SSWH3 Examine the political, philosophical, and cultural interaction of Classical Mediterranean societies from 700 BCE to 400 CE.

Greece Balkan Peninsula Mountainous 2000 islands

Geography of Greece Results of Geographic Features Farming challenges and successes (grapes, olives) Imports (wheat…colonies) Failure to Unite (separate city states)

Greek Political Structure City-states called a polis Acropolis marketplace and/or fortified hill top where citizens gather to discuss politics On top was the temple

Greek Polis Democracy Rule by all citizens Oligarchy Most city-states adopted one of two forms of government: Democracy Rule by all citizens Land-owning males Oligarchy Rule by a few wealthy individuals

Athens

Athens Democracy Citizenship not extended to women, slaves, etc… Focused on arts, government, and individual accomplishments. Education Music, reading, writing, poetry, public speaking, athletics Males only

Sparta

Sparta

Sparta Oligarchy Focus was military strength/war. Gender Roles Women had more equality and responsibilities Education Military school

Peloponnesian War Athens vs Sparta Sparta threatened by Athens’ expansion Sparta strong army; Athens strong navy Sparta destroys Athens

Greek Religion Polytheistic Zeus Mt. Olympus

Macedonia Took over Greek city states. Alexander the Great Conquered huge empire

Alexander’s Legacy Alexander's conquests led to cultural diffusion Hellenistic Culture Mixture of Greek and Middle Eastern Culture

Let’s Compare Athens and Sparta Similarities Differences

Greek Philosophers Socrates First great philosopher of Greece Wanted people to question things. Put on trial, found guilty, and executed.

Greek Philosophers Plato Student of Aristotle Emphasized reason Rejected democracy taught ideal and perfect society ruled by one person with ultimate authority

Greek Philosophers Aristotle Page 136 Student of Plato Focused on reason for learning Page 136