CLASSICAL GREECE LECTURE NOTES

LOCK IN

What is Basileus?

The King/monarchs who ruled city-states. During Mycenaean times, they were village chieftains. By ancient Greece's apex, they were considered royal (monarchy, or rule of one) but were eventually subordinated by Greek aristocracy.

What is Aristocracy?

It translates to the 'rule of the best,' referring to a government ruled by the best citizens with best intentions for the polis (city-state).

What is Oligarchy?

It translates to the 'rule of the few.' A government run by a handful of people; it wasn't necessarily bad, but the group was always exclusive. Greek society evolved to rule by oligarchy over monarchs.

What is Tyranny (Ancient Greece)?

It is rule seized by an individual usually through overthrow. The term did not necessarily mean something bad in ancient Greece; tyrants were self-made monarchs whose supporters were usually previously politically marginalized peoples.

What is Democracy (Ancient Greece)?

In ancient Greece, it was often referred to as 'Rule by mob' and could also include the 'tyranny of the majority.' It did not always mean positive things, unlike modern interpretations.

What is Polity?

It represents the 'rule of many;' it could also be known as a republic form of government.

What was the evolution of Greek government?

Greek government evolved in the following way: kingship > oligarchy > tyranny > democracy. Kingship gave way to oligarchy (usually by powerful clans), oligarchy gave way to tyranny (tyrants usually from outside the oligarchy who overthrew it by revolution), and tyranny gave way to democracy (a more inclusive form of government).

What were the Greek Social Classes?

Greek society was divided into:

1. Citizens (Male, Owning Land, Native Born, 18-20 you became a citizen).

2. Residents (Free persons protected by local laws, but could not vote or hold office).

3. Underclass (Slaves, often people in debt or prisoners of war, with no racial/ethnic component to slavery in ancient Greece).

What were Arkhons?

They were 'Governors' in Athens who served one-year terms.

What was the Boule in Athens?

One of two Athenian councils, it wielded the most power. It was later expanded by Kleisthenes to 500 members, comprising 50 members from each of 10 tribes.

What was the Areopagos?

The other Athenian council, comprised of former Arkhons and the elite members of society. It eventually evolved into a role similar to the Supreme Court.

What was the Assembly in Athens?

It consisted of all citizens eligible to vote (thus excluding women). In Athens, the assembly had collective power and could vote on policies and propose policies.

Who was Draco?

During the infancy of the Athenian legal system, Draco composed the city's first written law code. Its aim was to reduce arbitrary decisions of punishment and blood feuds, though it ultimately aided and legitimized the political power of the aristocracy. Famously harsh, his laws were ultimately replaced by Solon in 594 BCE.

Who was Solon?

A modestly wealthy Athenian trader (630 to 560 BC) given a 'free hand' to make reforms to Draco's code in 594 BCE. His reforms included a one-time elimination of individual debts and freeing those enslaved for unpaid debts (Seisakhtheia). Solon divided the populace into 4 tribes or classes based on wealth, suggesting social mobility. He is considered to have laid the groundwork for the development of Athenian democracy.

What was Seisakhtheia?

A key reform by Solon that involved a one-time elimination of individual debts and the freeing of those enslaved for unpaid debts.

Who was Kleisthenes?

An aristocrat & reformer (570 BC to 508 BC) who sided with common people. He created a new Constitution with criteria including: 10 new tribes (representing all classes), all adult males becoming Assembly members, the introduction of ostracyism, and equality of laws & freedom of speech. He also expanded the Boule to 500 members.

What was Ostracism?

Introduced by Kleisthenes, it was a practice employed to get rid of potential tyrants and prevent one individual from gaining too much power. Citizens cast votes via pottery shards; if a person got enough votes, they would be expelled for 10 years.

What were the basic principles of Athenian Democracy instituted by Kleisthenes?

The government form instituted by Kleisthenes had two important basic principles:

1. No professional bureaucrats (nobody served on council more than twice).

2. Each citizen could hold office (referring to eligible males).

What is a Polis?

