Section 2: Greek Government and Society Chapter 5 Section 2: Greek Government and Society
Greek Culture Early on: few could read & write. Need for Verbal communication Traveling poets: Songs, Ballads, Epics
Homeric Age Homer: blind poet 700 B.C. – put Oral history into two epics Did he write these works? Theater at delphi
The Iliad The Iliad: Legend of Trojan War Paris (Troy) and Helen (Mycenaean): Fall in love and sail back to Troy together. Greeks attack Troy Helen and Paris in a loving embrace
The Trojan War Lasted 10 years. Greeks: build a wooden horse hid soldiers inside Attack: Troy is destroyed. Achilles: dies in battle Achilles dragging Hector behind his chariot.
The Odyssey The Odyssey: Aftermath of Trojan War Odysseus: Mycenaean King story of his journey home Travels for 10 years Gods cause problems Jacob Jodaens Odysseus (1600s)
Purpose of Greek Religion Explain Nature Explain emotions that interfered with self-control Bring benefits to Greeks
Greek Religious Beliefs Polytheistic Did not save Greeks from sin Afterlife– not a big concern Everyone went to gray gloomy underworld Underworld: Neither Punishment/ Reward Charon the Ferryman of Hades- depicted in Michelangelo’s fresco “The Last Judgment”- controversial for the use of Greek mythological figures in a Christian painting. Dead souls going to hell in the Christian context, the afterlife in the Greek
Greek Religion Myths – stories about gods & goddesses Mount Olympus: home of the gods Had human qualities Zeus: King of the Gods 9,570 ft, highest mountain in Greece
Greek Gods Uranus and Gaea: ruled the Earth Overthrown by Children Cronus/Titans Feared children: Ate them at birth Titans: Overthrown by kids Zeus/Olympians Cronus devouring Poseidon
Ruins of Temple of Zeus at Olympia
Olympic Games Held every 4 years: Honor Zeus 776 B.C.- Men only Please the gods Show strength and bravery 776 B.C.- Men only Boxing, Races, Javelin, Discus, Wrestling Winners: Received Olive Wreath (sacred; honor)
Ancient Olympic Stadiums
Stadium at Delphi
Greek Government Kings/Warrior chiefs Nobles/aristocrats Hoplite Tyrants Democracy
City-States Kings/Chieftains – ruled Relied on Aristocrats/Nobles pay for military support kings Aristocrats: gained power 700 B.C. kings overthrown by nobles
Aristocracy - “Rule by the Best” Nobles/Aristocrats Aristocracy - “Rule by the Best” Rule by noble class Control all aspects of life economy, military, religion, and laws 600 B.C. power weakens
Hoplite Non-aristocratic soldier Heavy infantry/long spears Rose to power b/c they could afford weapons Heavy infantry/long spears Hoplite Formation Important for city-state defense Farmers and Hoplite: demand change.
Tyrants Seized power- had support of the people 650-500 BC: ruled many city-states Absolute ruler abuses power Evolved into unjust rulers Overthrown
Democracy Popular governments set up Democracy: rule by the people People can actually rule themselves?!?! Democracy: rule by the people Political rights (citizenship) to few Many cities maintain aristocracy Ex.Sparta limited by the people