1. Ancient and Classical Greece

3. Before City-States Minoans-named after the King of Crete, Minos
Great civilization with trade
Volcanoes in 1628 BCE
Crete was conquered by the Mycenaeans of the mainland- about 1400 BCE
Adopted many elements of Minoan society
By 1200 BCE earthquakes and warfare destroyed many cities
During the 800s and 700s BCE development of city-states

4. Polis (City State)
The Polis or City-State grew around a fort, its city and the surrounding land
The Polis came to represent the center of Greek identity
Absolutely independent and self-sufficient
Most city-states had fewer than 10,000 people
Most of whom were slaves or non-citizens
Citizens loved their Polis

5. From Kings to Democracy
Chieftains relied on wealthy land owners
Aristocrats “best men”
By 700 BCE overthrew chieftan
By 600 BCE others could afford weapons and armor
Hoplites emerged
Tyrants take power between 650 BCE and 500 BCE
During the 150 years after, many city-states overthrew tyrants
The idea of popular government took root
The idea that people can and should rule themselves

7. Athens the Birthplace of Democracy
Located on one of the least fertile areas in Greece
Turned to the sea
Introduction of coins made trade even easier
Citizens formed the top group of Athenian society
Rich or poor did not matter…unless you were a female
Emerged as the first democracy in the history of the world
Democracy- rule of the people
Council of 500
Made up of 50 men from 10 Athenian tribes
Served for 1 year, no more than twice
proposed laws to the Assembly

9. Athens Cont. The assembly Courts became more democratic
Any citizen could attend and vote (sort of)
Courts became more democratic
Jury chosen by lot
Votes were cast by secret ballet
Education was to produce
citizens trained in the arts in
preparation for both war and peace

10. Education in Athens
Until the age of 6 or 7, boys were taught at home by their mother or by a male slave.
Boys attended elementary school from around 6 or 7 until they were 13 or 14
Poorer boys stopped school, wealthier boys studied with philosophers
Split into two groups
At 18 boys trained for two years in military
Girls-no school

11. Men and Women and Slaves
The men talked politics, exercised and perofrmed military duty. Some sat in assembly or served as jurors.
The women stayed at home, spinning, and weaving, and completing household chores. Never seen in public
Possibly 100,000 slaves in Athens providing labor on farms, dug silver and other metals in mines, assisted artisans making pottery and weapons.

12. Sparta: The Military Ideal
By the late 1100s BCE, invaders overran Peloponnesus and conquered the village that would become Sparta
Conquered people became helots
Three social groups: equals
half citizens, helots

14. Spartan Government Broken into multiple parts
Two kings: one for armies, the other for home
Council of Elders: 28 men over age of 60, proposed law and served as court
Assembly: all males over 30, voted or rejected laws
Ephors: complete control over education, made sure kings stayed in check

15. Spartan military/education
Sparta’s goal was to produce a strong army built on discipline and self-denial.
From birth, life was controlled by the city
Unhealthy looking newborns left to perish
At 6 or 7, boys went to the barracks to begin training
Taught survival skills and military tactics…and reading
Between 18-20, had to pass test showing fitness, leadership and martial skills
failing meant becoming a half-citizen

16. Military/Education cont.
Girls were sent to the barracks at 6 or 7
Taught gymnastics, wrestling and combat skills
At the age of 18 took exam to demonstrate fitness and skills.
Failing meant half-citizenship
Allowed to move around at will, enjoyed lots of freedom because husbands did not live at home
Devoted to city-state.