1. Modern-day Greece in red
I. Geography of Greece
Modern-day Greece in red

2. I. Geography of Greece Geographical Characteristics:
Mountainous peninsula- influences development of city-states rather than unified kingdom
Lack of arable (farmable) land & fresh water- causes Anc. Greeks to become reliant on sea
Moderate climate year-round- allows for Anc. Greeks to live and work outside rather than indoors
Resources:
Sea- for food & trade
Greeks establish colonies around the Mediterranean to gain resources they do not have at home

3. II. Political Features The Polis & Forms of Government
Politically divided into city-states, the two most famous being Sparta and Athens
Each develops own form of government
Citizens gather in acropolis or marketplace (agora) to discuss politics
Sometimes tyrants seized power with the support of the poor
Generally not harsh or cruel rulers (unlike today)
Often created jobs & housing for supporters through building programs

4. II. Political Features B. The Road to Athenian Democracy
594 BCE
Solon reforms Draco’s code
His changes
No citizen can be owned by another citizen (end of debt slavery)
All citizens participate in assembly
Any citizen can bring chargers against wrongdoers
Citizens can appeal verdicts from judges
Divides citizens into 4 social classes based on wealth
B. The Road to Athenian Democracy
621 BCE
Legal code developed by Draco, Athenian ruler & law giver.
His Code
all Athenians are equal under the law,
punishment for almost every law is death,
allows debt slavery to be enforced.
Additionally, Athenian citizens were required to serve in the military. Citizens were expected to participate in the government & were looked down upon for not participating.
Anc. Greek ballots
BCE
Pericles strengthens democracy
His changes
Increases number of political offices that are paid salaries
Increases number of citizens who participate in gov’t
Introduces direct democracy- citizens rule directly
Assembly (all citizens) had power over every state decision
Requires both parents of citizens to be Athenian
500 BCE
Cleisthenes created limited democracy with more reforms.
His changes
Breaks up power of nobles
Only wealthy can afford to participate in gov’t
All citizens can submit laws for debate & passage
Created the Council of Five Hundred (proposed laws & counseled assembly)
Council members chosen by lot (randomly)
Defines citizens in Athens- free, adult males with at least one Athenian parent

5. II. Political Features C. Greco-Persian Wars
Greek cities in Ionia rebelled against Persian rule
Athens sent help to rebels
490 BCE- Persians land outside Marathon to get revenge on Athens
Athens defeats Persians at Battle of Marathon & Persians retreat
480 BCE Persians try again to conquer Athens
Athens burned by Persians
Persians defeated in naval battle
Athens rises to power as head of Delian League

6. II. Political Features D. Peloponnesian War
Athens is most powerful city-state in Greece from BCE
Experiences Golden Age at this time (see Culture & Legacy section)
Many cities in southern Greece, lead by Sparta, band together, forming the Peloponnesian League
Wanted to stop Athens from growing stronger
Sparta declares War on Athens in 431 BCE
Truce signed in 421 BCE
415 BCE truce ends when Athens sends troops to attack an ally of Sparta
Athens surrenders in 404 BCE

7. II. Political Features D. Alexander the Great
King of Macedonia (Greek city-state)
359 BCE his father Phillip II begins to conquer other Greek city-states
336 BCE Phillip II dies & Alexander becomes king at age 20
334 BCE- invades Persia & begins conquest
332 BCE- conquers Egypt & Persian Empire with capture of its capital city
326 BCE- begins conquest of Indus Valley
Low morale amongst troops b/c were fighting for 11 years & were 11,000 miles from home
323 BCE in Babylon- contracts fever & dies without an heir.
Empire divided between four generals

8. II. Culture & Legacy Religious/Philosophical Characteristics
Polytheistic pantheon of gods and goddesses, personified nature and explained the human condition
Great philosophical traditions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Both are were adopted by the Romans & influenced later societies

9. II. Culture & Legacy Math, Science & Technology
Work in mathematics (Pythagoras)
Hellenistic culture celebrated the human experience and human body
Stressed science, astronomy, & medicine (Galen and Hippocrates)
Notable creation of architecture using columns and sculpture

10. II. Culture & Legacy Art, Architecture, Literature & Entertainment
Architectural achievements to the Greeks were built upon by later Romans- Doric, Ionic & Corinthian columns, sculpture
Great epic poems Iliad and Odyssey stressed the value of THE HERO
Creation of drama (comedy and tragedy)
Olympic games
Optional Video: The Ancient Origins of the Olympics TedTalk

11. Lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt
II. Culture & Legacy
Hellenistic Culture ( BCE)
Formed after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE
Blend of Greek, Persian, Indian & Egyptian cultures
Several scientific & mathematical innovations made with knowledge from previous empires/civilizations by men like Eratosthenes, Euclid, & Archimedes
Rise of Stoicism- philosophy that teaches that people should live virtuous lives in harmony with the will of god or ​​ the natural laws that God established to run the universe.
Lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt