – 1200 B.C.Strong military, well-fortified citySignificance believed to have fought Trojan WarSignificanceGreek poet Homer wrote epics—the Iliad and The Odyssey, describing the Trojan War

Epic—Poem describing the adventures and deeds of a heroMythology—stories of the Greek gods; had very human-like characteristicsArête—perfection, excellence

Greek Mythology

http://streaming.factsonfile.com/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=32802&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Zeus:%20King%20of%20the%20Gods&IsSearch=Y&parentSeriesID=&loid=77934#

Early Settlers— 3. Dorians

c.1150 B.C. – 750 B.C.Little known about themArtifacts show less advanced tools, potterySignificance b/c writing disappeared, brought Dark Ages of GreeceSignificance were the first to record Olympic games, competitions honoring Athletic Heroes

EQ 2: What contributions were made by Sparta & Athens?

Key Terms: Code of Lycurgus, philosophy, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Parthenon, Pythagoras, Hippocrates, Archimedes, drama, tragedy, comedy

Sparta—Perfection in Body

Spartans focused on strength, disciplineGovernment was considered an oligarchy—govt. is controlled by a small group of people

slave rebellion caused adoption of strict policy of military buildupCode of Lycurgus—named after legendary king who gave Sparta first laws, then starved himself during famine to save food

Spartan MalesAll babies examined by city elders at birth, weak ones were abandonedAge 7, boys sent to live with army, begin training; little food, clothing, were encouraged to stealAge 20, allowed to marry but had to live with army until 30; remained on active duty until age 60

Spartan Boot Camp

http://www.history.com/videos/spartan-boot-camp-killing-machines#spartan-boot-camp-killing-machines

Spartan Females

Girls encouraged to live active lives; not allowed to marry until 19; resulted in healthier babiesWorked in fields and home

people less educated, advancedModern word Spartan—extremely disciplined, focusing on the most basic of necessities

Battle of Thermopylae

http://www.history.com/videos/spartan-boot-camp-killing-machines#last-stand-of-the300-the-kill-zone

Athens—Perfection in Mind

Athens focused on intellectual and artistic pursuitsPhilosophy philo-love, sophis-wisdom

Socrates, 470 B.C.Taught students, not facts but how to think & reason using questions 399 B.C. arrested, charged with corrupting Athens’ youth & neglecting the gods; found guilty, forced to drink hemlock poison

Plato, a student of SocratesEst. Academy (aka School of Athens), lasted 900 yearsWrote The Republic, describing perfect govt. run by philosopher-king

Aristotle, a student of Plato for 20 yrs.Developed syllogisms, statements of reasoningStated earth was center of universe

Science

PythagorasHippocratesArchimedes

Art

Parthenon—temple atop the Acropolis, mountain overlooking AthensDesigned imperfectly so that perspective would cause stairs and columns to appear perfect

Winged Victory

Drama

Comedy—story with happy endingTragedy—story where someone attempts to avoid fate with disastrous results (Oedipus Rex)

E.Q. 3: How did Alexander help spread Greek culture over the world?

Key Terms: Hellenistic

BackgroundSon of king of Macedon, PhilipTaught to be warrior by his father, how to think, reason, strategize by AristotlePhilip assassinated at daughter’s wedding (by own wife?)Alexander became king, 336 B.C. at age 20

Conquest

Felt he was descendant of Achilles, kept copy of The IliadFirst united Greek city-states, then went after PersiaOutnumbered on several occasions, victorious every timeConquered most of known world

Cultural Diffusion

Est. hundreds of cities like Greek onesMost important was Alexandria, EgyptSaw Persian culture had something to offer, combined best of both

Married daughter of Persian king, encouraged soldiers to intermarryWore Persian clothingHellenistic—combination of, Egyptian, Persian, Indian and Greek (east and west) cultureAlexandria, Egypt became center of Hellenistic culture

Death & Legacy

Contracted malaria, died of fever 323 B.C. at age 33Empire fell apart, three generals took over three parts & ruledB/c of conquest, Greek culture survived & impacted the world