Ancient GreeceAncient Greece

Major TopicsMajor Topics

►Minoans to Mycenaeans: Women to Minoans to Mycenaeans: Women to Men?Men?

►Greek Greek polispolis: Democratic?: Democratic?►Archaic and Classical GreeceArchaic and Classical Greece►Greeks and PersiansGreeks and Persians►Peloponnesian WarPeloponnesian War►Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

Geography and Greek HistoryGeography and Greek History

Mountains – Mountains – kept each kept each community community separated from separated from each other – each other – natural bordersnatural borders

Seacoast – Seacoast – lots lots of inlets and of inlets and bays – became bays – became a seafaring a seafaring peoplepeople

Minoan CreteMinoan Crete► 2800 BCE - just off Greek mainland2800 BCE - just off Greek mainland► Prosperous culture and sea empireProsperous culture and sea empire► Traveled and traded with EgyptiansTraveled and traded with Egyptians► Reached its height in Reached its height in

2000-1450 BCE - Knossos 2000-1450 BCE - Knossos ► Sudden collapse in 1450 Sudden collapse in 1450

BCE – invasion of BCE – invasion of

MycenaeansMycenaeans► Bronze Age Crete website

Crete

Minoan Fresco, TownMinoan Fresco, Town

Minoan FrescoMinoan Fresco

Minoan Fresco, Saffron Minoan Fresco, Saffron GathererGatherer

Minoan FrescoMinoan Fresco

Minoan Fresco, “Ladies in Minoan Fresco, “Ladies in Blue”Blue”

Minoan Minoan FrescoFresco

Minoan Snake Minoan Snake GoddessGoddess

Role of women in Minoan society?

More depictions of women in publicand religious ritual roles than later Greek societies

Women goddesses

Not usually depicted in maternalroles

Snake Goddess research site link

MycenaeansMycenaeans

► 1600-1100 BCE (height of culture)1600-1100 BCE (height of culture)► Indo-European group Indo-European group ► Powerful monarchsPowerful monarchs► Warrior peopleWarrior people► Built extensive commercial networkBuilt extensive commercial network

► Epics by Homer about the Mycenaeans: Epics by Homer about the Mycenaeans: The IliadThe Iliad & & The OdysseyThe Odyssey… King Agamemnon … King Agamemnon conquered Troy in 1250 BCEconquered Troy in 1250 BCE

The term The term MycenaeanMycenaean is derived from Mycenae, a remarkable fortified site is derived from Mycenae, a remarkable fortified site excavated by the amateur German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann excavated by the amateur German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann starting in 1870. Mycenae was one center in a Mycenaean Greek civilization starting in 1870. Mycenae was one center in a Mycenaean Greek civilization that flourished between 1600 and 1100 B.C.E. The Mycenaean Greeks were that flourished between 1600 and 1100 B.C.E. The Mycenaean Greeks were part of the Indo-European family of peoples who spread from their original part of the Indo-European family of peoples who spread from their original location into southern and location into southern and have become shrouded in mystery.have become shrouded in mystery.

The Slaying of HectorThe Slaying of HectorThis scene, painted on a Corinthian Greek vase, depicts the final battle This scene, painted on a Corinthian Greek vase, depicts the final battle between Achilles and the Trojan hero Hector, as recounted in Homer’s between Achilles and the Trojan hero Hector, as recounted in Homer’s IliadIliad. . The The IliadIliad is Homer’s epic masterpiece and was used by later Greeks to teach is Homer’s epic masterpiece and was used by later Greeks to teach the aristocratic values of courage and honor.the aristocratic values of courage and honor.

© AAAC/Topham/The Image Works

The Greek City StatesThe Greek City States

► 750 – 500 BCE city-states began to emerge750 – 500 BCE city-states began to emerge

► Known as Known as POLISPOLIS

► At center of city-state or polis was the At center of city-state or polis was the AGORAAGORA or or marketplace where the lower courts were heldmarketplace where the lower courts were held

► Polis community had 3 parts:Polis community had 3 parts: 1. citizens with rights (adult males)1. citizens with rights (adult males) 2. citizens with no rights (women & children)2. citizens with no rights (women & children) 3. non-citizens (slaves and resident aliens)3. non-citizens (slaves and resident aliens)

► Greeks = center of world democracy?Greeks = center of world democracy?

