Chapter 3Chapter 3

Civilization of the GreeksCivilization of the Greeks

Early GreeceEarly GreeceGeography played a major role in the development of Geography played a major role in the development of ancient Greeceancient Greece– Mountainous peninsula, roughly the size of LouisianaMountainous peninsula, roughly the size of Louisiana

– Small plains and river valleys surrounded by mountain ranges Small plains and river valleys surrounded by mountain ranges 8-10,000 ft high8-10,000 ft high

– Effectively isolated the Greeks from each other, allowing the Effectively isolated the Greeks from each other, allowing the city states to develop independently of each othercity states to develop independently of each other

– Caused city-states to become fiercely independent and highly Caused city-states to become fiercely independent and highly competitive with each othercompetitive with each other

Minoan CreteMinoan Crete

Earliest civilization in the Aegean region on the island of CreteEarliest civilization in the Aegean region on the island of Crete

Dating back to 2800 BC (Bronze Age)Dating back to 2800 BC (Bronze Age)

Discovered at turn of 20Discovered at turn of 20 thth cent by Arthur Evans, named it cent by Arthur Evans, named it Minoan after King MinosMinoan after King Minos

Minoans were not Greek, but had influence on Greek mainlandMinoans were not Greek, but had influence on Greek mainland

Minoan civilization reached its peak between 2000 and 1450 Minoan civilization reached its peak between 2000 and 1450 BCBC

The abrupt downfall of the civilization is debatedThe abrupt downfall of the civilization is debated– A tsunami destroyed much of the civilization after a volcanic eruptionA tsunami destroyed much of the civilization after a volcanic eruption– An invasion from the Greek mainland by the MycenaeansAn invasion from the Greek mainland by the Mycenaeans

The First Greek StateThe First Greek State

Mycenaean civilization flourished 1600-1100 BCMycenaean civilization flourished 1600-1100 BC

Mycenaeans were a warrior culture that prided itself on Mycenaeans were a warrior culture that prided itself on heroic deeds in battleheroic deeds in battle– Extensive commercial network, pottery found in Syria, Egypt, Italy & Extensive commercial network, pottery found in Syria, Egypt, Italy &

SicilySicily– Also believed to have conquered Crete and made it part of the Also believed to have conquered Crete and made it part of the

Mycenaean worldMycenaean world

The biggest question is – did the Mycenaeans, led by King The biggest question is – did the Mycenaeans, led by King Agamemnon, sack the city of Troy ~1250 BC?Agamemnon, sack the city of Troy ~1250 BC?– Many believe Homer’s Many believe Homer’s IliadIliad does have basis in fact does have basis in fact

The Greeks in a Dark Age (1100-750 BC)The Greeks in a Dark Age (1100-750 BC)After the fall of Mycenae , Greek pop. declined and food After the fall of Mycenae , Greek pop. declined and food production dropped offproduction dropped off

~850 BC – farming revived~850 BC – farming revived

Large # of Greeks leave the mainland & begin to colonizeLarge # of Greeks leave the mainland & begin to colonize– Dorians – Peloponnesus, Crete & RhodesDorians – Peloponnesus, Crete & Rhodes– Aeolians – Lesbos & part of coast of Asia MinorAeolians – Lesbos & part of coast of Asia Minor– Ionians – Asia MinorIonians – Asia Minor

Small revival of some tradeSmall revival of some trade

Iron replaces bronze in weapons & toolsIron replaces bronze in weapons & tools– Iron more affordableIron more affordable

– Better made tools helps w/ farmingBetter made tools helps w/ farming

~8~8thth cent BC – adopted the Phoenician alphabet cent BC – adopted the Phoenician alphabet– Made learning to read & write simplerMade learning to read & write simpler

Near the end of the Dark Age, the work of Homer appearsNear the end of the Dark Age, the work of Homer appears

Homer & Homeric GreeceHomer & Homeric GreeceIliad & Odyssey Iliad & Odyssey – first great pieces of literature in the – first great pieces of literature in the Western worldWestern world– Passed from generation to generation orally until early 8Passed from generation to generation orally until early 8thth

cent. BCcent. BC– No one knows who Homer really wasNo one knows who Homer really was

IliadIliad – warned against the dangers of wrath & hubris – warned against the dangers of wrath & hubris