Literally 'city,' but in the Classical Greek context, the polis is a city-state. It was the core of the Classical Greece political system, operating as an independent state to which a citizen owed allegiance and identity.

What is Synoikism?

Loosely meaning 'to dwell together,' synoikism is the process by which smaller villages come together to form a large city or federation, politically fusing several poleis together.

What was the Acropolis?

An important structure found in most poleis, it was an inner fortress usually containing the treasury and located on a fortified hill.

What was the Agora?

The center of public and economic activity in a polis, where people came to trade, attend religious ceremonies, vote, etc.

Who were the Hoplites?

Heavily armored fighters. They were typically middle-class farmers who had a vested interest in protecting the city-state. Hoplites became the backbone for the later Greek military and fought together in a formation called a phalanx.

What was a Phalanx?

A closed linear formation method for war consisting of a large body of closely packed hoplites with long spears extending outward. Groups of hoplites stood in close quarters with overlapping shields, forming an armored wall of soldiers. It was a major military development requiring discipline, but difficult on uneven terrain.

How was Athenian education structured?

Boys ages 7 to 18 were educated in private schools. Girls were not educated, exemplifying the role of women in Greek society, whose place was mainly in the home or entertainment.

Who was Lykourgos?

He is credited with setting up the Spartan form of government, including Rhetra, the militarized form of Spartan citizenship. He developed a warrior class to contain the helots, who outnumbered Spartans 10 to 1. He created the Spartan constitution, whose laws were not written down as discipline was believed to maintain order.

What was Rhetra?

The general system/lifestyle of the Spartans, defined by upholding the codes of their militaristic society. Strict adherence to the Rhetra allowed Sparta to become a powerful, dominant city-state.

What was Agoge?

The Spartan training system starting at age 7. Male Spartan children were taught hunting and military skills. Food was rationed, so boys were expected to steal but not get caught. At age 20, they were accepted into the army (or rejected).

What was the role and status of Spartan women?

Spartan women enjoyed more freedom than most other ancient Greek women, but this freedom was relative to their role in encouraging the Spartan military system. They were encouraged to remain physically fit to bear fit children (future warriors) and had the right to inherit property. They also helped indoctrinate their children and husbands.

What was the structure of Spartan government?

Sparta was essentially an oligarchy with: - Two Kings: hereditary, with ceremonial, military, and religious power. - Ephors: More powerful than kings, they were the administrators of the city. - Gerousia: An advisory council of 28 elders. - Assembly: All eligible male citizens, who could vote on policies but cannot propose policies.

Who were Spartiates (Homoioi)?

They were the full Spartan citizens.

Who were Perioikoi?

They were the residents of Sparta, literally 'the dwellers around,' who were free persons but not full citizens.

Who were Helots?

The slaves of Sparta, similar to serfs. They were legally tied to a piece of land they worked for someone else and outnumbered Spartans 10 to 1.

What was the Ionian Revolt?

A rebellion in 499 BC by some Greek city-states in Asia Minor, led by the city of Miletus, against Persian rule. Athens and Eretria offered support, incurring the wrath of Persian leader Darius I.

Who was Darius I?

The Persian leader who, after the Ionian Revolt, decided to punish Greece for aiding the rebels, leading to the first and second Persian Invasions.

What was the Battle of Marathon?

In 490 BC, an estimated 60,000 Persians fought 10,000 Greeks led by general Miltiades. The Greeks used the 'Phalanx' battle formation and killed 6,000 Persians while suffering only 200 casualties. Outnumbered Athenians won without Spartan help, claiming their superiority within Greece.

Who was Miltiades?

The Greek general who led the Athenian forces to victory against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.

Who was Xerxes?

Darius I’s son, he launched a huge force (estimated at 1 million people) from land and sea in the Third Persian Invasion (480-479 BC) to avenge his father and defeat Greece. His army crossed the Hellespont by creating a 'pontoon bridge.'

What was the Battle of Thermopylai?

A small Greek army (300 Spartans and 1,000 other Greeks) led by the Spartan Leonidas I gathered to fight Xerxes at Thermopylai during the Third Persian Invasion. They initially held off the Persians, but a traitor showed the Persians a way around, leading to a Persian victory.