Between 750 and 500 B.C.E., Greek civilization witnessed the emergence of the city-Between 750 and 500 B.C.E., Greek civilization witnessed the emergence of the city-state as the central institution in Greek life and the Greeks’ colonization of the state as the central institution in Greek life and the Greeks’ colonization of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Classical Greece lasted from about 500 to 338 B.C.E. Mediterranean and Black Seas. Classical Greece lasted from about 500 to 338 B.C.E. and encompassed the high points of Greek civilization in arts, science, philosophy, and and encompassed the high points of Greek civilization in arts, science, philosophy, and politics, as well as the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War.politics, as well as the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War.

New Military SystemNew Military System

► Hoplite Infantry – Hoplite Infantry – heavily armed with bronze or leather heavily armed with bronze or leather helmets, breastplates, shin guards, shields and swords – only helmets, breastplates, shin guards, shields and swords – only those that could afford the weapons could be a part of this those that could afford the weapons could be a part of this militia groupmilitia group

► Phalanx – Phalanx – Formations that the Formations that the

hoplite infantry hoplite infantry

used to advance used to advance

against enemy – against enemy –

rectangular rectangular

shapeshape

Archaic Greece, 750 – 550 Archaic Greece, 750 – 550 BCEBCE

► Great number of Greeks left the colonies:Great number of Greeks left the colonies:

1. growing gulf between rich and poor1. growing gulf between rich and poor

2. overpopulation2. overpopulation

3. development of trade (increased industry)3. development of trade (increased industry)

► Tyrants rose as rulers (not Evil) – rulers not subject to Tyrants rose as rulers (not Evil) – rulers not subject to laws … young aristocrats (See page 160 for definition of laws … young aristocrats (See page 160 for definition of tyrant)tyrant)

► Tyrant PisistratesTyrant Pisistrates Reduced taxes/free loansReduced taxes/free loans Offered people chance at prosperity (olives & industry)Offered people chance at prosperity (olives & industry)

Aristocracy to DemocracyAristocracy to Democracy► 527 BCE Pisistrates died … Hippias527 BCE Pisistrates died … Hippias

When brother was murdered turned against people …When brother was murdered turned against people … Cleisthenes overthrew Hippias with help from aristocracy and Cleisthenes overthrew Hippias with help from aristocracy and

crowds … (510 BCE)crowds … (510 BCE)

► Aysagarus joined with Spartans (rivals of Athenians) to Aysagarus joined with Spartans (rivals of Athenians) to exile Cleisthenes and aristocracy … ruled from Acropolisexile Cleisthenes and aristocracy … ruled from Acropolis

► 508 BCE ******* Revolution !!!!!!!508 BCE ******* Revolution !!!!!!!

► ““Bring Cleisthenes back” …. Bring Cleisthenes back” …. Democracy was born!Democracy was born!

Classical Greece, 500-323 Classical Greece, 500-323 BCEBCE

► Age of Pericles – Height of Athenian Greek PowerAge of Pericles – Height of Athenian Greek Power Assembly passed all laws and made final decisions on war Assembly passed all laws and made final decisions on war

and foreign policyand foreign policy Made lower-class citizens eligible for public officeMade lower-class citizens eligible for public office Olympic gamesOlympic games Became leading center of Greek culture – Drama/theatreBecame leading center of Greek culture – Drama/theatre Built Parthenon on Athenian AcropolisBuilt Parthenon on Athenian Acropolis Classical idea of art – statues of godsClassical idea of art – statues of gods Philosophy (“love of wisdom”)Philosophy (“love of wisdom”) Sophists – scholarly realistsSophists – scholarly realists Rhetoric – debateRhetoric – debate Socratic Method – question and answer techniquesSocratic Method – question and answer techniques Herodotus – early Greek historian and master story tellerHerodotus – early Greek historian and master story teller

► Advancements were a threat to SpartaAdvancements were a threat to Sparta

The ParthenonThe Parthenon

The arts in Classical Greece were designed to express the eternal ideals of reason, moderation, The arts in Classical Greece were designed to express the eternal ideals of reason, moderation, symmetry, balance, and harmony. In architecture, the most important form was the temple, and symmetry, balance, and harmony. In architecture, the most important form was the temple, and the classic example of this kind of architecture is the Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 B.C.E. the classic example of this kind of architecture is the Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 B.C.E. Located on the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Located on the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city, but it also served as a shining example of the power and wealth of the Athenian empire.the city, but it also served as a shining example of the power and wealth of the Athenian empire.

