Western civ 1 week 4 readings and notes the Greek expands

Notes: The Downfall of the Greek Polis & Responses (400–150 B.C.E.) pages 118-122

1) Summary of the Text

• After the Peloponnesian War, Sparta briefly dominated but failed to maintain power. Constant wars, shifting alliances, and Persian interference weakened Greece further.

• Thebes briefly rose under Epaminondas but fell back into instability after his death.

• Economic crises from warfare, ruined farmland, and displaced populations deepened the decline of the polis.

• Culturally, Greeks responded to crisis with artistic and intellectual innovation, producing advances in sculpture, drama, and philosophy (Plato & Aristotle).

• Philosophers like Aristotle defended slavery, patriarchy, and Greek superiority over “barbarians,” shaping Greek social order.

• Plato and Aristotle, students of Socrates, offered contrasting but influential visions of politics and society—Plato stressing ideal order, Aristotle stressing empirical observation and practical ethics.

2) Key Ideas

• Downfall of Polis: Continuous wars → instability; Persian manipulation → recurring dominance shifts; no unity.

• Epaminondas: Theban general who weakened Sparta; but Greece still fragmented.

• Economic/Social Crises: Ravaged farmland, rising poverty, reliance on mercenaries.

• Artistic/Intellectual Response: Fourth-century sculpture & drama became more realistic, refined, and patron-supported.

• Aristotle on Slavery: Slavery & patriarchy justified as “natural”; Greeks superior to “barbarians.”

• Plato’s Vision: Republic led by philosopher-kings; harmony valued over liberty.

• Aristotle’s Vision: Observation of natural world; politics focused on moderation & balance.

3) Organized Notes

Outline

I. Downfall of the Greek Polis
A. Spartan dominance after Peloponnesian War → weak leadership
B. Internal division, shifting alliances, Persian interference
C. Theban rise under Epaminondas (temporary)
D. Economic crises (farmland destruction, homelessness, mercenaries)

II. Artistic & Intellectual Response
A. Sculpture – realism, naturalism, bronze statues (Praxiteles)
B. Drama – transition to New Comedy, private patronage, less political critique
C. Literature – prose novels (escapism, romantic themes)

III. Aristotle on Slavery, Patriarchy, and “Barbarians”
A. Society built on household: male > female, master > slave
B. Greeks vs. Barbarians = natural superiority vs. natural slavery
C. Justification of inequality as part of natural order

IV. Philosophy after Socrates: Plato & Aristotle
A. Plato – Republic, philosopher-kings, social harmony > liberty
B. Aristotle – empirical observation, rational moderation, hierarchy of beings
C. Differences: Plato = ideals/universal truth; Aristotle = empirical/practical

Bullet Points

• Greek city-states never regained unity after Sparta’s rise.

• Persians exploited Greek divisions to keep them weak.

• Theban leader Epaminondas briefly shifted power but his death ended Theban strength.

• Economic devastation: farmland ruined (esp. grapevines & olive groves), food shortages, inflation.

• Sculptors like Praxiteles introduced lifelike realism.

• Greek drama shifted to lighter “New Comedy,” avoiding politics.

• Aristotle argued slavery was “natural” and barbarians were meant to be ruled.

• Plato imagined a philosopher-king society; Aristotle emphasized practical observation and moderation.

Table

Mind Map (text form)

Greek Polis Decline
→ Political Instability

• Sparta weak

• Persian interference

• Epaminondas & Thebes (short-lived)
  → Economic Crisis

• Farmland destroyed

• Inflation

• Mercenaries

Cultural Response
→ Arts

• Sculpture (realism, Praxiteles)

• Drama (New Comedy)

• Prose novels
  → Philosophy

• Plato (Republic, philosopher-kings, harmony)

• Aristotle (empirical, moderation, hierarchy, natural slavery)

4) Quotes & Evidence

• “Greece was reduced to a constellation of petty warring states.”

• “Farmlands throughout Greece were ravaged… Even arable land was exhausted and less productive.”

• Aristotle: “He who is by nature not his own but another’s… is by nature a slave.”

• Plato’s Republic: society ruled by “guardians” with intelligence & character.

5) Questions to Increase Understanding

1. Why did the constant interference of Persia prevent Greece from unifying?

2. How did the destruction of farmland shape the economy and daily life of Greeks?

3. In what ways did art and literature reflect the political decline of the polis?

4. How did Aristotle’s defense of slavery influence later societies’ acceptance of inequality?

5. Why did Plato prefer harmony over liberty in his ideal Republic?

6) Paraphrase/Clarify

• The Greek polis system collapsed not only because of wars but also because of internal strife, economic devastation, and reliance on foreign mercenaries.

