Chapter 5 Early Empires and Greek Civilizations

Early Empires

  • Emergence of empires from city-states.

  • Sargon of Akkad founded the first empire around 2300 B.C.E.

Waves of Invaders

  • Amenhotep expanded Babylonian rule (1900 B.C.E.) with Hammurabi's code.

  • Hittites conquered Babylon (optimal chariot use).

Assyrians

  • Controlled conquered lands through terror tactics.

  • Significant achievement: Library of Ashurbanipal

Egyptian Empire

  • Unified state with three main kingdoms: Old, Middle, New.

  • Notable figures: Ramses II, Hatshepsut.

Persian Empire

  • Cyrus II (558-529 B.C.E.) founded and expanded the empire.

  • Different leadership styles: hegemonic under Cyrus II and Darius I; dictatorial under Cambyses II.

Greek City-States

  • Characterized by small, politically independent units - significant cultural achievements.

  • Notable philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.

War with Persia

  • Darius I's campaign against Athens culminated in the Battle of Marathon (490 B.C.E.).

Athenian Civilization

  • Golden Age marked by cultural advancements and democracy under Pericles.

  • Architecture: Parthenon.

Peloponnesian War

  • Major conflict between Athens and Sparta (431-404 B.C.E.), showcasing city-state rivalry.

Legacy of Alexander the Great

  • Conquered Persian Empire and spread Hellenistic culture.

  • Founded cities like Alexandria, rich in culture and intellect.

General Themes

  • Empire-building driven by warfare, political strategy, and cultural exchange.

  • Impact of geography on city-state formation and expansion strategies.

  • Shift from independent city-states to expansive empires.