© Photodisc (Adam Crowley)/GettyImages

GoogleMap

ParthenonFrieze Pics

InteractiveFrieze

Statue of Athena, ParthenonStatue of Athena, Parthenon

Replica statue of Athena in Nashville’s Replica Parthenon

Greek DemocracyGreek Democracy► Greek polis – many city-states developed governing Greek polis – many city-states developed governing

structures that included citizens to a certain extent – structures that included citizens to a certain extent – democracy one formdemocracy one form

► Spartans included adult males, but had hereditary Spartans included adult males, but had hereditary kings tookings too

► Draco’s Athenian legal code, 621 BCE, law belongs to Draco’s Athenian legal code, 621 BCE, law belongs to all citizens – set precedent towards inclusionall citizens – set precedent towards inclusion

► Solon, 590s BCE, limited power of Athenian aristocracySolon, 590s BCE, limited power of Athenian aristocracy► 508 BCE, Athenian democracy formed – all male 508 BCE, Athenian democracy formed – all male

citizens voted on lawscitizens voted on laws► InclusiveInclusive (all adult males) and… (all adult males) and…► ExclusiveExclusive (women, slaves, and males under 18) (women, slaves, and males under 18)

Greek Religion and Greek Religion and MythologyMythology

► World and human events ordered by pantheon World and human events ordered by pantheon of gods and goddessesof gods and goddesses

► Gods were anthropomorphic (human-like) with Gods were anthropomorphic (human-like) with diff. personalities and powers – active in human diff. personalities and powers – active in human liveslives

► Rituals, rites, sacrifices to gods at temples Rituals, rites, sacrifices to gods at temples throughout Greece (ex. was Parthenon, temple throughout Greece (ex. was Parthenon, temple of Athena, in Athens)of Athena, in Athens)

► Greeks could divine the future through oracles Greeks could divine the future through oracles (most important oracle was at Delphi to Apollo)(most important oracle was at Delphi to Apollo)

► List of major gods and goddesses (with statues)List of major gods and goddesses (with statues)

Greek DramaGreek Drama► Plays were funded by the polis (city)Plays were funded by the polis (city)► Usually performed only once at religious festival Usually performed only once at religious festival

for Dionysus (God of wine, pleasure, theater)for Dionysus (God of wine, pleasure, theater)► Performed at drama competition: 1Performed at drama competition: 1stst, 2, 2ndnd, and 3, and 3rdrd

place votes from spectatorsplace votes from spectators► Public outdoor theatersPublic outdoor theaters► 3 male actors played all parts, along with 3 male actors played all parts, along with

choruschorus► Tragedies were about mythic events, comedies Tragedies were about mythic events, comedies

about current events and figuresabout current events and figures► Theater Pics Theater Pics ► Structure of TheaterStructure of Theater

Greek PlaywrightsGreek Playwrights

►Aeschylus (525-456 BCE): conflict Aeschylus (525-456 BCE): conflict between human desire, justice, reasonbetween human desire, justice, reason

►Sophocles (496-406 BCE): Oedipus Sophocles (496-406 BCE): Oedipus plays, problems of human prideplays, problems of human pride

►Euripides (480-406 BCE): conflict of Euripides (480-406 BCE): conflict of emotion and reasonemotion and reason

►Aristophanes (445-386 BCE): Aristophanes (445-386 BCE): comedies about public issuescomedies about public issues

DionysusDionysusGod of Wine, Festivals, Theater God of Wine, Festivals, Theater

Website on Dionysus: images, cult of, mythology, history

SpartaSparta► Grew out of Mycenaean empire – warriors, Grew out of Mycenaean empire – warriors,

“descendants of Zeus”“descendants of Zeus”

► Oligarchy – not a democracyOligarchy – not a democracy► 2 kings over military2 kings over military► Gerousia – council of elders (shared power with Gerousia – council of elders (shared power with

kings)kings)► Apella – general assembly of all male citizensApella – general assembly of all male citizens

► Very closed/strict societyVery closed/strict society

► 500 BCE Sparta used military might to gain control 500 BCE Sparta used military might to gain control of Peloponnesus (dominates Peloponnesian League)of Peloponnesus (dominates Peloponnesian League)

Greek Conflict with PersiaGreek Conflict with Persia► Ionian Revolt, 499 BCE – rejected Persian ruleIonian Revolt, 499 BCE – rejected Persian rule► Darius defeated at Marathon (492 BCE)Darius defeated at Marathon (492 BCE)► Xerxes vowed to finish the job of his father and defeat Xerxes vowed to finish the job of his father and defeat

Greece – invaded with huge army (481 BCE)Greece – invaded with huge army (481 BCE) Sparta in charge of “land war” – King LeonidasSparta in charge of “land war” – King Leonidas Athens in charge of “sea war” – ThemistoclesAthens in charge of “sea war” – Themistocles Sparta’s objective was to hold off the Persian army Sparta’s objective was to hold off the Persian army