• Intellectual and cultural innovation flourished even as politics declined—suggesting Greek creativity thrived in adversity.

• Plato envisioned an ideal society run by philosopher-kings, while Aristotle focused on practical governance rooted in observation of the natural world.

• Greek thought reinforced hierarchies (men over women, Greeks over barbarians, masters over slaves) as “natural.”

7) Connecting Ideas

• War & Economy: Repeated wars caused farmland destruction, which worsened economic crisis and forced Greeks to turn to mercenary service.

• Politics & Culture: As political freedom declined, art and drama shifted from public/political to private/personal.

• Philosophy & Social Order: Plato’s and Aristotle’s philosophies reflected attempts to restore order in a fragmented world—but also justified existing inequalities.

• Legacy: These cultural/intellectual responses set the stage for Hellenistic and Roman worlds.

1) Summary

• After Philip II unified Macedonia and defeated the Greeks, his son Alexander the Great conquered Persia, Egypt, and extended into India.

• Alexander combined Greek and local traditions, but died young in 323 B.C.E., leaving no strong heir.

• His empire fragmented into three main Hellenistic kingdoms: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Asia, and Antigonid Greece.

• These kingdoms spread Greek culture (Hellenism) across the Mediterranean and Near East, blending with local traditions.

• Alexandria (Egypt) became a leading cultural and intellectual hub, especially in science, medicine, literature, and religion.

2) Key Ideas

• Philip II: Reformed Macedonian military (phalanx), used diplomacy + warfare to dominate Greece.

• Alexander the Great: Expanded empire to Indus Valley; seen as “son of Ammon” in Egypt; spread Hellenistic culture.

• Conquests: Ruthless in Persia (e.g., Gaza massacre), but also adopted local traditions to legitimize rule.

• Death (323 B.C.E.): Empire split; Hellenistic kingdoms emerged.

• Ptolemaic Egypt: Wealthy, stable, influential; capital = Alexandria; preserved/expanded Greek + Egyptian culture.

• Seleucid Asia: Vast but unstable; mixed Greek + Persian traditions.

• Antigonid Greece: Less stable politically, but still part of Hellenistic world.

• Hellenistic culture: Cosmopolitan, blending Greek art, science, philosophy, and local traditions (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Persian).

3) Organized Notes

Outline

I. Rise of Macedonia

• Philip II reforms (phalanx, alliances, military strength)

• Conquest of Greece → League of Corinth

II. Alexander the Great

• Military campaigns: Persia, Egypt, Indus Valley

• Spread of Greek + local cultural integration

• Death at 33 → no clear successor

III. Division of Empire: Hellenistic Kingdoms

• Ptolemaic Egypt: Wealthiest; Alexandria as cultural hub; dynastic rule until Cleopatra

• Seleucid Asia: Struggled to unify vast lands; blended Greek + Persian traditions

• Antigonid Greece: Controlled Macedonia & Greece; politically weaker

IV. Hellenistic Legacy

• Expansion of science, medicine, astronomy (Alexandria)

• Blending of cultures = cosmopolitan identity

• Common “Greek-like” culture persisted across kingdoms

Bullet Points

• Philip II: Not destined to rule but became “leader of men” through reforms.

• Macedonian phalanx = 16 rows deep, long spears (sarissas).

• Battle of Chaeronea (338 B.C.E.) = decisive victory over Athens & Thebes.

• Alexander adopted titles like “son of Ammon” in Egypt to legitimize rule.

• His campaigns stretched Greek influence to India (Battle of Hydaspes, 326 B.C.E.).

• After Alexander’s death, generals divided empire:

  • Ptolemaic Egypt (most stable & wealthy).

  • Seleucid Asia (largest, but fragmented).

  • Antigonid Greece (weaker, frequently invaded).

• Hellenistic culture emphasized blending (e.g., Ptolemies as both Pharaohs and Greek kings).

Table

Mind Map (text form)

Macedonian Expansion
→ Philip II (military reforms, unity)
→ Alexander the Great

• Persia

• Egypt (pharaoh, “son of Ammon”)

• India (Hydaspes)

• Death → fragmentation

Hellenistic Kingdoms
→ Ptolemaic Egypt (Alexandria, wealth, culture)
→ Seleucid Asia (large, unstable, blended)
→ Antigonid Greece (smaller, unstable)

Legacy
→ Cultural fusion (Greek + local traditions)
→ Scientific advances (medicine, astronomy)
→ Cosmopolitan world (“Greek-like” identity)

4) Quotes & Evidence

• Philip II as “leader of men” (demonstrates unexpected rise).

