Empires of the Ancient World Define the following: 1. civilization 1. civilization 2. rule of law

Definitions 1.Civilization – complex, highly organized social order. 2. Rule of law - government by law. The rule of law implies that government authority may only be exercised in accordance with written laws, which were adopted through an established procedure.

Greek Civilization 1750 BC – 133 BC Early Minoan civilization –  the forerunner for Greece –began on the island of Crete, around 1700 BC. –Evidence shows extensive trade and a very advanced culture, which was exported to mainland Greece at Mycenaea. Mycenaea

Greek Civilization 1750 BC – 133 BC How did the geography of Greece present obstacles to a unified Greek country?

Minoan Civilization  Minoan Civilization was one of the earliest examples of what has come to be called Greek civilization.  Minoans were trading at the same time as the Phoenicians, Egyptians and Babylonians. The Minoan Civilization may have been the foundation for the story of Atlantis.

Mycenaeans 1600 BC – 1200 BC  Sea traders – beyond Aegean to Sicily, Italy, Egypt and Mesopotamia.  Warriors, living in several city states.  The Mycenaean city state became the mainland Greek civilization.  Best known for Trojan War.

Athens and Sparta Athens and Sparta 1200 – 0 BC Athens and Sparta  Greece itself was made up of separate city-states, which were constantly at war. city-states, which were constantly at war.  City-state: Political unit made up of a city and the surrounding lands.  Two major city-states: Athens and Sparta.

 Athens  Government:  Limited democracy (only male citizens could participate), Council of 500 which made the laws, voting Assembly.  Soldiers:  Citizen soldiers – only during wartime  Slaves:  No political rights or freedoms. Owned by individuals  Women:  Cared for the home, limited political rights.  Education:  Upper class boys only. Military training and preparation for government involvement. Knowledge was important for a democratic government.  Sparta  Government:  Two kings (military generals) and a council of elders. Citizens were male, native born, over 30.  Soldiers:  Military society, all males prepared to be soldiers from birth. Soldiers from age 7 – 30.  Slaves  Owned by the State  Women:  Prepared physically for fighting, right to inherit property, must obey men.  Education:  Boys only. Military based training from age 7. Taught to fight. Prohibition against trade, travel and mixing with other city-states.

Persian Wars 490 – 479 BC The Greek city-states did not unite until faced with a common enemy: Persia

Athens – Conquered by Sparta In 404 BC, Sparta attacked and conquered the fading Athenian empire in what came to be know as the Peloponnesian War. For the next century, fighting continued to dominate the Greek city-states. By 359 BC, the Macedonians from the north, under the leadership of Philip II invaded and conquered all of Greece.

The World of Alexander the Great 359 BC – 323 BC Philip of Macedonia   Philip conquered Greece in 359 BC   His next conquest was to be the Persian empire.   The Macedonian army was the most superbly trained in the world. It made use of the phalanx configuration.   Philip was assassinated before he could attack and conquer Persia.   His son, Alexander (20)– took the throne.

Over the course of the next eleven years, Alexander proceeded to conquer the entire Persian empire. When Xerxes surrendered, Alexander took over all of his realm and his possessions. Alexander even married Xerxes daughter! What are some of the similarities and differences of the extent of Alexander’s Empire as opposed to the Persian Empire? Alexander

Upon the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, his empire began to divide and dissolve. However, Alexander left behind a legacy of Greek thought, language and custom that survives in part today. The Legacy of Alexander   Local cultures assimilated Greek ideas and language. They became Hellenic – or “Greek like” The Hellenistic Age is the age of world wide Greek culture after Alexander.   Left behind the idea that all people are morally equal. Aided in the spread of Christianity.   Encouraged the work of scholars. Built libraries all over the empire – especially at Alexandria, Egypt. Emphasized mathematics, medicine, science and philosophy.

The Roman World The earliest of the Roman civilizations were the Etruscans. With the fall of Hellenic influence, the Etruscans conquered all of the Italian peninsula. Their competition for control of the Mediterranean Sea were the Carthaginians in Africa. After three wars with the Carthaginians – called the Punic Wars – the Romans emerged as the supreme rulers of the Mediterranean area.

The Republic of Rome  Define Republic  Republic: System of government in which officials are elected by the people.  Senate: Most powerful governing body. 300 members – all patricians. Made the laws.  First laws codified into the Twelve Tables  Two Consuls – elected by Senate. Ran the government and the army.  Tribunes – elected by the people (plebeians)  Judges – Oversaw courts cases

Julius Caesar and the Empire of Rome  Caesar conquers Gaul What is Gaul called today?  France  First Triumvirate: Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus  Caesar defeats Pompey in a civil war after Crassus dies in battle.  Caesar pursues Pompey to Egypt where he meets Cleopatra and has a child with her.  Caesar becomes dictator of Rome  Caesar is assassinated by the Senate he tried to displace.  Rome plunges into Civil War.  Marc Anthony and Cleopatra are defeated by Augustus.  Augustus ends all hope for a further Roman empire.

Rome at its Height 60 – 400 AD

Pax Romana  Pax Romana, Latin for "the Roman peace", is the long period of peace experienced by states within the Roman Empire. –The term stems from the fact that Roman rule and its legal system pacified regions which had suffered from the quarrels between rival leaders, sometimes forcefully. –During this time Rome still fought a number of wars against neighboring states and tribes, most notably the Germanic tribes and Parthia. –It was an era of relative tranquility, in which Rome endured neither major civil wars, such as the perpetual bloodshed of the first century BC, nor serious invasions. –Characterized by rule by emperors and a lack of democracy. – Strong military presence.

The Roman Achievement  Roman Roads - As early as the 4th century BC, a good road system was recognized as vital for military deployment, communication and increasing commerce. By having an option to traveling around the peninsula or along the coast line of Italy, travelers and merchants could avoid some threat of storms, pirates and navigational problems.  Well trained and extensive military. Because the military presence on Roman roads was so extensive, travel and trade were safer and much faster.  Roman rule of law - An accused person is innocent until proven guilty.

The Roman Achievement

 Aqueducts – Roman water systems often carried water to cities from mountain streams hundreds of miles away. Only a highly organized civilization with advanced technology could create such a system. Aqueducts

The Roman Achievement  Highly sophisticated public buildings and baths. public buildings baths public buildings baths

Roman Architecture Coliseum Roman Amphitheatre

Temple to Bacchus Temple in Southern Italy

Greek Architecture

Acropolis A Greek Temple