Ancient Governments and Empires Europe Ancient Governments and Empires

Ancient Government/Society Greeks Society Originated from the Minoans and Mycenaean's City states called Polis Homer: Famous storyteller (Iliad and Odyssey) Olympic Games: Athletic Events to please Gods Athens (Thinkers) vs. Sparta (Warriors) Greeks vs. Persians Peloponnesian War: Athens vs. Sparta (winner)

Ancient Government/Society Greeks Government Began as Aristocracy (city states controlled by nobles) Hoplite: New soldier that helped decrease noble power Tyrants: Transition leaders that brought change (over time they grew brutal) Popular Government: Idea that people should and could rule themselves (began in some parts of Greece) Democracy: Govt. in which the citizens take part Athens became one; not all places followed suit It was only to those that were male full citizens

Ancient Government/Society Greeks Philosophers Philosophy: Study of reality and human existence Socrates: One of the first, people should think for themselves, executed for his beliefs Plato: Socrates student, founded a school called the Academy that taught the works of Socrates. Taught in dialogues. Aristotle: Plato’s student, things should be studied logically . A lot of his works are used in modern science and medicine.

Ancient Government and Society Greeks Philosophers Pythagoras: World could be explained by math Hippocrates: Founder of medical science Herodotus: First western historian Theater Drama: Plays containing action, dialogue, emotion Tragedies: Main character struggles against fate Comedies: Made fun of people or ideas

Ancient Governments/Society Greek Empire Alexander the Great Son of Phillip II of Macedon Conquered most of middle east, parts of Asia and Africa Hellenistic Culture: Combination of Greek, Mediterranean, and Asian ways of life. Greeks ruled this area for around 200 years.

Ancient Government and Society Romans Society Originated with Latin's and Etruscans Government Republic: Government where voters elect officials to run the state. 3 Parts of Roman Republic Senate: Most influential and powerful, $ and War Magistrates: Elected officials (Controlled day to day) Assemblies: Voted on Laws, watched over other 2 branches

Ancient Governments and Society Romans Government terms used today Veto: Refuse to Approve Checks and Balances: Prevents one part of the government from becoming too powerful Republic Growth Rome won 3 Wars with rival Carthage (Punic Wars) Rome began to get too big, republic was not working Transitioned into the Roman Empire

Ancient Governments and Society Romans Empire Many different groups fighting each other for control Julius Caesar: very popular, named dictator for life. Killed by people close to him (jealous senators) Octavian: “Augustus” was a relative of Caesar, called himself the first citizen. Greatly expanded the size of Rome’s Empire. Eventually the Roman Empire fell apart Invaders (Goths, Vandals, Franks, Huns) Political/Military Weakness, Economic Decline, Social Change

Ancient Governments and Society Franks Empire Next Empire after the Romans Middle Ages/Medieval Period (400-1500) Clovis: First King of the Franks, invaded into present day France Charlemagne: Ruled from 768-814; built a huge empire that spread Christianity. Advanced the way of life throughout Europe. (Education, government, etc) Fell apart due to his son (Louis) and invasions (Vikings)