I. Geography A. Located in what is today southeastern Europe

B. Mountainous and rugged terrain C. Over 5000 islands D. Surrounded by bodies of water: Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Ionian Sea, Sea of Crete

E. Greeks referred to their land as Hellas and to themselves as Hellenes F. The geography of Greece led to political fragmentation

II. History A. First established Greek city-states also known as the polis. Examples include Athens and Sparta and others.

B. The polis consisted of the town, houses and the acropolis (a type of marketplace) but also a center for public discussions, often times about government. C. City-States had different forms of government

D. Classical Greece peaked at about 500 BC. Athens became the model for other city-states.

E. During the Classical Period, city-states went to war with each other and with the Persians.

F. During the Classical Period, although Greece was at war most of the time, politics, philosophy, and the arts flourished.

III. Examples of different forms of government in city-states A. Monarchy: rule by one B. Aristocracy: ruled by the nobility C. Oligarchy: rule by a few D. Democracy: rule by the people

IV. Citizens versus Non-Citizens A. Citizens: Adult males (depending on the city-state, to be considered a citizen you had to serve time in the military) B. Non-Citizens: Slaves, former slaves, serfs and women

V. Culture A. Art B. Drama C. Architecture D. Philosophy

VI. Scientific Contributions A. Mathematics B. Technology (origins of this word can be traced to the Greek word “technikos”)

VII. Greek World A. Greek culture spread throughout the Mediterranean region and beyond. B. Greek culture still influences the world today