1. 8/22 EQ: Why are some Civilizations considered “classic”?
Do Now: (on your handout)
Create a list of things that you might describe as being “classic”.
What do these things have in common?
Why are they called “Classics”?

2. Some Classics…. Stand the test of time Are well respected
Other people have tried to copy them, but can’t quite do it

3. The Classical Civilizations and Empires
Greece
Rome
India
China

4. Classical Civilizations
Each civilization was influenced by its geographic setting
All had strong, well-organized governments and prosperous economies
Each made important contributions
Art
Science
Architecture
Law
Religion
Government
Developed global trade routes which prompted the sharing of ideas and technology and spurred cultural diffusion which is the mixing and blending of cultures

5. Greece Organized into city-states (polis) Athens and Sparta
1750 B.C. – 133 B.C.
Organized into city-states (polis)
Athens and Sparta
Alexander the Great and Hellenistic culture

6. Rome
509 B.C. – 476 A.D.
Established a new form of government called a Republic
Pax Romana – period of peace and prosperity
Laws of the Twelve Tables

7. India
Aryans
Caste System
Hinduism
Mauryan Empire
Ahsoka
Buddhism

8. China Zhou Dynasty Qin Dynasty Han Dynasty 1028 B.C. – 220 A.D.
Mandate of Heaven
Confucius
Qin Dynasty
Great Wall of China
Han Dynasty
Silk Road