OdysseyOdyssey – the importance of cunning & patience – the importance of cunning & patience– All Greek poems were intended to teach younger All Greek poems were intended to teach younger

generations which qualities to strive for and ones to avoidgenerations which qualities to strive for and ones to avoid

Heroes strive for excellence (arete)Heroes strive for excellence (arete)– Expected of both aristocratic men and womenExpected of both aristocratic men and women– Homer gave the Greeks a model of heroism, honor & Homer gave the Greeks a model of heroism, honor &

nobilitynobility

World of the Greek City States (750-500 BC)World of the Greek City States (750-500 BC)As the Greek civilization comes out of the Dark Age, two main As the Greek civilization comes out of the Dark Age, two main developments take placedevelopments take place– The evolution of the polis as the central institution in Greek lifeThe evolution of the polis as the central institution in Greek life– Full-fledged interest in colonization of the Mediterranean & Black Full-fledged interest in colonization of the Mediterranean & Black

SeasSeas

The PolisThe PolisThe polis developed during the Dark Age, but became the center The polis developed during the Dark Age, but became the center of Greek society in 8of Greek society in 8thth century BC century BC

the polis encompassed the town/city and the surrounding the polis encompassed the town/city and the surrounding countrysidecountryside– Served as the central point where citizens could assemble for Served as the central point where citizens could assemble for

political, social, & religious activitiespolitical, social, & religious activities– In may cases the meeting point was a hill (could be used as a refuge In may cases the meeting point was a hill (could be used as a refuge

if attacked, later become the religious center of the polis)if attacked, later become the religious center of the polis)

Varied in size from a few sq. miles to a few hundred, Attica held Varied in size from a few sq. miles to a few hundred, Attica held 12 poleis which eventually all became part of Athens12 poleis which eventually all became part of Athens

The HoplitesThe HoplitesIn the Dark Age, wars had been fought by aristocratic cavalry In the Dark Age, wars had been fought by aristocratic cavalry soldierssoldiers

By the end of the 8By the end of the 8thth cent BC, a new military order based on cent BC, a new military order based on the hoplitesthe hoplites– Wore bronze or leather helmets, breastplates & greavesWore bronze or leather helmets, breastplates & greaves– Carried a shield, short sword, & short spearCarried a shield, short sword, & short spear

Advanced into battle as a rectangular unit called a Advanced into battle as a rectangular unit called a phalanxphalanx (usually 20x8)(usually 20x8)– Very strong as long as they held rank, but very weak if formation Very strong as long as they held rank, but very weak if formation

brokebroke

Since the hoplite provided his own armor and weapons, Since the hoplite provided his own armor and weapons, wealthy aristocrats fought beside small-scale farmerswealthy aristocrats fought beside small-scale farmers– Minimized class conflicts, but allowed aristocrats to dominate societyMinimized class conflicts, but allowed aristocrats to dominate society– But if you could afford to be a hoplite, one might challenge aristocratic But if you could afford to be a hoplite, one might challenge aristocratic

controlcontrol

ColonizationColonizationBetween 750-550 BC, large numbers of Greeks left the Between 750-550 BC, large numbers of Greeks left the mainlandmainland– Growing poverty, overpopulation & developing trade all factors Growing poverty, overpopulation & developing trade all factors

leading to colonizationleading to colonization– Some were simply trading posts, some agricultural centers to Some were simply trading posts, some agricultural centers to

supplement the food supply of the mother polis (metropolis)supplement the food supply of the mother polis (metropolis)– As the colonies become established settlements, they become a As the colonies become established settlements, they become a

polis in their own right, independent of the metropolispolis in their own right, independent of the metropolis

Colonies established in southern Italy (Taranto, Naples, Colonies established in southern Italy (Taranto, Naples, Syracuse) France (Marseilles) Spain, North Africa, Persian Syracuse) France (Marseilles) Spain, North Africa, Persian Empire (Byzantium)Empire (Byzantium)

Effects of ColonizationEffects of Colonization

Contributed to the diffusion of Greek cultureContributed to the diffusion of Greek culture

Helped Greeks develop a sense of Greek identityHelped Greeks develop a sense of Greek identity

