Ancient Greece Notes

What characterized the Minoans and their influence on Greek culture?

Minoans were powerful sea traders from Crete whose writing, language, art, and legends significantly influenced Greek religion, politics, and literature.

Where was Sparta located, and how was it founded?

Sparta was located on the Peloponnesian Peninsula and was founded by conquering Messinia in 725 BCE.

What was the primary focus of Spartan education?

Spartan education emphasized warrior supremacy, with boys being taken at age 7 to be trained as soldiers.

Describe the government structure of Sparta.

Sparta was governed by an oligarchy, with an assembly of citizens 30 and older, a council of elders, five elected ephors, and two kings.

What social changes existed for women in Sparta?

Spartan women had more property, marriage, and business freedoms, as they lived without men until the age of 30.

How did democracy develop in Athens?

Democracy in Athens was established by Cleisthenes, creating an assembly where all free male citizens could debate and pass laws.

What were the main causes of the Persian Wars?

Ionia, a Greek settlement under Persian control, revolted with Athenian support, leading to King Darius's vow to crush Greece.

What was the outcome of the Battle at Marathon?

The Athenians won the Battle at Marathon against the Persians, but their city was destroyed.

What were the key strategies used by the Greeks in the Battle at Salamis?

Greeks used battering rams to sink Persian ships and relied on their maneuverable warships called triremes.

What cultural achievements are associated with Pericles during Greece's Golden Age?

Pericles led Athens to the Golden Age by strengthening democracy, expanding the Athenian Empire, and beautifying the city using Delian League funds.

What are the distinctive features of classical Greek art?

Classical Greek art emphasized order, balance, and proportion, with calm faces and idealized forms.

Who was Socrates and what method did he develop?

Socrates was a philosopher who developed the Socratic Method, emphasizing questioning and reasoning.

What contributions did Plato make to philosophy?

Plato, a student of Socrates, wrote 'The Republic' and founded the Academy, the first institution of higher learning.

What was the significance of the Parthenon?

The Parthenon was rebuilt during the Golden Age to honor Athena and set standards for future architecture.

What led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?

Athens' growing strength and dominance created tensions with Sparta, leading to war after Athens provoked one of Sparta's allies.

Describe the army of Macedonia.

The Macedonian army was well-trained, using phalanxes and long pikes to break enemy lines.

Who was Alexander the Great, and what was his impact on the territories he conquered?

Alexander the Great, son of Philip II, unified Greece, became king of Egypt, defeated Persia, and spread Hellenistic culture.

What were the outcomes of Alexander's conquests?

Alexander's conquests resulted in the blending of cultures, creating a Hellenistic civilization with Alexandria as its center of commerce and scholarship.