(Thermopylae – mountain pass in Greece) until the naval fleet (Thermopylae – mountain pass in Greece) until the naval fleet was in place at Salamis, and this would then force the Persians was in place at Salamis, and this would then force the Persians to make a naval battle – but defeated Persians there (and at to make a naval battle – but defeated Persians there (and at Salamis)Salamis)

► Stalemate between Greeks and Persians – Peace treaty Stalemate between Greeks and Persians – Peace treaty (Callias), 448 BCE(Callias), 448 BCE

► Greek city-states went back to fighting eachotherGreek city-states went back to fighting eachother

Peloponnesian War and Peloponnesian War and Decline of Greek StatesDecline of Greek States

► After the wars with Persia, for about 40 years, Greece After the wars with Persia, for about 40 years, Greece was a divided countrywas a divided country

► Athens v. SpartaAthens v. Sparta► 431 BCE War broke out …431 BCE War broke out …► Athens = Defensive – stay behind walls of AthensAthens = Defensive – stay behind walls of Athens► Sparta = OffensiveSparta = Offensive► 405 BCE Athens naval fleet was defeated at Aegospotami 405 BCE Athens naval fleet was defeated at Aegospotami ► Athens surrendered to SpartaAthens surrendered to Sparta

► All of Greece was weakened by the wars All of Greece was weakened by the wars …. …. (Aristophanes’ play (Aristophanes’ play LysistrataLysistrata is set during the Peloponnesian War is set during the Peloponnesian War after Athens’ naval defeat)after Athens’ naval defeat)

Various major Greekcity-states

Leaders: Athens & Sparta

Peloponnesian War –Alliances between majorpowers and othercity-states

Rise of Macedonia and Rise of Macedonia and Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

(Also see reading in textbook under Chapter 6, pages 150 – 151)(Also see reading in textbook under Chapter 6, pages 150 – 151)

► 359 BCE – Phillip of Macedonia359 BCE – Phillip of Macedonia► Built a country on diplomacy and strengthBuilt a country on diplomacy and strength

New military and technologyNew military and technology PhalanxPhalanx Sarisa (pike)Sarisa (pike) CrossbowsCrossbows CatapultsCatapults

► 338 BCE - Victory over Athens and Thebes (battle 338 BCE - Victory over Athens and Thebes (battle of Coronea)of Coronea)

► Created Corinthian LeagueCreated Corinthian League

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great

► Became Macedonian warrior at 14 years oldBecame Macedonian warrior at 14 years old► Served as a general at 18 years oldServed as a general at 18 years old

► Father Phillip was murdered; Alexander stepped into his Father Phillip was murdered; Alexander stepped into his placeplace

► Took over for his father at 20 years of ageTook over for his father at 20 years of age► Continued use of military/technologyContinued use of military/technology

► 334 BCE – Battle against Persia 334 BCE – Battle against Persia (Also see textbook pages 150-(Also see textbook pages 150-151)151)

Alexander the Alexander the GreatGreat

This marble head of Alexander the This marble head of Alexander the Great was made in the second or Great was made in the second or first century B.C.E. The long hair and first century B.C.E. The long hair and tilt of his head reflect the description tilt of his head reflect the description of Alexander in the literary sources of Alexander in the literary sources of the time. Alexander claimed to be of the time. Alexander claimed to be descended from Heracles, a Greek descended from Heracles, a Greek hero worshiped as a god, and when hero worshiped as a god, and when he proclaimed himself pharaoh of he proclaimed himself pharaoh of Egypt, he gained recognition as a Egypt, he gained recognition as a living deity. It is reported that one living deity. It is reported that one statue, now lost, showed Alexander statue, now lost, showed Alexander gazing at Zeus. At the base of the gazing at Zeus. At the base of the statue were the words ‘‘I place the statue were the words ‘‘I place the earth under my sway; you, O Zeus, earth under my sway; you, O Zeus, keep Olympus.’’keep Olympus.’’

© British Museum, London/HIP/Art Resource, NY

In just twelve years, Alexander the Great conquered vast territories. In just twelve years, Alexander the Great conquered vast territories. Dominating lands from west of the Nile to east of the Indus, he brought the Dominating lands from west of the Nile to east of the Indus, he brought the Persian Empire, Egypt, and much of the Middle East under his control.Persian Empire, Egypt, and much of the Middle East under his control.