Who was Leonidas I?

The Spartan king who led the small Greek force, including 300 Spartans, at the heroic Battle of Thermopylai against Xerxes' vast Persian army.

What was the Battle of Salamis?

In 480 BC, after the Persians burned Athens, the Greek navy (300 ships) led by Themistokles lured the 1,200 Persian ships to the Strait of Salamis and used tides to attack, destroying most of the Persian fleet.

Who was Themistokles?

The Greek's naval leader who destroyed most of the Persian fleet at the Strait of Salamis. He later led the Delian League but was eventually ostracized and fled to Persia.

What was the Battle of Plataiai?

The remaining Persians were defeated by the Greeks (Sparta, Athens, Corinth, and others) at Plataiai. Spartans were led by general Pausanias against Xerxes' son-in-law Mardonius. Mardonius was killed, and the Persians were defeated.

What were the results of the Persian Wars? (3)

1. Athens becomes the most powerful city-state.

2. Athens organized the Delian League.

3. Dominated alliance slowly turned into the Athenian Empire.

What was the Delian League?

The Greek naval alliance formed in 478 BC, led by Athens. The treasury was initially in Delos but moved to Athens in 450 BC, giving Athens symbolic control. It eventually turned into the Athenian Empire, with Athens using tribute money for its own splendor.

What was the Battle of Eurymedon?

A land and sea battle in Asia Minor in 469 or 466 BC where the Delian League definitively defeated the next Persian naval invasion.

Who was Cimon?

An Athenian leader who expanded trade with the introduction of the drachma and used the Athenian navy to intimidate and control league members. He lost power and was exiled for 10 years when he tried to ally with Sparta.

What was the Drachma?

A silver coin currency whose introduction by Cimon expanded trade in Athens during its golden age.

What was the Peloponnesian League?

An alliance formed by Sparta consisting of Corinth and city-states on the Peloponneseus. This league encouraged oligarchy and rivaled the Athenian-led Delian League.

What were Triremes?

Very fast and maneuverable Greek naval ships. They used wind and human power (three humans operated each oar) and their main weapon was a battering ram in the front, used to sink other ships.

Who were Demagogues?

Those who 'lead the mob.' They created new ways for the participation of less-elite citizens in government, contributing to the increasing democratization of Athens.

Who was Perikles, and what was the Age of Perikles?

Perikles was the leader of Athens at the start of the Peloponnesian War and led Athens through its 'Golden Age' (460 BC-429 BC). Under him, the Athenian economy thrived, and direct democracy was introduced. He started the practice of kleroukhies and gave the famous Funeral Oration.

What were Kleroukhies (Cleruchies)?

They were military and economic outposts of Athens placed in the land of their allies, a practice started by Perikles, which generally alienated many Athenian allies.

What was Direct Democracy in Athens?

A form of government introduced by Perikles where all citizens directly took part in government and decision-making.

What was the Funeral Oration?

A famous speech given by Perikles and recorded by Thucydides, it is considered one of the earliest and greatest expressions of democratic ideals.

What were the Long Walls?

Walls built to connect Athens to the coastal city of Pireaus. They were vital for Athens to receive food and supplies during sieges, such as during the Peloponnesian War.

What were the Peloponnesian Wars?

A series of conflicts from 431-404 BC between the Spartan-led Peloponnesian League and the Athenian-led Delian League. It was a Greek against Greek war that lasted for 27 years due to the incompatibility of Athenian naval power and Spartan land power.

Who was Archidamus II?

The Spartan king who, in 431 & 430 BC, invaded Attica and destroyed large areas around Athens, forcing Athenians to retreat behind the Long Walls.

What was the Plague of Athens?

A devastating plague that broke out in 429 BC when Athenians were confined behind the Long Walls during a Spartan invasion. It killed 1/3 of the population, including Perikles.

Who was Cleon?

An Athenian leader who, after Perikles' death, wanted to continue with the Peloponnesian War.

Who was Nicias?

