Agenda Greek government and society Greek government and society Review for Quiz Review for Quiz
Polis Polis Acropolis Acropolis Agora Agora Myth Myth Oracle Oracle Hoplite Hoplite Aristocracy Aristocracy Oligarchy Oligarchy Tyrant/Tyranny Tyrant/Tyranny Popular Government/Democracy Popular Government/Democracy
A. Most people were illiterate, so communication was spoken (oral). B. Travelling poets sang ballads, folk songs, or epics. C. Homer 1. Iliad – epic poem about the Trojan War 2. Odyssey – epic poem about Odysseus’ journey after the Trojan War.
D. Religion – polytheistic – not focussed on personal morality. 1. Explain nature 2. Explain emotions (self-control is important) 3. Gave benefits now – not after life (Hades) 4. Myths – stories about gods, goddesses or heroes. a. e.g. Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Dionysus b. Oracles – priest or priestess through whom the gods spoke. E. Olympic Games – held every 4 years to honor Zeus
A. Aristocracy – government run by wealthy landowners – literally “rule by the best” – “aristocrats” or “best men”. B. Hoplite – non-aristocrat who could afford armor – became the heavy infantry of much of Greece – began to gain power and demand more say in government. C. Tyrants – not originally a bad name – just someone who had taken over power illegally. Many ruled well – but eventually they became brutal and unjust. D. Popular government – democracy – developed, especially in Athens.