Everything from Greece Notes

Where was the Persian Empire located?

The Persian Empire was based in what is today the country of Iran.

What is another name for the Persian Empire?

The Achaemenid Empire.

Who founded the Persian Empire?

Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire in 550 BCE.

What significant action did Cyrus the Great take regarding the Jewish people?

He defeated Babylon and freed the Jewish people held in captivity.

How did Cyrus the Great govern the territories he conquered?

He was tolerant and respected local cultures, allowing them to keep their own governments and religions.

Who succeeded Cyrus the Great as king of Persia?

Cambyses II ruled briefly from 530-522 BCE.

Which Persian king expanded the empire significantly?

Darius I expanded the empire from 522-486 BCE.

What system did Darius I implement to manage the vast Persian Empire?

He divided Persia into provinces called satrapies, each ruled by governors known as Satraps.

What was the Royal Road in the Persian Empire?

A road created by Darius I to facilitate communication and trade across the empire.

What is Zoroastrianism?

The main religion of the Persian Empire, founded by the prophet Zoroaster, emphasizing a single all-powerful God.

What are the key beliefs of Zoroastrianism?

Belief in a battle between good (Ahuramazda) and evil, free will, and a final judgment.

Where was the Minoan civilization located?

The Minoan civilization was located on the island of Crete.

What characterized the Minoan civilization?

It was a trade empire in the Aegean Sea and a pre-Greek civilization from 2000-1200 BCE.

What happened to the Minoans around 1200 BCE?

Their civilization collapsed, possibly due to natural disasters or internal conflict.

What does the term Mycenaean refer to?

It refers to the art and culture of Greece from ca. 1600 to 1100 BCE, centered around the site of Mycenae.

Who is considered one of the greatest writers in ancient history?

Homer, a Greek poet known for works like The Iliad and The Odyssey.

What is the main theme of The Iliad?

The story of the 10-year Greek war against the Trojans.

What is the significance of the Trojan War?

It was fought between the Greeks and the city-state of Troy, sparked by the abduction of Helen.

What geographical features influenced Greek civilization?

Greece's mountainous terrain led to the development of independent city-states.

What were the two main city-states of ancient Greece?

Athens and Sparta.

How did Athens and Sparta differ in governance?

Athens focused on democracy and education, while Sparta was an oligarchy focused on military training.

What was the impact of Greek colonization?

It spread Greek culture (Hellenic) across the Mediterranean and shifted from a barter system to a monetary economy.

What is the significance of the term 'Western Civilization'?

It refers to the history, culture, art, philosophy, ethics, and government that originated from Classical Greece.

What role did Greek mythology play in ancient Greek culture?

It explained natural phenomena and human qualities through stories of gods and goddesses with human-like emotions.

Who was Zeus in Greek mythology?

The King of the Gods and ruler of Mt. Olympus.

What was the role of Hera in Greek mythology?

She was the wife of Zeus and the Goddess of Marriage, Families, and Children.

What is the significance of the Aegean Sea in relation to Greece?

It is located to the east of Greece and is home to many Greek islands, facilitating trade and travel.

What was the primary economic activity of the ancient Greeks?

They primarily grew olives and grapes due to limited arable land.

What was the cultural impact of the Mycenaeans on later Greek civilization?

They influenced future Classical Greek culture, though their decline led to a period of darkness in Greek history.

What is Western Civilization?

The history, culture, art, philosophy, ethics, and government of Europe.

What are the three types of columns in Greek architecture?

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Define Monarchy.

A form of government ruled by a king or queen who inherits the position.

What is Aristocracy?

A form of government where power is held by a small, privileged ruling class, usually landowning wealthy.

What is Oligarchy?

A form of government where power rests with a small number of people, often corrupt and self-serving.

Define Tyranny.

An autocratic government where leaders are cruel and oppressive.

What is Democracy?

A form of government in which citizens exercise direct power through voting.

What is Direct Democracy?

A system where citizens vote directly on issues.

What is Representative Democracy?

A system where citizens elect representatives to vote on issues.

Define Constitutional Democracy.

A democracy where majority power is exercised within a framework that protects minority rights.

What geographical advantage did Athens have?

Easy access to the Aegean Sea, allowing for a powerful navy.

What was the role of hoplites in Athenian military?

Soldiers armed with spears and shields who fought in a phalanx formation.

What economic resource did the Mines of Laurion provide for Athens?

Silver, lead, and copper.

Who was the patron goddess of Athens?

Athena.

What was the Parthenon?

A temple constructed to honor Athena, located on the acropolis of Athens.

Who were the three tyrants that helped establish democracy in Athens?

Draco, Solon, and Cleisthenes.

What was Draco known for?

Creating the first law code for Athens, which was very harsh.

What reforms did Solon implement?

Loosened Draco's laws, eliminated debt, and ended debt slavery.

What is Cleisthenes known as?

The 'Father of Democracy in Athens' for his reforms promoting equality.

What were the requirements to be a citizen in Athenian democracy?

Adult, male, free, born in Athens, and father was a citizen.

What was the agora in Athens?

An open-air space used for meetings, socializing, and as a marketplace.

What was the focus of Spartan society?

Military training and strict social structure.

What was the agoge in Sparta?

A rigorous training program for boys starting at age 7.

What was the role of helots in Spartan society?

Conquered people enslaved by Sparta, often mistreated.

Who is considered the 'Father of History'?

Herodotus, for documenting history through research.

What characterized the Golden Age of Athens?

Increased political organization, cultural development, and economic growth.

What did Pericles do for Athenian democracy?

Extended democracy to all free male citizens, regardless of land ownership.

What was the Delian League?

An alliance of city-states formed to protect Greece from Persian reinvasion.