• Macedonian phalanx: “armed with two-handed pikes… sixteen rows deep.”

• Alexander in Egypt: hailed as “pharaoh” and “son of Ammon.”

• Ptolemies: “acted as Macedonian kings toward their Greek citizens… but played the role of pharaohs.”

5) Questions for Understanding

1. How did Philip II’s military reforms give Macedonia an advantage over Greece?

2. Why did Alexander adopt local religious/cultural titles (like son of Ammon)?

3. Could Alexander have maintained his empire if he had lived longer?

4. Why was Ptolemaic Egypt more stable than Seleucid Asia?

5. How did Hellenistic culture manage to survive despite political fragmentation?

6) Paraphrase & Clarify

• Philip II restructured Macedonia into a military powerhouse, which his son Alexander used to conquer Persia and beyond.

• Alexander’s conquests spread Greek culture while also absorbing local traditions, creating the basis for a new, blended civilization.

• His sudden death left a power vacuum, splitting the empire into kingdoms, but Greek cultural influence remained strong.

7) Connections

• Politics & Culture: Philip and Alexander built military empires, but their long-term impact was cultural (Hellenism).

• Unity vs. Fragmentation: Military conquest created unity, but political fragmentation after Alexander still preserved cultural continuity.

• Greek Ideals Abroad: Just as Athens had exported culture earlier, Alexander exported “Greekness” across the known world.

• Legacy: The Roman Empire later built on this Greek cultural foundation.

Notes: Alexander the Great & the Hellenistic Kingdoms (c. 359–150 B.C.E.) pages 123-131

1) Summary

• Greek art (Aphrodite of Knidos) began exploring the female nude as a subject, shifting ideas of beauty, modesty, and cultural standards.

• Philip II of Macedon transformed Macedonia into a military powerhouse using the phalanx, diplomacy, and alliances. He unified Greece under Macedonian dominance (League of Corinth).

• Alexander the Great inherited Philip’s reforms, expanded Macedonia’s reach by conquering Persia, Egypt, and extending into India. He fused Greek and local traditions but died young at 33 (323 B.C.E.).

• After Alexander’s death, his empire fragmented into Hellenistic kingdoms: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Asia, and Antigonid Greece.

• These kingdoms blended Greek (Hellenic) traditions with local cultures, creating Hellenistic civilization that endured for centuries.

2) Key Ideas

• Aphrodite of Knidos → first monumental female nude; reflected shifting ideals of beauty/modesty.

• Philip II → reformed army (sarissa phalanx), used marriage/diplomacy, consolidated Greece.

• Alexander → ruthless conqueror but also pragmatic ruler (adopting local customs).

• Death in 323 B.C.E. → no strong heir, empire divided.

• Hellenistic kingdoms → cultural blending + expansion of learning, especially in Alexandria (Egypt).

• Ptolemaic Egypt → most stable, powerful, culturally influential.

• Seleucid Asia → vast but politically unstable, cultural mix.

• Antigonid Greece → retained Greek homeland, less influential.

3) Organized Notes

Outline

I. Visual Culture: Aphrodite of Knidos

• Praxiteles’ famous statue; first female nude.

• Cultural controversy (Kos rejected, Knidos accepted).

• Later Roman adaptations showed shifting modesty standards.

II. Rise of Macedonia

• Philip II reforms (phalanx, mercenaries, diplomacy).

• Unified Greece (Battle of Chaeronea, 338 B.C.E.).

III. Alexander the Great

• Conquest of Persia, Egypt (hailed as Pharaoh), India.

• Fusion of cultures (adopts “son of Ammon”).

• Ruthless tactics (e.g., Gaza).

• Died 323 B.C.E. at age 33, empire fragmented.

IV. Hellenistic Kingdoms

• Ptolemaic Egypt: Alexandria = cultural capital; long-lasting dynasty until Cleopatra.

• Seleucid Asia: Large empire but fragmented; blended Persian & Greek.

• Antigonid Greece: Smaller, politically unstable, still “Greek homeland.”

V. Hellenistic Culture

• Blending of Greek + local traditions.

• Advances in astronomy, medicine, literature.

• Cosmopolitan identity.

Bullet Points

• Aphrodite statue = tourist attraction, model of beauty.

• Philip II’s phalanx = 16 rows deep, sarissa pikes → revolutionary warfare.

• League of Corinth: unified Greeks under Macedon.

• Alexander’s conquest spread Hellenism as far as India.

