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Explore the impact of ancient Greek civilization on modern society, including their contributions to science, philosophy, religion, and the development of democracy. Discover the origins of Greek culture, the city-states, and the foundations of democracy, as well as the influence of Greek ideas on Europe and the 21st century.
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Why do we care about the Greeks? • The Greeks who lived from 479 to 323 BC shaped western civilization leading to modern science, schools of philosophy and religion, and democracy • Greek ideas—rationality, democracy, individualism, citizenship, free debate and philosophy percolated through Europe and influence 21st century life.
In The Beginning • Precursor of Greeks were Minoan people from the island of Crete in the Aegean region. • Around 1300 BC Mycenaean culture spread throughout the area and joined with Minoan culture. • Around 800 BC this lead to the Hellenic (Greek) culture. • Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey influenced Greek philosophy by promoting the ideas of bravery, intelligence and pride. These qualities became basis of Greek educational system.
The Polis (city states) • The polis is best understood as a community of politically and commercially independent citizens (self-sufficient). Decisions and policy were made by all freeborn and equal male citizens of Greek parentage and language. • Sparta = known for military skills, discipline and service to the polis. • Athens = know for being the cultural center of Greece and democracy.
The Polis • City-States often fought one another. (Ex. Peloponnesian War, 431-404 BC, Sparta v. Athens) • Came together when attacked by outside forces (Ex. Persians in 490 and 480) or for athletic competitions (Ex. Olympics). • Custom of coming together to ask questions on how polis would be run slowly led to democratic principles.
FOUDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY • Athens moved slowly toward democratic rule - The aristocracy ruled through a council headed by archons - or officials in the early government. • Only the nobles had a say in the government at this time. • 621BC - the archons asked the noble Draco to draw up a code of law. This code required that all laws be equally applied to all classes and provided for very harsh penalties. • Created backlash
Foundations of Democracy • Solon—The Lawmaker of Athens • 594 BC - the leader Solon freed citizens forced into slavery, limited the amount of land one person could own, created a supreme court, and ordered food prices lowered. Through these reforms, the “common person” gained more political power. • Athens, unlike Sparta, was a money-mad commercial city. The constitution written by Solon mitigated the class struggle between rich and poor, and allowed for the growth of democratic institutions.
Foundations of Democracy • When Solon was asked once which city he thought was well-governed, he said: "That city where those who have not been injured take up the cause of one who has, and prosecute the case as earnestly as if the wrong had been done to themselves." Accordingly, he allowed anyone to take up the cause of a poor man who had been injured.
Foundations of Democracy • 508 BC- Cleisthenes - created the Athenian Assembly- a lawmaking body, and allowed all citizens to participate in it. • He also introduced the idea of ostracism - or the exile of citizens who were thought to be a threat to the community
Foundations of Democracy • After the Persian Wars Athens became a direct democracy under Pericles. • All male citizens whose parent were both Athenians met in the Assembly to debate, vote and make laws. • All citizens were required to participate in government.
The End? • The Peloponnesian War weakened the city-states which led to Philip of Macedonia's victory over Greece in 338BC • When Phillip was assassinated his son Alexander took over and spread Greek ideas throughout the Mediterranean • Beginning of the Hellenistic Age • Dominated by ideas of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Zeno
Plato Philosophy= rationalism “Until philosophers are kings, cities will never have rest from their evils.” “Democracy passes into despotism”
Plato power flow chart 4. Political power should be given to philosophers!
Plato’s Metaphor The state is a ship The general populace = the shipowner. The shipowner has not knowledge of the sea, so should not navigate the ship Politicians = Sailors. Sailors are more interested in fighting with each other to gain the favor of the shipowner and to make money Philospopher = Navigator. Not involved in the struggle for power, just wants what to arrive at the destination.
Off to Rome!!!! “The government is bandied about like a ball.” Ciciero (106-43 BCE)
The Roman Republic and Empire • Founded in 645 BC • Highly class-ist society (Patricians, equestrians, plebeians and slaves)…but more mobile than Greek society. • In 509 BC the Romans started a republic led by wealthy landowners (patricians). • Defeated enemies and spread throughout Europe. (Pax Romana during Augustus’ rule in 31BC—beginning of Empire)
Roman Accomplishments • System of law and justice was greatest contribution to Western civilization. • In Empire, people were untied under the Law of Nations. • Applied to all citizens regardless of nationality.
Cicero • Ideology = Republicanism • Before Cicero: • 380 BCE Plato outlines idea for city-state • 2nd century BCE, Polybius’s history describes the rise of the Roman Republic and its constitution with a separation of powers • 48 BCE Julius Caesar is given unprecedented powers and his dictatorship marks the end of the Roman Republic
Cicero • Staunch defender of mixed constitution • Consuls, the Senate and democracy: each with areas of power that balanced one another out • He warned that a break-up of the Republic would cause a return to a destructive cycle of governments; one type after another, causing chaos.
Cicero He was right After Caesar died, Rome came under the control of an emperor, Augustus (formerly called Octavian)…power was passed from him to a succession of despotic rulers.
Fun Fact After the constitutional convention in the U.S., Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government was created…his answer: “A republic, if you can keep it” Was he thinking of Rome?
The Fall (285-476AD) • By 2nd century AD Rome had begun fall. • Causes = weakened army, smaller population, oppressive government, declining farms and cities, stagnant economy, loss of confidence, barbarian invasions) • 370AD the Visigoths defeated the Roman army • 476AD Germans hired by Rome to fight in army overthrew the emperor (Romulus Agustus…so weak they didn’t even kill him) • The end of the Empire…not the ideas
Roman Ideas • Stayed alive because of Byzantinian emperor Justinian who collected laws and sent forces to regain Roman lands
Review • What is Democracy? • What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy? • What characteristic of Athens made it a great city-state? • What was Rome’s greatest contribution to Western civilization? • What was Greece’s greatest contribution to Western Civilization?
DEMOCRACY • Democracy is a system of self-government where the citizens are equal and political decisions are made by majority rule, but always with the protection of minority rights. In its purest form, democracy affords citizens the opportunity to participate directly in the decision-making process. This is called direct democracy. But given the size and complexity of today's societies, it is generally more practical for citizens to elect representatives who will govern and make decisions on their behalf. Representative democracy relies on regular, free, fair, and competitive elections to hold the government accountable to the people. • In a democracy, the government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. Since democratic government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, the people have the capacity to change the government peacefully when they lose confidence in it. And they need not fear a bullet if they try.
