City-States and Greek Culture Chapter 8 – Lesson 2

Dark Ages (1,100 to 750 B.C.) During 1,100 B.C. Greece entered a period some historians call the Dark Ages. Dark Ages is a time when many of the Aegean Civilizations were lost. People remaining went back to living simpler lives. Memories of the past was kept alive in songs, myths, & stories. Dark Ages lasted until 750 B.C.

The Rise of City-States After the Dark Ages, people began to once again live in small cities and trade with other culture. These changes led to the rise of a new civilization that historians call Classical Greece.

The Rise of City-States Classical Greece started with the development of city-states. Why were City-States formed? City-States were formed as people living in neighboring villages joined to protect themselves from outside dangers.

The Rise of City-States Many groups built walled forts for safety. Each fort was usually built on the hilltop. These were called an Acropolis. Acropolis

The Rise of City-States These newly developed villages with an acropolis grew into cities. Houses Public Buildings An open-air market called and agora. This all stood below the acropolis Beyond the cities were farmlands and smaller villages. Agora

The Rise of City-States Neighboring city-states often fought over the lands that remained between them. As a result of this fighting over land, some city-states grew in size and importance Best Known and most powerful Greek city states were Sparta & Athens. Both city-states eventually developed different economies and governments.

Sparta : Location Sparta had an inland location on the Peloponnesus peninsula. Due to their location Spartan’s developed a military economy

Sparta : Culture Spartan’s lived a simple life of hard work and physical activity. 3 Classes in the Spartan Society

Sparta : Social Structure

Sparta : Social Structure Spartan Citizens were afraid of the lower class rebelling They were afraid of attacks on Sparta from outsiders. Because of these fears the Spartan Citizens focused on building a strong military. The lower classes in Sparta outnumbered the Spartan Citizens 10 to 1. As a result the citizens feared the lower class.

Sparta : Culture Spartan boys began military training to become soldiers from the age of 7. There were 2 kings, each from different ruling families, that lead the Spartan army in times of war.

Sparta : Government Sparta used a government system known as Oligarchy.

Athens : Location Located on Attica, a part of the Balkan Peninsula.

Athens : Government In 594 B.C., Athenians asked a leader names Solon to make reforms in the government. Solon divided the people of Athens into classes based on wealth instead of birth inheritance. People with the most wealth became part of the ruling class. After the “Dark Ages”, Athens was ruled by an aristocracy. Leaders would struggle together for control of the city-state.

Athens : Government More reforms were made in 508 B.C. when Cleisthenes, one of the leaders, opened the government to all free men 18 years of age or older. He created a new council. Each year an election or draw was held to select a council of 500 male citizens. This system of government was known as the first form of democracy. Cleisnthenes’ reforms gave every adult male a chance to serve in the government.

Athens : Government

Athens : Government Women had no voice in the government. Women were allowed to become citizens. Immigrant were not allowed to take part in the government.

To Be Greek Each city-state was independent from each other. As a result they did not think of each other as a country. Each city-state had a cultural identity that connected them with other city-states. Greeks were set apart from the other people living in the Mediterranean region because the believed they were different from everyone else.. Anyone who could not speak Greek was considered a Barbarian.

To Be Greek: Mythology All the people of the different city-states shared common ancestor. His name was Hellen This is why they called there “country” the Hellas The people called them selves Hellenes. *Known to us as Greeks* The Hellenes believed that there god controlled events both in nature and in human life. Zeus: Leader of the Gods Athena: Goddess of wisdom and warfare Aphrodite: Goddess of love and beauty. Hermes: The messenger of Gods

To Be Greek: Olympics Greeks were united by activities like the Olympics. The Olympic Games were held every 4 years to honor Zeus. The Hellenes believed that there god controlled events both in nature and in human life. Zeus: Leader of the Gods Athena: Goddess of wisdom and warfare Aphrodite: Goddess of love and beauty. Hermes: The messenger of Gods

To Be Greek Q: What common cultural identities brought the city-states together as Greeks? Answer: Religion Mythology Language Olympic Games