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Greece The Hellenic Era. Agenda. Greek government and society Review for Quiz. Key Vocabulary. Polis Acropolis Agora Myth Oracle Hoplite Aristocracy Oligarchy Tyrant/Tyranny Popular Government/Democracy. I. Greek Culture.
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Greece The Hellenic Era Agenda • Greek government and society • Review for Quiz
Key Vocabulary Polis Acropolis Agora Myth Oracle Hoplite Aristocracy Oligarchy Tyrant/Tyranny Popular Government/Democracy
I. Greek Culture • Most people were illiterate, so communication was spoken (oral). • Travelling poets sang ballads, folk songs, or epics. • Homer • Iliad – epic poem about the Trojan War • Odyssey – epic poem about Odysseus’ journey after the Trojan War.
I. Greek Culture D. Religion – polytheistic – not focussed on personal morality. • Explain nature • Explain emotions (self-control is important) • Gave benefits now – not after life (Hades) • Myths – stories about gods, goddesses or heroes. • e.g. Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Dionysus • Oracles – priest or priestess through whom the gods spoke. E. Olympic Games – held every 4 years to honor Zeus
II. Greek Government • Aristocracy – government run by wealthy landowners – literally “rule by the best” – “aristocrats” or “best men”. • Hoplite – non-aristocrat who could afford armor – became the heavy infantry of much of Greece – began to gain power and demand more say in government. • Tyrants – not originally a bad name – just someone who had taken over power illegally. Many ruled well – but eventually they became brutal and unjust. • Popular government – democracy – developed, especially in Athens.