Increased trade and industryIncreased trade and industry

Sparta & AthensSparta & AthensSpartaSparta

Located in Laconia, originally 4 villages that joined into a Located in Laconia, originally 4 villages that joined into a polispolis– Citizens of these original towns were Citizens of these original towns were SpartiatesSpartiates, duty is to the polis, duty is to the polis– Perioikoi Perioikoi – free inhabitants of towns in the polis, but non-citizens– free inhabitants of towns in the polis, but non-citizens– HelotsHelots – state-owned slaves that came from Messenia, forced to – state-owned slaves that came from Messenia, forced to

farm the land and work as household servantsfarm the land and work as household servants

Sometime between 800-600 BC, Sparta underwent legal Sometime between 800-600 BC, Sparta underwent legal reform, attributed to Lycurgusreform, attributed to Lycurgus

Restructured Spartan government into an oligarchyRestructured Spartan government into an oligarchy– Dual KingshipDual Kingship – responsible for military affairs & leading armies – responsible for military affairs & leading armies– GerousiaGerousia – council of elders, 28 citizens, over 60, elected for life – council of elders, 28 citizens, over 60, elected for life– ApellaApella – assembly of male citizens, only voted on issues presented – assembly of male citizens, only voted on issues presented

by the gerousia and elected members of the by the gerousia and elected members of the gerousiagerousia and and ephorsephors– EphorsEphors – college of 5 male citizens, elected annually, convened the – college of 5 male citizens, elected annually, convened the

Gerousia, oversaw the education process & served as judges Gerousia, oversaw the education process & served as judges

Boys were taken into the care of the state at 7Boys were taken into the care of the state at 7– Trained for military service until age 20Trained for military service until age 20– Age 20-30 - allowed to marry but lived in the city barracks Age 20-30 - allowed to marry but lived in the city barracks – Age 30 – remained on active duty but could move home with familyAge 30 – remained on active duty but could move home with family– Age 60 – relieved of military duties (essentially become reserves)Age 60 – relieved of military duties (essentially become reserves)

To preserve their way of life, Sparta isolated itself from the rest of To preserve their way of life, Sparta isolated itself from the rest of the worldthe world– Foreigners discouraged from visitingForeigners discouraged from visiting– Travel by Spartans, except for military reasons, discouraged Travel by Spartans, except for military reasons, discouraged – Trade & commerce minimizedTrade & commerce minimized– Philosophy, literature, or any subject that might foster thoughts Philosophy, literature, or any subject that might foster thoughts

counter to the Spartan way discouraged as wellcounter to the Spartan way discouraged as well

AthensAthensBy 700 BC - Athens had established a unified polis on the Attican By 700 BC - Athens had established a unified polis on the Attican peninsulapeninsula

By 600 BC – in political turmoil as economic problems saw many By 600 BC – in political turmoil as economic problems saw many farmers sold into slavery after defaulting on debts to aristocratsfarmers sold into slavery after defaulting on debts to aristocrats

Solon is elected sole archon in 594 BC allowing him to make Solon is elected sole archon in 594 BC allowing him to make reformsreforms– Cancelled all current land debtsCancelled all current land debts– Outlawed new loans based with human collateralOutlawed new loans based with human collateral– Freed those in debt slaveryFreed those in debt slavery– Refused to redistribute the land away from aristocrats, failing to fix Refused to redistribute the land away from aristocrats, failing to fix

cause of basic economic problemscause of basic economic problems

He restructured the social strata of Athens by creating four social He restructured the social strata of Athens by creating four social classes based on wealth instead of birthclasses based on wealth instead of birth– The first three classes were allowed to be elected to specific officesThe first three classes were allowed to be elected to specific offices– The fourth class could not hold office but could voteThe fourth class could not hold office but could vote– Any citizen could bring charges against any magistrateAny citizen could bring charges against any magistrate– Govt officials now answerable to all citizensGovt officials now answerable to all citizens

After a period of tyranny, Cleisthenes took power and continued After a period of tyranny, Cleisthenes took power and continued to reform the governmentto reform the government

Gave more power to the people, laying foundation of democracyGave more power to the people, laying foundation of democracy– DemosDemos – people, – people, KratiaKratia - power - power

Classical GreeceClassical GreeceEra of Greek history from 500 BC (defeat of Persian invasion) to Era of Greek history from 500 BC (defeat of Persian invasion) to 338 BC (when Philip II subjugated Greece)338 BC (when Philip II subjugated Greece)

