Ancient and Classical Greece

Before City-States Minoans-named after the King of Crete, Minos Great civilization with trade Volcanoes in 1628 BCE Crete was conquered by the Mycenaeans of the mainland- about 1400 BCE Adopted many elements of Minoan society By 1200 BCE earthquakes and warfare destroyed many cities During the 800s and 700s BCE development of city-states

Polis (City State) The Polis or City-State grew around a fort, its city and the surrounding land The Polis came to represent the center of Greek identity Absolutely independent and self-sufficient Most city-states had fewer than 10,000 people Most of whom were slaves or non-citizens Citizens loved their Polis

From Kings to Democracy Chieftains relied on wealthy land owners Aristocrats “best men” By 700 BCE overthrew chieftan By 600 BCE others could afford weapons and armor Hoplites emerged Tyrants take power between 650 BCE and 500 BCE During the 150 years after, many city-states overthrew tyrants The idea of popular government took root The idea that people can and should rule themselves

Athens the Birthplace of Democracy Located on one of the least fertile areas in Greece Turned to the sea Introduction of coins made trade even easier Citizens formed the top group of Athenian society Rich or poor did not matter…unless you were a female Emerged as the first democracy in the history of the world Democracy- rule of the people Council of 500 Made up of 50 men from 10 Athenian tribes Served for 1 year, no more than twice proposed laws to the Assembly

Athens Cont. The assembly Courts became more democratic Any citizen could attend and vote (sort of) Courts became more democratic Jury chosen by lot Votes were cast by secret ballet Education was to produce citizens trained in the arts in preparation for both war and peace

Education in Athens Until the age of 6 or 7, boys were taught at home by their mother or by a male slave. Boys attended elementary school from around 6 or 7 until they were 13 or 14 Poorer boys stopped school, wealthier boys studied with philosophers Split into two groups At 18 boys trained for two years in military Girls-no school

Men and Women and Slaves The men talked politics, exercised and perofrmed military duty. Some sat in assembly or served as jurors. The women stayed at home, spinning, and weaving, and completing household chores. Never seen in public Possibly 100,000 slaves in Athens providing labor on farms, dug silver and other metals in mines, assisted artisans making pottery and weapons.

Sparta: The Military Ideal By the late 1100s BCE, invaders overran Peloponnesus and conquered the village that would become Sparta Conquered people became helots Three social groups: equals half citizens, helots

Spartan Government Broken into multiple parts Two kings: one for armies, the other for home Council of Elders: 28 men over age of 60, proposed law and served as court Assembly: all males over 30, voted or rejected laws Ephors: complete control over education, made sure kings stayed in check

Spartan military/education Sparta’s goal was to produce a strong army built on discipline and self-denial. From birth, life was controlled by the city Unhealthy looking newborns left to perish At 6 or 7, boys went to the barracks to begin training Taught survival skills and military tactics…and reading Between 18-20, had to pass test showing fitness, leadership and martial skills failing meant becoming a half-citizen

Military/Education cont. Girls were sent to the barracks at 6 or 7 Taught gymnastics, wrestling and combat skills At the age of 18 took exam to demonstrate fitness and skills. Failing meant half-citizenship Allowed to move around at will, enjoyed lots of freedom because husbands did not live at home Devoted to city-state.