• Egyptians welcomed Alexander as Pharaoh → fusion of rule.

• After death → empire split.

• Ptolemaic Egypt = wealthiest, most stable.

• Seleucid Asia = sprawling, weak.

• Antigonid Greece = politically fragile.

• Hellenistic culture persisted → cosmopolitan, Greek-influenced world.

Table

Mind Map (text version)

Greek World 359–150 B.C.E.
→ Art: Aphrodite statue (beauty, modesty)
→ Philip II: Military reforms, unification
→ Alexander: Persia, Egypt, India; cultural fusion

• Son of Ammon (Egypt)

• Harsh conquests (Persia)
  → Death 323 B.C.E.: Empire fragmented

• Ptolemaic Egypt (stable, influential)

• Seleucid Asia (large, unstable)

• Antigonid Greece (smaller, weaker)
  → Legacy: Hellenistic culture = science, philosophy, cosmopolitan identity

4) Quotes & Evidence

• Aphrodite statue: “first monumental female nude fashioned in antiquity.”

• Philip’s phalanx: “armed with two-handed pikes… sixteen rows deep.”

• Alexander in Egypt: “welcomed… hailed as Pharaoh.”

• Ptolemies: “acted as Macedonian kings… but played the role of pharaohs.”

5) Questions

1. Why was the female nude controversial in Greek vs. Roman contexts?

2. How did Philip II’s reforms make Macedonia more powerful than Greece?

3. Why did Alexander adopt Egyptian and Persian customs instead of enforcing purely Greek traditions?

4. Why did Ptolemaic Egypt succeed where Seleucid Asia failed?

5. How did Hellenistic kingdoms preserve Greek identity despite fragmentation?

6) Paraphrase & Clarify

• Praxiteles’ Aphrodite marked a turning point in Greek art, redefining beauty and modesty.

• Philip II was not destined to be king, but through reforms and strategy he built Macedonia into a dominant power.

• Alexander’s campaigns spread Greek culture worldwide, but his empire collapsed after his early death.

• The Hellenistic kingdoms carried on Greek influence by blending it with local traditions.

7) Connections

• Art & Power: Aphrodite’s statue shows cultural experimentation, just as Philip & Alexander experimented with politics and warfare.

• Unity & Fragmentation: Philip/Alexander unified the Greek world politically and culturally, but after Alexander, unity collapsed politically while cultural unity (Hellenism) remained.

• Legacy: Rome would later inherit and expand on Hellenistic culture.

Notes: Hellenistic World (pp. 132–147)

1) Summary

• After Alexander’s empire fractured, Antigonid Macedonia remained unstable and resource-dependent, competing with Seleucids and Ptolemies.

• The polis gave way to the cosmopolis (world-city), with interconnected Hellenistic cities, trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

• Commerce and urbanization boomed, but inequality grew.

• New philosophies (Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism) addressed life in a cosmopolitan world, focusing on personal happiness, rational order, or suspension of judgment.

• Religion shifted toward mystery cults (Isis, Dionysus) and syncretism; Jewish communities resisted or adapted to Hellenism.

• The Scientific Revolution of Antiquity advanced astronomy, mathematics, geography, physics, and medicine (Euclid, Archimedes, Herophilus, Erasistratus).

• Women’s education and roles were debated (Plato argued equality, later writers emphasized chastity/domesticity).

• Hellenistic art and literature stressed realism, drama, and emotional intensity.

• Conclusion: Hellenistic civilization bridged Greek classical culture and Roman imperial systems, spreading a cosmopolitan identity.

2) Key Ideas

• Antigonid Macedonia weaker than Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucid Asia.

• Hellenistic cities = cosmopolitan, interconnected, large-scale migration (Greek diaspora).

• Trade networks expanded from Egypt to India; new urban centers like Alexandria and Seleucia flourished.

• Stoicism: rational order, duty, virtue, tolerance.

• Epicureanism: pleasure, tranquility, materialist worldview.

• Skepticism: suspended judgment; no certainty of truth.

• Mystery religions provided emotional and spiritual meaning absent in philosophy.

• Jewish resistance to Hellenization: Maccabean revolt.

• Science:

  • Astronomy: Aristarchus (heliocentrism), Eratosthenes (circumference of earth), Ptolemy (geocentrism).

  • Math: Euclid (geometry), Hipparchus (trigonometry).

  • Physics/Mechanics: Archimedes (specific gravity, lever, screw).

  • Medicine: Herophilus (brain as center), Erasistratus (heart as pump).

• Women: Plato’s Republic → argued women should be educated like men; later works emphasized chastity, domestic duties.