Historians believe that at least some of the Greeks saw the threat Historians believe that at least some of the Greeks saw the threat of the Persians as a contest between freedom & slaveryof the Persians as a contest between freedom & slavery

499 BC 499 BC – Ionian city-states under Persian control revolt – Ionian city-states under Persian control revolt – Athens sent 20 ships to aid the revolt, eventually burning SardisAthens sent 20 ships to aid the revolt, eventually burning Sardis– 494 BC – Miletus sacked by Persians & revolt suppressed494 BC – Miletus sacked by Persians & revolt suppressed

490 BC 490 BC – Darius sends his army across the Aegean as revenge – Darius sends his army across the Aegean as revenge for the Athenian interference & to expand his empire westwardfor the Athenian interference & to expand his empire westward– Captured Eretria, swept over Boeotia & south towards AthensCaptured Eretria, swept over Boeotia & south towards Athens– Athenian & Plataean hoplites met the lightly armored Persians on Athenian & Plataean hoplites met the lightly armored Persians on

the plains of Marathon, proved victorious & Persia would not attack the plains of Marathon, proved victorious & Persia would not attack again for 10 yrsagain for 10 yrs

After the 1After the 1stst Persian invasion, Themistocles of Athens persuades Persian invasion, Themistocles of Athens persuades the rest of the assembly to pursue the development of a navythe rest of the assembly to pursue the development of a navy– By 480 BC, Athens had produced about 200 shipsBy 480 BC, Athens had produced about 200 ships

Just as the Ionian revolt was insulting to the Persians, so was the Just as the Ionian revolt was insulting to the Persians, so was the defeat at Marathondefeat at Marathon

Revolt in Egypt and the death of Darius in 486 BC kept Persia from Revolt in Egypt and the death of Darius in 486 BC kept Persia from attacking againattacking again– Xerxes, son of Darius, wanted revenge and to expand his empireXerxes, son of Darius, wanted revenge and to expand his empire

480 BC - with a force of 150,000 to 200,000 troops, 700 naval 480 BC - with a force of 150,000 to 200,000 troops, 700 naval ships & hundreds of supply ships; the Persians crossed the ships & hundreds of supply ships; the Persians crossed the HellespontHellespont– Some city-states formed a defensive league under Sparta, some Some city-states formed a defensive league under Sparta, some

remained neutral and some even sided with Persiaremained neutral and some even sided with Persia

The defense plan involved a holding action at Thermopylae to give The defense plan involved a holding action at Thermopylae to give the Greek fleet a chance to fight at Artemisiumthe Greek fleet a chance to fight at Artemisium– Leonidas had 9,000 troops at Thermopylae, led by 300 SpartansLeonidas had 9,000 troops at Thermopylae, led by 300 Spartans– They held off the Persians for 2 days, until betrayed by a shepardThey held off the Persians for 2 days, until betrayed by a shepard– Themistocles threatened to withdraw the Athenean ships if an effort Themistocles threatened to withdraw the Athenean ships if an effort

wasn’t made to stop Persian advancewasn’t made to stop Persian advance– The Persian fleet was defeated at Salamis, Xerxes feared another The Persian fleet was defeated at Salamis, Xerxes feared another

revolt & returned to Asiarevolt & returned to Asia

Growth of an Athenian EmpireGrowth of an Athenian EmpireTo defend against further attacks from outsiders, Athens To defend against further attacks from outsiders, Athens formed a defensive organization called the Delian Leagueformed a defensive organization called the Delian League

The League ended the Persian threat and when some The League ended the Persian threat and when some states tried to withdraw, they were sacked by Athensstates tried to withdraw, they were sacked by Athens

Athenians favored this imperial policy while expanding Athenians favored this imperial policy while expanding democracy at homedemocracy at home

Under the rule of Pericles, Athens reached the height of its Under the rule of Pericles, Athens reached the height of its powerpower

While building an Aegean empire and citing fear of a While building an Aegean empire and citing fear of a Persian attack, Athens tightened its control over the Delian Persian attack, Athens tightened its control over the Delian LeagueLeague

454 BC 454 BC – Athens moved the treasury from Delos to Athens– Athens moved the treasury from Delos to Athens

The Athenian Empire was beginning to wear thin with the The Athenian Empire was beginning to wear thin with the rest of Greecerest of Greece