TYRE (off shore island) - key strategic locationTYRE (off shore island) - key strategic location► causeway – land bridge to islandcauseway – land bridge to island► siege towerssiege towers

A brief video:A brief video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2y4_ixurE8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2y4_ixurE8

(link to video on Alexander and Tyre) (right click to open hyperlink)(link to video on Alexander and Tyre) (right click to open hyperlink)

332 BCE – Battle of Issus – Meets Darius III and 332 BCE – Battle of Issus – Meets Darius III and defeated himdefeated him

332 BCE (late) – Syria, Palestine and Egypt were under 332 BCE (late) – Syria, Palestine and Egypt were under his controlhis control

EGYPT 331 BCEEGYPT 331 BCE No bloodshedNo bloodshed Proclaimed himself the “liberator”Proclaimed himself the “liberator” They proclaimed him “son of Amon” and PharaohThey proclaimed him “son of Amon” and Pharaoh Alexandria was built (center of culture/science/learning)Alexandria was built (center of culture/science/learning)

HELLENISM – “to make Greek” – Greek way of Life was HELLENISM – “to make Greek” – Greek way of Life was spread throughout Mediterranean, North Africa, spread throughout Mediterranean, North Africa, Middle East, as far as IndiaMiddle East, as far as India

Pergamum & EgyptPergamum & Egypt

► Athen’s greatness started to dwindle in the face of Athen’s greatness started to dwindle in the face of the new Alexandrian citiesthe new Alexandrian cities

► Alexander’s Greatest Cities – Alexandria, Egypt and Alexander’s Greatest Cities – Alexandria, Egypt and Pergamum, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey)Pergamum, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey)

great terracesgreat terraces huge theaterhuge theater temples at high placestemples at high places public buildings/gymnasiums/agorapublic buildings/gymnasiums/agora

Trajan Temple at Pergamum

Temple of Sarapus - Pergamum

Theatre at Pergamum

Alexander’s DemiseAlexander’s Demise

► 327 BCE – Entered India – furthest extent of empire327 BCE – Entered India – furthest extent of empire Alexander’s army and empire influenced Indians – creation of Alexander’s army and empire influenced Indians – creation of

Mauryan Empire (from India Chapter)Mauryan Empire (from India Chapter)

► Complaining among TroopsComplaining among Troops► Turned around to go Home ….Turned around to go Home ….► 323 BCE – Alexander ill and died (32 years old)323 BCE – Alexander ill and died (32 years old)► Leaders began to fight for EmpireLeaders began to fight for Empire

► Raised a common problem of empire, rule, and power: Raised a common problem of empire, rule, and power: how to maintain empire after strong ruler’s deathhow to maintain empire after strong ruler’s death

Hellenistic KingdomsHellenistic Kingdoms► Parts of Alexander’s former empire – even after his Parts of Alexander’s former empire – even after his

death, “Greek” rule & Hellenism had a lasting effect death, “Greek” rule & Hellenism had a lasting effect on former empireon former empire

► Split into separate kingdoms:Split into separate kingdoms:

1. Macedonia – Antigonid Dynasty (most powerful)1. Macedonia – Antigonid Dynasty (most powerful)

2. Syria and East – Seleucids (largest)2. Syria and East – Seleucids (largest)

3. West and Asia Minor – Pergamum3. West and Asia Minor – Pergamum

4. Egypt – Ptolemy (wealthiest and most influential)4. Egypt – Ptolemy (wealthiest and most influential) good coast/harborgood coast/harbor 11stst lighthouse constructed (300-400 feet tall) lighthouse constructed (300-400 feet tall)

The World of the Hellenistic KingdomsThe World of the Hellenistic Kingdoms

Sketch of Lighthouse constructed at Egypt (Thiersch)

Greek Influence in Greek Influence in Mediterranean and Middle Mediterranean and Middle

EastEastEconomic/Social/TradeEconomic/Social/Trade► Commerce increased as new cities spring up along conquest Commerce increased as new cities spring up along conquest

routesroutes► Most important product – grainMost important product – grain► Women gained more independenceWomen gained more independence

CultureCulture► Promoted theatrePromoted theatre► Historical and biographical literatureHistorical and biographical literature► BuildingsBuildings► Statues/sculpturesStatues/sculptures

ScienceScience► Heliocentric view – sun as center of solar system, not Heliocentric view – sun as center of solar system, not

earthearth► Round earthRound earth► Archimedes – geometry, spheres, cylindersArchimedes – geometry, spheres, cylinders

PhilosophyPhilosophy► Athens remained center for philosophyAthens remained center for philosophy

EpicurusEpicurus► Self-interest as motivating forceSelf-interest as motivating force

Stoicism (How to find happiness)Stoicism (How to find happiness)► Live in harmony with will of godsLive in harmony with will of gods► Public service = goodPublic service = good