Section Two: The Greek City-States

Section 2 Objectives Define city-state & tell how the city-state of Sparta & Athens differed

I. The Polis: Center of Greek Life By 750 B.C., the polis (city-state) became the central focus of Greek life It was a town, city or village serving as a center where people met for political, economic, social & religious activities

The Polis: Center of Greek Life The main gathering place was usually on a hill, topped with a fortified area called the *acropolis Below was the agora, an open area for people to assemble & for a market

Acropolis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ac.acropolis3.JPG

Acropolis Agora

The Polis: Center of Greek Life Athens was the largest city-state Polis was a community of people who shared an identity & goals

The Polis: Center of Greek Life Three classes: 1. citizens with political rights (adult males) 2. citizens without political rights (women & children) 3. noncitizens (slaves & resident aliens)

The Polis: Center of Greek Life Responsibilities accompanied rights Loyalty made the city-states fiercely patriotic & distrustful of one another Helped bring Greece to ruin

The Polis: Center of Greek Life Military system based on hoplites Infantry who carried shield, sword & spear The fought shoulder to shoulder in a *phalanx formation

phalanx formation

Spartan Hoplite Phalanx

750 & 550 B.C. many Greeks settled distant lands Trade & good farmland II. Greek Colonies 750 & 550 B.C. many Greeks settled distant lands Trade & good farmland Cities of Hellespont, Bosporus & Byzantium

Exports: Pottery, wine & olive oil Imports: lumber, grain & slaves Greek Colonies Exports: Pottery, wine & olive oil Imports: lumber, grain & slaves New wealthy class of merchants

III. Tyranny in the City-states New wealth led to the rise of tyrants Greek tyrants were rulers who seized power by force from the aristocrats Oppressive rules Aristocrats oppressed them, peasants supported them

Tyranny in the City-states Seized & kept power by using hired soldiers Built new walls & temples Fall out of favor by the 6th century B.C.

Government in the City-states *Democracy – ruled by the many Other city-states remained committed to government by an *oligarchy, rule by the few Athens & Sparta

IV. Sparta Greek city-state Gained land through conquest of neighbors Captured people were known as helots These serfs worked for the Spartans

A military State 800 & 600 B.C. Rigidly controlled & disciplined Entered the military at 20 & lived in the barracks until 30

A military State Stayed in the army until 60 Women & men lived apart Women expected to remain fit to bear & raise healthy children Men expected to be brave in battle, to win or be killed

B. Government of Sparta The Spartan government was an oligarchy Ephors – were elected each year & were responsible for the education of youth & the conduct of all citizens 2 kings & 28 men made up the government Did not debate, but only voted

Government of Sparta Closed itself off from the outside world Travelers & travel discouraged Frowned upon new ideas & the arts

A king ruled early Athens V. Athens A king ruled early Athens By 7th century B.C., oligarchy of aristocrats Economic & political troubles

Reformist Solon appointed leader in 594 B.C. Athens Reformist Solon appointed leader in 594 B.C. Canceled debts, but did not give land to the poor Led to tyranny

Athens Appointed the reformer Cleisthenes in 508 B.C. Created a new council of five hundred Proposed new laws & supervise the treasury & foreign affairs

Assembly had final authority to pass laws after free & open debate Athens Assembly had final authority to pass laws after free & open debate *Reforms of Cleisthenes created the foundation for Athenian democracy

Acropolis

Early Acropolis

Chapter Objectives Describe the roles of the Persian & Peloponnesian wars in Greek history List the cultural contributions of the Greeks to Western civilization Explain how Alexander the Great created his empire