The Peloponnesian WarThe Peloponnesian WarIn In History of the Peloponnesian WarHistory of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides pointed out that , Thucydides pointed out that the long-term cause of the war was Sparta’s fear that Athens the long-term cause of the war was Sparta’s fear that Athens would challenge for control of the Peloponnesuswould challenge for control of the Peloponnesus– Short-term: Athens’ conflicts w/ allies of SpartaShort-term: Athens’ conflicts w/ allies of Sparta– Sparta sent an ultimatum to Athens; Athens disregarded b/c to back Sparta sent an ultimatum to Athens; Athens disregarded b/c to back

down was admit Sparta was the greatest power in Greecedown was admit Sparta was the greatest power in Greece

Fighting began in 431 BC and a peace was signed in 421 BCFighting began in 431 BC and a peace was signed in 421 BC

415 BC 415 BC – an Athenian general was removed from command & he – an Athenian general was removed from command & he fled to Sparta and informed them how to fight Athensfled to Sparta and informed them how to fight Athens– Alcibiades told the Spartans to seek aide from PersiaAlcibiades told the Spartans to seek aide from Persia

Also in 415 BC, Athens sent 5,000 troops to take SicilyAlso in 415 BC, Athens sent 5,000 troops to take Sicily– The entire army was eventually captured & killed or sold into slaveryThe entire army was eventually captured & killed or sold into slavery

Despite continuous setbacks, the Athenians continued to raise Despite continuous setbacks, the Athenians continued to raise armies & build more shipsarmies & build more ships

404 BC 404 BC – Athens surrenders, its walls are torn down, navy – Athens surrenders, its walls are torn down, navy disbanded & the Athenian empire was dissolved disbanded & the Athenian empire was dissolved

Culture of Classical GreeceCulture of Classical GreeceWriting HistoryWriting History

The systematic analysis of past events was a Greek creationThe systematic analysis of past events was a Greek creation– historiahistoria – Greek word for research or investigation – Greek word for research or investigation

Herodotus (484-425 BC) author of Herodotus (484-425 BC) author of The Persian WarsThe Persian Wars, , considered the “father of history”considered the “father of history”– Sometimes criticized for not being impartial & taking extensive Sometimes criticized for not being impartial & taking extensive

creative libertiescreative liberties

Thucydides (460-400 BC) by far a better historian than Thucydides (460-400 BC) by far a better historian than Herodotus, looked at cause & effect relationships and was Herodotus, looked at cause & effect relationships and was much more objective than his predescesormuch more objective than his predescesor

Greek DramaGreek Drama

Plays were used to educate and entertain; content generally Plays were used to educate and entertain; content generally based on legends & myths people already knewbased on legends & myths people already knew

AeschylusAeschylus (525 – 456 BC) (525 – 456 BC)considered father of Greek tragedyconsidered father of Greek tragedyworks show an awareness of human weakness & dangers of powerworks show an awareness of human weakness & dangers of powerretained belief that right would triumph in the endretained belief that right would triumph in the endcharacters in his plays had to suffer to learn from their mistakescharacters in his plays had to suffer to learn from their mistakesmost famous works: most famous works: OresteiaOresteia trilogy trilogy– (Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, Oresteia)(Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, Oresteia)

SophoclesSophocles (496 – 406 BC) (496 – 406 BC)most prosperous & successful of the 3 poetsmost prosperous & successful of the 3 poetsmuch less positive outlook on life than Aeschylusmuch less positive outlook on life than Aeschylusmany of his plays warn against too great a belief in self-reliancemany of his plays warn against too great a belief in self-reliancewrote over 120 plays, but only 7 have survivedwrote over 120 plays, but only 7 have survivedmost famous play: most famous play: Oedipus the KingOedipus the King

EuripidesEuripides (484 – 406 BC) (484 – 406 BC)expresses weariness & disillusionment of war-torn years at the end of expresses weariness & disillusionment of war-torn years at the end of 5th century BC5th century BCaccused of impiety because of how he portrayed the godsaccused of impiety because of how he portrayed the godsdeepest hatred reserved for war & its senseless miserydeepest hatred reserved for war & its senseless miseryexhibits sympathy for problems of women in societyexhibits sympathy for problems of women in societyunpopular in his own time, later became the most widely read of the 3 unpopular in his own time, later became the most widely read of the 3 playwrights playwrights