An Athenian leader who, after Perikles' death, wanted to sue for peace. The Peace of Nicias (421 BC) was named after him.

What was the Peace of Nicias?

A peace treaty established in 421 BC between Athens and Sparta. It was supposed to last for 50 years but only held for 3 years due to unkept promises and allied refusal.

Who was Alcibiades?

The nephew of Perikles, he convinced Athenians to undertake the disastrous invasion of Syracuse. Later, exiled, he moved to Sparta and advised them to build a permanent fort in Attica. He then offered to negotiate a treaty with Persia.

What was the Sicilian Expedition?

A major Athenian invasion of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily, in 415 BC. It became a complete disaster, with the entire Athenian expedition wiped out and not one Athenian soldier returning home.

Who was Lysander?

A new and capable Spartan commander who convinced the Persians to fulfill their promise to buy ships for the Spartans. He later won the decisive Battle of Aegospotami against Athens.

What was the Battle of Arginusae?

A naval victory for Athens in 406 BC. However, a freak storm prevented Athenian admirals from picking up survivors, violating tradition. The admirals were condemned and executed, removing the last of Athens' experienced leaders and marking a major turning point.

What was the Battle of Aegospotami?

In 405 BC, Spartan admiral Lysander wins this battle, destroying the Athenian fleet. This effectively ended the Peloponnesian War, as Sparta then attacked Athens with three armies, forcing its surrender.

What were the 30 Tyrants?

An oligarchy forced upon Athens by Sparta after its surrender in the Peloponnesian War. Sparta seized power in Greece, but Athens eventually recovered after a civil war and restored democracy.

What were the results of the Peloponnesian War? (4)

1. Greece became a multi-polar system. 2. Democracy survives in Athens. 3. Sparta declines because its social structure was not fit for the outside world. 4. The real winner was PERSIA, gaining many Greek cities in the east.

What was the Battle of Leuctra?

Fought in 371 BC, where Thebes, under the general Epameinondas, defeated the Spartans. The Spartan army could only field 700 full Spartan citizens, breaking the mystique of the Spartan warrior. Thebes seized hegemonic control of Greece after this battle.

Who was Epameinondas?

The Theban general who led Thebes to victory over Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC.

What was the Sacred Band of Thebes?

This was the famous elite military unit of Thebes that played a crucial role in their victory at the Battle of Leuctra.

What are Triremes and who wanted to build it the most?

Triremes are Greek naval ships that were very fast and maneuverable, that were powered by wind and man power. The first leader of the Persian league, Themistokles wanted to build them the most.

What 6 things led to the turning point of the Peloponnese Wars?

1. Death of Pericles

2. Failed Sicilian Expedition

3. Defection of Alcibiades

4. Persian alliance with Sparta

5. Defeat at Arginusae

6. Defeat at Aegospotami

Describe the turning point of Death of Pericles.

Created a power vacuum

Describe the turning point of Failed Sicilian Expedition.

They lost so many ships and people that they could not afford to lose. Two whole fleets and armies. They went to the city state Syracuse. Nobody returned

Describe the turning point of Defection of Alcibiades.

Alcibiades is exiled and moves to Sparta and gives them the advice to build a permanent fort in Attica. This forces the Athenians to live behind the Long Walls year round and cuts them off from their silver supply with which they buy food. From here on out the Athenians are going to struggle.

Describe the turning point of Persian alliance with Sparta

Sparta needed ships so they made an alliance with Persia for ships.

Describe the turning point of Defeat at Arginusae.

Even though Athens won, the experience generals were all executed or put in jail resulting in less experience generals coming in.

Describe the turning point of Defeat at Aegospotami

The power of the Athenian army is broken. The Athenians no longer have enough ships to break the barricade that the Spartans made outside of Piraeus. Since they cannot get in or out, it is just a time game for them to lose. They lost access to their food and silver supply in Attica and could not escape.

What 4 things were in Kleisthenes Constitution:

1. 10 new tribes representing all classes.

2. All adult male citizens became Assembly members.

3. Introduced ostracism; removed discredited leaders.

4. Equality of laws & freedom of speech.