🏛️ Ancient Greece (Unit 1)

Geography and Development

significantly shaped its development. Its mountainous terrain and numerous islands led to the formation of independent city-states rather than a unified empire. The long coastline and natural harbors encouraged maritime trade and seafaring, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.

Organization of City-States

organized around the polis, which was a central urban area and its surrounding territory. Each polis was an independent political unit with its own government, laws, and customs. The polis served as the social, political, and religious center of Greek life.

Athens vs. Sparta

represented two contrasting models of Greek city-states.

• One was known for its democracy, emphasis on arts, philosophy, and intellectual pursuits. Athenian citizens participated directly in government, and education focused on developing well-rounded individuals.

• One was characterized by its oligarchy and a strong military culture. Life revolved around military training and discipline, with the state prioritizing strength and loyalty above all else.

Athens vs. Sparta One was characterized by its oligarchy and a strong military culture. Life revolved around military training and discipline, with the state prioritizing strength and loyalty above all else.

Sparta

Athens vs. Sparta One was known for its democracy, emphasis on arts, philosophy, and intellectual pursuits. Athenian citizens participated directly in government, and education focused on developing well-rounded individuals.

Athens

The Persian Wars

were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire.

• Causes: expansion into Ionia, which was inhabited by Greeks, and Athenian support for Ionian revolts.

• Important Battles:
  Battle of Marathon (490 BCE): Athenian victory against a larger Persian force.

• Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE): A small Greek force, led by 300 Spartans, bravely held off the Persians at a narrow pass.

• Battle of Salamis (480 BCE): Decisive Greek naval victory.

Effects: Greek victory preserved their independence, fostered a sense of Greek identity, and led to the rise of Athens as a dominant power.

The Golden Age of Athens

The expansion of Athenian democracy by Pericles marked a significant turning point in history. Under Pericles'leadership, Athens experienced it, a period of immense cultural, artistic, and political flourishing.

• Drama: Emergence of Greek tragedy (e.g., Sophocles, Euripides) and comedy (e.g., Aristophanes), often performed in large outdoor theaters.

• Architecture: Construction of magnificent buildings, most notably the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, showcasing advanced architectural techniques and sculptural artistry.

• Pericles: A prominent statesman who championed democracy, funded public works, and promoted the arts and sciences.

Art and Literature

The classical period in Greece produced groundbreaking art and literature.

• Homer: Author of the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, which recounted heroic tales and shaped Greek identity.

• Herodotus & Thucydides: Pioneering historians. Herodotus is considered the "Father of History" for his account of the Persian Wars, while Thucydides wrote a more analytical and objective history of the Peloponnesian War.

Philosophical Ideas Plato

• A student of Socrates, his writings & beliefs explored ideal forms, justice, and the concept of a philosopher-king, famously detailed in The Republic.

Philosophical ideas Aristotle

• Plato's student, his writings, beliefs and achievements covered a vast array of subjects including logic, ethics, politics, biology, and physics. He emphasized empirical observation and logical reasoning.

 Hellenistic Culture

The conquests of Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) led to the spread of Greek culture across a vast empire, resulting in the emergence of Hellenistic culture. This was a blend of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian influences, characterized by cosmopolitanism, advancements in science and mathematics, and new artistic styles. Its significance lies in its role as a bridge between ancient Greek civilization and later Roman and Western cultures.