Classical Greece

World History to 1500, HIS 131

Lecture Outline

I. Background and ChronologyII. Hellenic Greece (800s-400s BCE)A. Rise of the Polis (800s-500s BCE)B. Sparta and Athens ComparedC. City-States in War and Conflict- Persian Wars (499-479 BCE)- Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE)III. Life in Classical Greece: AthensA. Daily LifeB. Culture and Intellectual Life

Key Terms

• Classical Greece: A period marked by significant developments in philosophy, governance, arts, and sciences.

• Acropolis: Fortified hilltop in a city, serving as a religious center and a place of refuge during attacks.

• Agora: Public space used for assemblies and markets, central to social and political life.

• Polis: Independent city-state characterized by its own government and way of life, key to Greek identity.

  • Sparta: A prominent military city-state known for its rigorous training and austere lifestyle.

  • Athens: Renowned for its artistic and intellectual achievements, and the birthplace of democracy.

• Council of 500: An assembly providing representation for citizens, influencing legislative processes in Athens.

• Assembly: A key institution in Athenian democracy where citizens voted on policies and laws.

• Ostracism: A political process allowing citizens to vote to temporarily exile individuals seen as a threat to the state.

• Persian Wars: A series of conflicts between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, showcasing Greek unity.

• Peloponnesian War: A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta that significantly weakened Greek civilization.

• Pericles: A leading statesman of Athens during its Golden Age, he promoted arts and democracy.

• Parthenon: A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, symbolizing the power and culture of Athens.

• Hesiod: An ancient Greek poet whose works explored themes of morality and justice, laying groundwork for later philosophical thought.

• Comedy, tragedy, satire: Genres of Greek drama that explored human experience and societal issues.

• Socrates (469-399 BCE): Philosopher known for his Socratic method, encouraging critical thinking and moral inquiry.

• Plato (427-347 BCE): A student of Socrates, he founded the Academy and explored concepts of ideal forms and governance.

• Theory of Forms: Plato's philosophical belief that the material world is a shadow of a higher, unchanging reality.

• Aristotle (384-322 BCE): Philosopher and student of Plato, he analyzed diverse fields including ethics, politics, and metaphysics, promoting empirical reasoning.

For Discussion

• Explain the role of the polis in Greek society – its organization and the values it promoted, such as civic responsibility and the pursuit of excellence (areté).

• Analyze the lasting impact of Classical Greece on Western Civilization including governance (democracy), art (realism in sculpture and architecture), literature (tragedy and comedy), and philosophy (ethical reasoning).

• Summarize the two major wars of the Classical period (500-338 BCE) and their effects on Greek government and culture, including the rise of Macedonian influence.

• Compare and contrast the philosophies of Confucius and Plato and Aristotle, focusing on their respective views on ethics and governance.

Introduction to Greek Influence on World History

Two societies significantly influenced history: the Ancient Israelites, who emphasized covenantal monotheism and ethics, and the Greeks, who fostered reasoning and civic engagement as solutions to societal issues.

• Greeks' Contributions: Known for foundational work in philosophy, democratic governance, civic engagement, artistic expression, and advancements in various scientific fields.

• Shared Values: Both societies valued the individual, although they operated within patriarchal frameworks, promoting social responsibilities and communal well-being.

Early Civilizations in Greece

Civilizations emerged around 2000 BCE in Crete (Minoan civilization) and the mainland (Mycenaean civilization), both of which experienced decline by 1200 BCE.A subsequent Dark Age (1100-800 BCE) resulted in decreased population and abandonment of settlements, with a revival leading to the emergence of the city-states called poleis.

Greek Geography and Expansion (800-500 BCE)

Population growth necessitated the establishment of numerous city-states across the Mediterranean.

• Geographical Influence: Greece's rocky terrain hindered large population centers and limited agricultural expansion, fostering the development of independent colonies with distinct identities.

• The Acropolis: Served as a fortified area, indicative of Greek defensive strategies and symbolizing the cultural identity of the polis.

Characteristics of the Polis

• Definition: A polis was a city-state consisting of a city and its surrounding countryside, characterized by an acropolis for defense and an agora for public life.

• Size: Polis supported small, independent communities due to the rugged terrain and geographical fragmentation.

• Government: Varied, including monarchy, tyranny, oligarchy (e.g., Sparta), and democracy (e.g., Athens), each affecting the polis's governance and citizens' roles.

• Citizenship: Generally restricted to male landowners who were expected to participate in civic duties and governance, reflecting the societal hierarchy.

Contrasting Sparta and Athens

• Sparta: A militaristic society characterized by strict discipline and a focus on training warriors. Governed by a dual kingship and an elder council, it promoted austerity and valor.

• Athens: Renowned for its cultural advancements, transitioning from oligarchy to a fuller form of democracy under leaders like Pericles, emphasizing public participation and civic pride.

City-States in War and Conflict (400s BCE)

• Persian Wars (499-479 BCE): Marked by conflicts that united the Greek city-states against the Persian Empire, ensuring the preservation of Greek autonomy and culture.

• Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE): A devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta that led to significant loss, restructuring of Greek power dynamics, and setting the stage for future conflicts.

Cultural Life in Classical Greece: Daily Life and Society

• Daily Life: In Athens, life was characterized by a varied diet consisting of grains, olives, figs, and fish; while gender roles were delineated, with men engaging in public discourse and women overseeing domestic affairs.

• Slavery: An institutionalized part of society, with slaves occupying roles in skilled labor, agriculture, and domestic service, reflecting economic disparity within the polis.

Religion and Philosophy

• Religion: Hesiod’s poetic works related Greek deities to concepts of moral justice, enriching the religious narratives and serving as precursors to philosophical interpretations.

• Philosophy: This era marked a pivot from mythological narratives to rational inquiry, paving the way for philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who laid the foundations of Western thought.

  • Socrates: Promoted critical thinking through dialectical reasoning; ultimately faced a death sentence for challenging conventional beliefs.

  • Plato: As a student of Socrates, he founded the Academy and articulated the Theory of Forms, critiquing democracy with caution rooted in his mentor’s fate.

  • Aristotle: A polymath, he championed empirical observation across varied fields, developing seminal ideas in ethics and politics such as the concept of the Golden Mean.

Contribution of Greeks to Western Civilization

The innovations of Greek civilization provided essential groundwork for the future, including:

• Democracy: Establishing principles of citizen participation and representative governance.

• Philosophy: Creating frameworks for ethics, rational inquiry, and systematic thought.

• Science: Promoting methods of observation and inquiry that would shape future scientific advancements.

• Art and Architecture: Pursuing realism and proportion in art, influencing subsequent artistic movements.

• Ethics: Developing comprehensive ideas about virtue and the role of individuals in society, emphasizing dignity and civic responsibility.