Chapter 1: The Legacy of Greek and Roman Democracy on the West

Essential Question # 1 How did philosophy influence politics/government and society in Athens and Sparta? -Key Chap 1 vocabulary (for quiz): polis, (direct) democracy, oligarchy, republic, aristocracy, tyranny, monarchy, natural laws.

Parthenon, Athens, Greece The Parthenon is a temple that towers above the city of Athens, symbolizing the Athenians' wealth and power. It also served as a refuge for the people in time of attack. The temple is dedicated to Athena Parthenos, a Greek goddess and the city-symbol of Athens. She is the goddess of wisdom and war. This temple served as a monument to Athena because they believed that she helped the Greeks conquer the Persian Empire in the Persian Wars.Persian Empire

Assignment (use your textbook) Due: Wed. 1.Use the graphic organizer and pages to compare/contrast the political systems of Athens and Sparta. 2.Which system do you think was more effective? Why ?

Some Key Vocabulary from Chapter 1 and Examples polis, (direct) democracy, oligarchy, republic, aristocracy, tyranny, monarchy, natural laws.

1. Polis began as little more than agricultural villages or towns, but became individual “political units”. Were much more than city-states; the poleis were “communities of all relatives” as people worshiped gods in common ceremonies. Aristotle argued that the polis was a natural growth and that human beings, if rational, are “animals that would gravitate toward living in poleis”.

2. Democracy Definition - government by the people or rule by many (pg. 136) Geo: Ancient Greece Key people: Cleisthenes, Pericles, Plato and Aristotle. Key places: Athens EXT: Tyranny brought an end to the rule of Greek aristocrats allowing for democracy to develop and ultimately influence us today’s. Note: Greek tyrants, were rulers who seized power by force and were not subject to the law

3. Oligarchy Government by a few (pg. 136) Geo: Sparta – Ancient Greece EXT:Sparta had an oligarchy, only a small group of older men had great power. The oligarchy focused on the Spartan ideal, war.

4. direct democracy Government where citizens participate directly in decision making (pg. 138) Geo – Athens – Ancient Greece EXT : Athens is the best symbol for our ideal of Greek democracy; legislation was debated openly and then all male citizens voted. Athenian government was limited however, only the free male population could participate, yet the decisions affected all in the polis.

Cornell Notes: Chapter 1 (textbook sections 2-4) Title your Cornell notes: “The Legacy of Greek and Roman Democracy on the West”

I. Greek Life I. 750 B.C.- The polis was the city-state of ancient Greece. It was the center for Greek life. II. Greek community was composed of: A. citizens (free adult males were granted political rights) B. women and children (without political rights) C. non-citizens (slaves/ aliens without political rights) III. Tyrants forced citizens towards two forms of government: A. DEMOCRACY- government for the people by the people. B. OLIGARCHIES rule by few, rule by the rich.

Polis Ruins of the Athens Acropolis, image is from the 1920s. (Acro = top and Polis = city)

II. Sparta I.Sparta- was a polis that centered around the military and war. The word spartan means highly self-disciplined. II.Oligarchy of two kings, led the military A.Five citizens were elected each year to supervise the polis B.Council of elders who only voted on issues

III. Athens I. 508 B.C.- Cleisthenes-regarded as the founder of Athenian DEMOCRACY (DIRECT DEMOCRACY) A.Created the Council of 500, the members came from local districts and were elected by male citizens B.6,000 men attended meetings every 10 days and openly debated legislation, elect officials and pass laws! II. Council of 500: 1.Controlled Foreign Policy 2.Oversee the Treasury 3.Propose Laws SET THE STAGE FOR MODERN DEMOCRACY III B.C. - Age of Pericles A.Pericles pays salaries to allow more citizens to serve in public office, allows poorer citizens to participate B. Athens becomes the center of Greek culture

IV. Greek Philosophers Greek Philosophers- lovers of wisdom- based their philosophy on the following assumptions: 1.The universe is put together in an orderly way and is subject to absolute and unchanging laws 2.People can understand these laws through logic and reason A.Socrates- developed the Socratic Method: method of questioning leading people to their own truth for knowledge is in each of us, we just need to call it forth, as, “the unexamined life is not worth living”.

Plato,Aristotle B. Plato- Socrates’ student- considered the Greatest Western Philosopher 1.Explains his vision of a perfectly governed society in The Republic 2.Ideal state had rulers, warriors and commoners who should be led by PHILOSOPHER KINGS! C. Aristotle- Plato’s student 1. In his Politics, he studied 158 constitutions from other states 2. Decide the best forms of government were monarchy, aristocracy and constitutional government, he favored the constitutional governments

V. The Romans

V. THE ROMANS A. Early Roman State was divided into two 1. Patricians- land owning ruling class a. Could vote AND hold office 2. Plebeians- less wealthy landholders, merchants and farmers a. Could vote but NOT hold office B. 509 B.C. - Last king was overthrown and a republic established with a senate and assembly 1. The Senate- 300 Patricians who served for life made up the Senate 2. Centuriate Assembly: passed laws, organized classes based on wealth (wealthiest were the majority)

Romans continued... C. All citizens: Equal under the law D. 450 B.C. - The Twelve Tables- 1 st written Roman law- applied to all Roman citizens.

VI. Influence of Roman Empire A. Pax Romana: 27 B. C A. D. literally means, “Roman Peace” 1. Followers of a Jewish holy man, Jesus, founded a new religion called Christianity.

VII. Christianity A.Jesus and the spread of Christianity 1. Jesus teaches the GOLDEN RULE, love of God, humility, love and charity 2. Appeals to the individual, regardless of wealth or status- all can achieve salvation- all can have personal relationship with God

Christian, cont’d. B. Christian ideas: 1.God is put above Roman law!! 2.Ten Commandments, written code – rulers are subject to these laws too a. The Commandments strengthened social conscience, which has become a part of Western tradition

Christianity, Cont’d C. Christianity gains popularity and becomes the official Roman religion under Emperor Constantine D. Christian laws heavily influenced Roman law and democracy.