Ancient Greece and Rome

Greece Developed democracy Important discoveries in science Wrote stories and plays that continue to be performed today Excellent sailors Made up of over 100 city-states Two important city-states were Athens and Sparta

Athens Every citizen had the right to vote Free-born males whose fathers held Athenian citizenship were citizens Developed the idea that people had a voice in how they are ruled

Philosophy Philosophy – “the love of wisdom” Philosophers were people who discussed, debated, and studied wisdom Three great philosophers were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Socrates a philosopher who taught by asking questions A well-known teacher in Athens Was charged with impiety (not respecting the gods) and corrupting youth

Plato A student of Socrates Started the Academy in Athens – a school that operated for more than 900 years Did not believe in democracy – believed that the best and the wisest should rule Believed that the government should raise all children

Aristotle Greatest scientist of the Ancient world Believed in using logic and reason to explain events in nature Studies at Plato’s Academy Was hired by King Philip to teach 13 year old Alexander (Alexander the Great) Opened a school called Lyceum – a center of research on astronomy, zoology, geography, geology, physics, and anatomy His ideas formed the basis of modern science

Alexander the Great King of Macedonia A military genius Was crowned Pharaoh of Egypt Carried ideas of the Greeks and their love for learning throughout his empire Founded Alexandria – a center of learning and culture in Egypt

Rome Had a two house (bicameral) government – upper house and lower house U.S. followed this example Created many roads throughout the empire – still used today Created aqueducts to bring water to the city – still used today Built huge stadiums called amphitheaters – used for entertainment Greatest Roman Achievement – sewer system

Julius Caesar Powerful military leader Elected dictator of Rome in 46BC Killed by the Senate in 44BC

Caesar Augustus Restored peace and order to Rome Built massive roads and bridges, government buildings, and huge public baths Began a 200 year period known as Pax Romana During Pax Romana Rome was the most powerful state in Europe

Middle Ages In AD476, warriors attacked the city of Rome The fall of Rome marks the end of ancient history Middle Ages began – Medieval Times Often called the “Dark Ages” because life was very hard Christianity became people’s source of hope during this time

Constantine First Christian emperor Moved his capital from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium Renamed the capital Constantinople

Feudalism A way to organize society when there was no central government Lord – noble who owned land Vassal - a person who was granted possession of the land by the lord Fief – the land Serf – farmed the land