Philosophy in the Late PeriodPhilosophy in the Late Periodphilosopherphilosopher – meant “lover of wisdom” in ancient Greek – meant “lover of wisdom” in ancient Greek

Philosophers tried to explain the unseen & unexplained Philosophers tried to explain the unseen & unexplained aspects of the world around themaspects of the world around them

SocratesSocrates (469-399 BC)(469-399 BC)one of the most important figures in Greek history.one of the most important figures in Greek history.most philosophy of the Greeks and later cultures were most philosophy of the Greeks and later cultures were inspired by his teachings.inspired by his teachings.would travel around to Athens, asking difficult questions would travel around to Athens, asking difficult questions to point out faults in societyto point out faults in society– Teaching style referred to as the Teaching style referred to as the Socratic MethodSocratic Method

wrote nothing himself, all the information we have came wrote nothing himself, all the information we have came from the works of his student, Plato.from the works of his student, Plato.after the Peloponnesian War, Socrates’ enemies after the Peloponnesian War, Socrates’ enemies accused him of corrupting the youth of Athensaccused him of corrupting the youth of Athensput to death by administration of hemlock (a poisonous put to death by administration of hemlock (a poisonous plant, induces repertory failure)plant, induces repertory failure)

PlatoPlato (428-347 BC) (428-347 BC)most famous student of Socratesmost famous student of Socratesrecorded teachings of his mentor in recorded teachings of his mentor in The RepublicThe Republicafter Socrates died, Plato left Athens until 387 BCafter Socrates died, Plato left Athens until 387 BCupon returning, he founded the upon returning, he founded the AcademyAcademy (the 1st permanent (the 1st permanent educational institution in Western society)educational institution in Western society)most of his works deal w/ political theory & ideal societymost of his works deal w/ political theory & ideal society– His ideal society is presented in his His ideal society is presented in his Theory of FormsTheory of Forms

there is a higher dimension where a perfect form of anything there is a higher dimension where a perfect form of anything imaginable in this world existsimaginable in this world existsall real world (imperfect) forms pale in comparisonall real world (imperfect) forms pale in comparisonhis vision presented is too authoritarian for most tasteshis vision presented is too authoritarian for most tastes– philosophers were the only ones intelligent enough to rule in philosophers were the only ones intelligent enough to rule in

societysociety– calls for careful breeding of childrencalls for careful breeding of children– censorship of music & poetrycensorship of music & poetry– abolition of private propertyabolition of private property

Plato did not intend for this to be taken literally, but instead to Plato did not intend for this to be taken literally, but instead to challenge people to think seriously about how we should organize challenge people to think seriously about how we should organize our lives our lives

AristotleAristotle (384-322 BC) (384-322 BC)a student of Platoa student of Platoat first, continued to develop the ideas of his teacherat first, continued to develop the ideas of his teacherin 335 BC, he founded the in 335 BC, he founded the LyceumLyceum, a school in competition w/ , a school in competition w/ Plato’s Plato’s AcademyAcademy– he introduced a rival philosophy to Plato’s ideashe introduced a rival philosophy to Plato’s ideas– was hired as a tutor for a young Alexander the Greatwas hired as a tutor for a young Alexander the Great

his greatest work is his greatest work is MetaphysicsMetaphysicsMetaphysicsMetaphysics deals w/ his chief dispute with Plato – the basic deals w/ his chief dispute with Plato – the basic ideas in ideas in Theory of FormsTheory of Forms– Aristotle believed that perfect forms existed in our worldAristotle believed that perfect forms existed in our world

Other works by AristotleOther works by AristotleRhetoricRhetoric – describes ideal model of oratory (public speaking) – describes ideal model of oratory (public speaking)PoeticsPoetics – does the same for poetry & defines tragedy – does the same for poetry & defines tragedyHis works were later uses by Cicero (a Roman statesman)His works were later uses by Cicero (a Roman statesman)St. Thomas Aquinas’ synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy & St. Thomas Aquinas’ synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy & Christian theology is still the official philosophical position of Christian theology is still the official philosophical position of the Roman Catholic Church.the Roman Catholic Church.