Classical Greece

Greek History Study Materials

Geography of Greece

Characterized by mountains, rocky soil (only 20% of land is arable), and difficult transportation and communication, leading to separate city-states.

Agriculture in Greece

Barley was grown as wheat was too difficult; olives were well-suited for cultivation.

Minoan Civilization

A civilization centered on the Island of Crete known for its undeciphered language Linear A, high status of women, and powerful seafaring trade.

Decline of Minoan Civilization

Possible end due to a volcanic explosion.

Mycenaean Civilization

Characterized by city-states with citadels, fortified palace centers, and a culture centered on war.

Trojan War

c. 1250 possible trade war against Troy that weakened the strength of kings at home.

The Dark Ages

c. 1110 - 750 B.C.E, marked by a decrease in food production, population, writing/art, and trade.

Homer

A blind poet who relayed the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, possibly composed by many authors.

Athenian Reformers

Introduced three social classes: Citizens, Free non-citizens (metics), and Slaves.

Draco

Became Archon in 621 B.C, established a harsh written law code that led to unrest among lower classes.

Linear A

An undeciphered language used by the Minoan civilization.

Linear B

An Indo-European based language used by the Mycenaean civilization, deciphered in 1950.

The Lion's Gate

The main entrance to the citadel at Mycenae.

Gold Mask of Agamemnon

Thought to be uncovered by archaeologist Schlieman, believed to be from the Mycenaean civilization.

Dorian Invasion

A factor contributing to the decline of the Mycenaean civilization.

Areopagus

The council of nobles in Athens that held power and chose chief officials called archons.

Ecclesia

The assembly of citizens in Athens, composed of all land-owning citizens.

Draconian Laws

Harsh laws established by Draco where death was the penalty for even minor crimes.

Olympic Games

Outdoor activities that were popular due to Greece's moderate climate.

Cultural Interaction

Influence from the Phoenicians, such as the development of the alphabet.

Minoan Art/Architecture

Notable for distinctive red columns and frescoes, such as the famous bull dancer fresco.

Mycenaean Trade

Influenced by Minoan culture, characterized by raiders, mercenaries, and traders.

Decline of Mycenaean Civilization

Caused by internal warfare, Dorian invasion, and the Trojan War.

Draco

Harsh ruler known for a strict code of laws.

Draconian

Describes something very cruel and severe, derived from Draco's name.

Solon

Made sole archon in 594 B.C to try to appease the poorer classes.

Debt Cancellation

Solon canceled out the debts of the poor and outlawed slavery for debt.

Pisistratus

Tyrant off and on from 560 - 527 B.C who exiled nobles and gave their lands to the poor.

Cleisthenes

Came to power in 510 B.C and divided citizens into ten tribes based on location.

Council of 500

Proposed laws to the Assembly and was made up of 50 members chosen randomly from ten tribes.

Athenian Democracy

Established a democratic court system where jurors were chosen by lot.

Democracy

Ruling power is in the hands of the people (the citizens).

Monarchy

Ruling power is in the hands of one person.

Oligarchy

Ruling power is in the hands of a few people.

Tyranny

Ruling power is in the hands of someone who seized power.

Etymology of Monarchy

Derived from 'monos' meaning one and 'arkein' meaning rule.

Etymology of Oligarchy

Derived from 'oligos' meaning few and 'arkein' meaning rule.

Etymology of Tyranny

Derived from 'tyrannos' meaning tyrant.

Etymology of Democracy

Derived from 'demos' meaning people and 'kratos' meaning power.

Assembly

A group of citizens in ancient Greece with little power.

Citizenship

Limited to wealthy individuals in ancient Greece.

Council of Nobles

Part of the aristocracy that made laws and appointed officials.

Direct Democracy

Rule by the people, established by Cleisthenes.

Juries

Composed of 201 - 1001 people chosen by lot to try all legal cases.

Assembly's Role

Became a true legislature with a greater say in important decisions.

