Greeks and Romans Unit Target: I can read and analyze a variety of types of literature. Daily Target: I will learn the history of the Greeks and Romans before reading their mythology.

The Ancient Greeks ( B.C.) We study them because they have had a HUGE impact on Western culture. Why do we study the Ancient Greeks? Even today, company logos and names are taken from Greek mythology. They discovered mathematical equations we use to determine everyday measurements. Many of our English words have Greek roots. They designed architecture we mimic today. In short, they were an important civilization with lasting effects.

The Greeks: Time Periods So when did the Greeks live? There were four basic time periods or “ages”: Archaic Age (100 to 800 B.C) Lyric Age (800 to 500 B.C.) Golden Age/Age of Pericles (400 to 300 B.C.) Hellenistic Age (325 B.C. to 100 B.C.) The Golden Age is considered the high point of Greek culture. Drama, architecture, sculpture, and music flourished during this time period.

The Greeks: Location Where did the Greeks live? The most important Greek city was Athens. Athens is like New York, Hollywood, and Washington, D.C. combined.

The Greeks: People What were the Greek people like? The Greeks had an attitude of “this-worldliness” meaning they didn’t believe in an after life so they wanted to make this life the best it could possibly be. Ever heard the expression, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you may die?” That could easily be the life motto of the ancient Greeks.

The Greeks: Architecture The Greeks were very logical in their thinking. They were all about balance and order. For example, take a look at their most famous building: the Parthenon. 220 by 90 feet, the Parthenon was built during the Golden Age as a temple for the goddess Athena. It was mathematically designed to be supported by the columns. Each piece is exact and measured.

The Greeks ( B.C.) Why are we talking about the Greeks? We are going to study Greek mythology.

The Greeks: Religion The Greeks did not believe in one god, but many gods. These gods were just like humans, only a little wiser and with more physical strength. A different god was created for every aspect of nature and human activity, so the Greek citizens did not depend on one for all of their needs. The gods themselves, because they were like humans, were always capable to making mistakes and could not always be trusted.

The Greeks: Religon Mythology has three basic purposes: 1.To explain early science 2.To teach a lesson 3.To entertain These stories brought together both men and gods. The gods existed in and among the humans.

The Greeks ( B.C.) Famous Greeks: Pythagoras Sophocles Socrates PlatoAristotle

The Ancient Romans (100 B.C.-A.D. 500) The Greek civilization began to decay by about 100 B.C. and in came the Romans. The Romans believed that it was their mission to bring law and order to the world, so they went on great and grand conquests to take over the world. One by one the Greek cities fell to the Romans. And the Romans, rather than create their own culture, stole the Greek culture and made it their own. When they captured a city, the Romans would steal the art and hang in their own homes. When there wasn’t any more art to steal, the Roman stole the artists to create art in the Grecian style.

The Romans: Location Where did the Romans live? The most important city was….Rome!

The Romans: People What were the Romans like? The Romans were mainly concerned with increasing power and control—that is controlling land and money. They placed more faith in their army than any gods. The Romans, like the Greeks, were also “this-worldly” And they didn’t just steal art from the Greeks. They also stole their gods and mythology, making only a few modifications.

The Romans (100 B.C.-A.D. 500) ZeusJupiter HadesPluto Poseidon Neptune

The Romans: Architecture When the Romans stole from the Greeks, they were able to make improvements that make the Romans famous for their technology. The Romans built roads, aquaducts, and drainage systems. These innovations allowed them to be more powerful by increasing communication and control. The Romans also took the Greek columns and pediments and turned into the Roman arch, a HUGE innovation.

The Romans (100 B.C.-A.D. 500) The most famous Roman building is the Colosseum, a huge stadium used for the Roman sporting events.

The Romans (100 B.C.-A.D. 500) Famous Romans: Julius Caesar Hadrian Caesar Augustus Nero Constantine the Great