BELLWORK (9/11): Intro to Greece

BELLWORK (9/11): Intro to Greece “The Impact of Geography” page 76-77  • List two ways the mountainous terrain of Greece impacted their society. • List two ways access to the sea impacted Greece’s development. “Tyranny in the City-States” page 82  • Define tyrant. • Define oligarchy. • What is a democracy?

Ancient Greece Their control of the Mediterranean led to advances that contributed to the way we live today.

Why do we study Greece? • Ancient Greek civilization marked a critical turning point in human history. Greek philosophers were the first to examine the world critically and rationally and applied logic to science, politics & math. • Ancient Greeks had widespread influence that continues to impact our life today. For example… • Ideas about democracy and citizen participation! • Helped develop our alphabet (Phoenician) and many of our words are derived from Greek roots (philosophy, history, politics) • Ancient Greek architectural forms, such as columns and domes, are still used in buildings today! • Plays and films have their origins in the Greek development of drama – both tragedy and comedy • The Olympics!

Geography of Ancient Greece • Mountain ranges = protection & isolation • Surrounded by sea = allowed the Greeks to become traders, build a navy and expand their empire.

Establishing overseas colonies allowed Greeks to spread their culture and political ideas.

The Polis • Polis, or city-state, was the political unit of Greek civilization. • Located at the top of a fortified hill (acropolis) • Each polis became a community of people who shared a common identity and common goals. • Some citizens had political rights (adult males), while others did not (women, children, slaves). • As the polis developed, so did a new military system • Greek city-states were independent and distrusted one another (often led to war!)

Temples and public building were located within the acropolis. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, is part of Athens’ Acropolis. Athens was built near a rocky hill that could easily be fortified and defended Temples were also built to honor legendary kings. The Agora, an open area in a Polis, was used a gathering place for citizens to discuss and a marketplace for trade. The Acropolis (fortified area) provided a place of refuge for citizens during times of war; had access to water

Greek Civilization • Main themes throughout Greek civilization: heroes, bravery, honor, dignity, and the love of beauty. • In religion, the Greeks worshiped gods and goddesses Temple built for Apollo (God of music, prophecy, archery & medicine) – 4th Century B.C.

Greek Government • In the 700s BC, aristocrats were challenged by tyrants (rulers who seized power on their own; wanted more political influence) • Tyrannies maintained power by hiring soldiers & creating public works programs. • Greeks believed in the rule of law! (Tyrants insulted this ideal!) • As a result, in 500s BC, city-states became either: • Oligarchy: rule by a few • Democracy: rule by the citizens

Greek City-States • Two major city-states in ancient Greece: • Sparta • Oligarchy • Warlike society • Men & Women contributed • Athens • Freer society known for artistic/intellectual achievements • Democracy allowed citizens to assemble, hold public office, vote, own property, court rights, etc.

Greek City State: Sparta • This week, we will learn about several conflicts in Ancient Greece – most involving the city-state of Sparta. • To learn more about Sparta, read pgs. 83-84. For each point below, write a one-sentence summary on the main idea: • Helots • Men • Women • Government • Isolation

Engineering an Empire • Citizens of ancient Greece constructed many temples, statues, and buildings, but how did they do it? • In this video, you are going to learn about the history of the Greek city-states and the construction of these magnificent structures! • As you watch the video, answer the 15 questions on the worksheet. • Be ready to discuss!

BELLWORK (9/11): Intro to Greece