• Art: more realism (emotions, aged figures, dramatic scenes).

• Hellenistic culture = extravagant but innovative; influenced Rome deeply.

3) Organized Notes

Outline

I. Antigonid Macedonia and Greece

• Weak kingdom, competed with Seleucids/Ptolemies.

• Greek leagues (Aetolian, Achaean) as new federations.

II. From Polis to Cosmopolis

• Greek diaspora; decline of small polis.

• Rise of interconnected cosmopolitan cities.

III. Commerce & Urbanization

• Trade networks expand; ports of Alexandria, Seleucia.

• Urban centers grow; population migration fuels cities.

IV. Hellenistic Worldviews

• Stoicism → order, reason, duty, tolerance.

• Epicureanism → pleasure, tranquility, no afterlife.

• Skepticism → doubt, suspension of judgment.

V. Religion & Cultural Syncretism

• Mystery cults (Isis, Dionysus).

• Jewish resistance & adaptation (Maccabees, Septuagint).

VI. Science & Medicine

• Astronomy: Aristarchus, Ptolemy.

• Math: Euclid, Hipparchus.

• Geography: Eratosthenes (circumference, longitude).

• Physics: Archimedes (lever, screw, specific gravity).

• Medicine: Herophilus (brain), Erasistratus (heart).

VII. Women & Education

• Plato → argued equality of education.

• Phintys → chastity & domestic roles.

• Debate reflects cultural contradictions.

VIII. Art & Literature

• Sculpture: realism, pathos, drama.

• Literature: pastoral poetry (Theocritus), history (Polybius).

IX. Conclusion

• Hellenistic culture = bridge between Greece & Rome.

• Cosmopolitan identity, science, art, philosophy shaped future civilizations.

Bullet Points

• Antigonid Macedonia = resource-poor, unstable.

• Polis → Cosmopolis: individuals uprooted, cosmopolitan identity grew.

• Trade: luxury goods from India, Africa, Spain.

• Stoics emphasized virtue/duty; Epicureans pursued pleasure/happiness; Skeptics doubted truth.

• Jewish resistance = Maccabean revolt.

• Scientific achievements = foundation for modern physics, math, astronomy.

• Women’s roles hotly debated.

• Hellenistic art more realistic and emotional than Classical art.

• Rome later adapted Hellenistic culture as its own.

Table

Mind Map (text form)

Hellenistic World
→ Politics: Antigonid Macedonia, Achaean League
→ Society: Polis → Cosmopolis, Greek diaspora
→ Economy: Trade, urbanization, Alexandria
→ Philosophy: Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism
→ Religion: Mystery cults, Jewish resistance
→ Science: Astronomy (Aristarchus), Math (Euclid), Physics (Archimedes), Medicine (Herophilus)
→ Gender: Debate on women’s education & chastity
→ Art & Lit: Realism, Theocritus, Polybius
→ Legacy: Bridge to Rome

4) Quotes & Evidence

• “The individual male’s intimate connection with the polis… was broken.”

• Stoicism: “Taught tolerance and forgiveness, and urged participation in public affairs.”

• Epicureanism: “The highest good must be pleasure.”

• Aristarchus: “deduced that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun.”

• Archimedes: “Give me a lever long enough… and I will move the world.”

• Plato (Republic): “Men and women alike possess the qualities which make a guardian.”

• Phintys: “Chastity is more appropriately female.”

5) Questions

1. Why did Antigonid Macedonia fail to dominate like Ptolemaic Egypt?

2. How did the cosmopolis change Greek identity compared to the polis?

3. Why did Stoicism become so influential in Rome compared to Epicureanism?

4. How did Hellenistic science anticipate modern discoveries?

5. Why were women’s roles debated so sharply in this period?

6) Paraphrase/Clarify

• Hellenistic society moved from small city-states to interconnected global cities.

• Philosophy adapted to provide personal guidance in an unstable, diverse world.

• Science reached remarkable heights in astronomy, math, and medicine, centuries ahead of its time.

• Cultural tension existed between calls for equality (Plato) and traditional patriarchal norms (Phintys).

• Hellenism’s cultural richness became the foundation for Roman civilization.

7) Connections

• Politics & Identity: Polis collapse → cosmopolitan world identity.

• Philosophy & Religion: Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism = secular coping; mystery religions = emotional comfort.

• Science & Rationalism: Builds on Greek philosophy but anticipates modern scientific method.

• Gender & Society: Philosophical debate on women mirrors broader cultural shifts.

• Legacy: Hellenistic culture → Rome → European civilization.