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?
Jot answerPrepare to share in one minute