Classical Greece

Geography of Ancient Greece

A mountainous peninsula with about 2,000 islands influencing traditions and customs.

Effect of Mountainous Terrain

Divided the land into separate regions, leading to small, independent communities.

Sea Travel and Trade

Connected Greece with other societies, facilitating the exchange of ideas and technology.

Lack of Natural Resources

Led to the development of skilled sailors, traders, and the establishment of colonies.

Climate of Greece

Varied climate supporting outdoor life, with average temperatures of 48°F in winter and 80°F in summer.

Mycenaean Civilization

A large, powerful civilization in ancient Greece with the leading city being Mycenae.

Trojan War

A 10-year conflict sparked by the kidnapping of Helen by a Trojan prince.

Dorian Period

A period following the Trojan War marked by a temporary loss of writing, known as Greece's 'dark age.'

Epics of Homer

Epic poems like the Iliad and the Odyssey, significant to Greeks during the Dorian period.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece.

Acropolis

A fortified area or citadel in ancient Greece.

Monarchy

A system of government ruled by a single king.

Aristocracy

A government ruled by a small group of noble families.

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a few powerful individuals.

Tyrant

A ruler who seizes control of the government by appealing to the common people.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is held by the people.

Women's Sports in Ancient Greece

The Hera Festival, a sports festival for unmarried women including foot races.

Olympic Games

Ancient games held every 4 years in honor of Zeus, starting in 776 BC.

Battle of Marathon

490 BC battle where 10,000 Athenians defeated a much larger Persian army.

Pericles

A prominent Athenian statesman known for strengthening democracy and glorifying Athens.

Hellenistic Culture

A blend of Greek and other influences that flourished after the death of Alexander the Great.

Stoicism

A philosophy emphasizing living in accordance with nature and virtue.

Epicureanism

A philosophy focusing on living modestly and avoiding pain and distress.

The Parthenon

An example of Greek architectural ideals built between 447 and 432 BC.

Socratic Method

A question-and-answer approach to teaching developed by Socrates.

Alexander the Great

King of Macedon who conquered Persia and Egypt and extended his empire to the Indus River.