Mycenaeans

Dorian invasion

Athens

replaced by oligarchy/aristocracy

Athens

replaced by tyranny

Athens

replaced by democracy

Poleis

City-states, each independent with their own sub-culture and form of governance

Athens

the primary basis of western civilization

Population of Athens

Growing population from 475 - 430 B.C from 140,000 to 250,000

Values and Lifestyle in Athens

Meaningful life: leave something behind, Intellectual Pursuits: wisdom, curiosity, Mind/Body perfection, Civic responsibility, Cultural superiority, Trade

Education for Wealthy Males in Athens

Begins at 5, ends dependent on wealth, Broader education for older boys includes logic, philosophy, ethics, public speaking, military school, Athletics each day

Education for Females in Athens

No formal schooling, domestic education by female household members

Women's Roles in Athens

Expected to take care of the home, Main purpose was to produce healthy children, Not allowed to play sports, Had no role in government

Freemen

All male citizens divided into classes: Aristocrats, Middle ranks, Thetes (lowest class)

Metics

Outsiders not allowed to own land but could run industries and businesses

Slaves

Lowest class with no rights, Some were given important roles in Athens, like policemen

Athenian Government

Emerges out of the Dark Ages as a monarchy, quickly changes to an oligarchy/aristocracy around 700 B.C, Tyrants take over, Lastly, democracy takes control

MOAT-D

Acronym to remember the order of Athenian government progression

Sparta

Population approximately 100,000, Allies: Peloponnesian League, Legacy: Military power

Early History of Sparta

725 B.C conquered Messina: conquered people became helots and their primary job was farming

Spartan Culture

Military culture focused on developing and fielding a strong army

Infanticide in Sparta

Male babies bathed in wine shortly after birth, deemed unfit by elders were left exposed to die

Lifestyle and Values in Sparta

Aim in life: to be fighting fit, Valued duty, strength, and discipline, Trained to dislike luxury

Education in Sparta

Begins at age 7, Boys: reading, writing, mostly athletics and military training, Girls: reading, writing, gymnastics, athletics, and survival

Women's Roles in Sparta

Educated, Allowed to participate in sports, Goal: to produce strong babies, Treated more as equals

Expectations and Rights of Women in Sparta

Own and control property, expected to defend the property and put down revolts, not rushed into marriage

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a small group of powerful individuals.

Spartiates

Military professionals in Spartan society.

Perioeci

Non-citizen freemen in Spartan society.

Helots

Peasant workers in Spartan society.

Military Service Start Age

Spartan men began military service at age 20.

Age of Full Rights

Non-citizen freemen exercised full rights and duties of citizens at age 30.

Age of Freedom from Military Service

Non-citizen freemen weren't free from military service until age 60.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Draco

A lawmaker known for his harsh laws.

Solon

A lawmaker known for his wise reforms.

Cleisthenes

A reformer credited with establishing democracy in Athens.

Council of 500

An assembly in Athens that debated issues.

Battle of Marathon

A battle in 490 B.C. where 6400 Persians died and 192 Athenians died.

Battle of Thermopylae

A battle in 480 B.C. where 300 Spartans fought against the Persians.

Battle of Salamis

A naval battle in 480 B.C. where the Athenians faked a retreat to defeat the Persians.

Battle of Plataea

A battle in 479 B.C. where the Greeks unified and defeated the Persians.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens.

Golden Age of Athens

A period of cultural and political achievement in Athens under Pericles.

Socratic Method

A form of teaching that involves asking questions rather than providing answers.

Plato's Academy

A school founded by Plato that focused on philosophical ideas.

Allegory of the Cave

A philosophical metaphor by Plato illustrating the difference between perception and reality.

Aristotle's Lyceum

A school founded by Aristotle that focused on natural sciences and logic.

Peloponnesian War

A conflict between Athens and Sparta that led to the end of Athens' Golden Age.

Causes of the Peloponnesian War

Resentment of Athenian power by other city-states and the formation of the Peloponnesian League.

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology was based on a polytheistic religion that was integral to the culture, politics, and art in ancient Greece.

Greek gods/goddesses

Greek gods/goddesses took on human qualities (explained natural phenomena and life events).

Greek religion

Greek religion reflected Greek ideas.

Morality in Greek religion

Morality was only remotely connected to religion.

Temples in Greek religion

Temples were a place for gods to visit, not a place of worship.

Afterlife beliefs

There was no real concern about life after death; Greeks believed that the afterlife was boring and that all souls (shades) went to Hades which was not a place of rewards or punishment.

Personal relationship with gods

Gods could be dealt with on a personal level and often visited humans in disguise.