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Classical Greece and Rome
Chapter 4 Classical Greece and Rome
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Overview These civilizations did not dominate the classical period
China and India rival them in terms of their effect on world history C. 800 through 476 CE Institutions and values that reverberated throughout Europe and its colonies Greek and Roman political, social, and economic institutions have some similarities, but many unique aspects
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The First Persian Empire (c. 550-330 BCE)
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The Persian Tradition Cyrus the Great
550 BCE Freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity Influenced in some degree Greece and Rome Absorbed some attributes of early Mesopotamian societies Zoroastrianism Advance halted by Greece (300 Spartans) Xerxes Toppled by Alexander Darius III Replaced by Sassanid Empire during the time of Imperial Rome
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Patterns in Greek History
Crete Influenced by Egyptian culture and art, BCE Mycenae Southern Greek kingdom, 1400 BCE Rise of the Greek polis: 800 to 600 BCE High point under Athenian Pericles Direct democracy by citizens Role of geography Common cultural forms and written language The Olympics Defeat of the Persian invasion, 500 to 449 BCE Peloponnesian Wars, 431 to 440 BCE Rise of Macedon
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Greece during the Peloponnesian War
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Alexander the Great Alexander united Greece and Persia
Died at 33 in Babylon Empire split among his generals Hellenism The spread of Greek philosophy, art, and architecture throughout the Middle East
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Alexander’s Empire
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Rome’s Rise As Hellenism declined, Rome ascended to power 753 BCE
Rome founded as a monarchy Conquered and/or assimilated nearby territories 509 BCE Republic founded Militaristic culture Punic Wars, 264 to 146 BCE Rome became the strongest power in the Mediterranean region
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Caesar and Empire Marian military reforms
Soldiers more loyal to generals than to the state The poor became a greater voice in politics Caesar emerged victorious after conquering Gaul then decades of civil war Assassinated in 44 BCE Adopted Octavian posthumously Octavian emerged victorious after more civil war in 27 BCE Established the basics for centuries of Imperial rule Pax Romana Closed the doors of the Temple of Janus Through the reign of Marcus Aurelius, 180 CE
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Roman Empire
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Fall Western Roman Empire “conquered” in 476 CE
Economic deterioration Non-Romans in the army Constant invasions Borders were too extensive No more land to distribute to veterans Christianity Social mobility Constantine had moved the capital to Byzantium
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Greek and Roman Politics
Favored aristocratic rule with elements of democracy “Citizens” were the minority The important role of politics is similar to Confucianism Less cohesive than China; smaller bureaucracy Numerous types of political systems is reflective of Classical India Classical Mediterranean politics stressed duties of the citizen, ethics, and skills such as oratory Government allowed the practice of numerous religious faiths as long as loyalty to the state was first Women had no right of political participation As mothers or wives, some did have influence Bread and circuses Political legacies: intense loyalty to the state, preference for aristocratic rule, distaste for monarchy, and the development of a uniform set of legal principles to unite many lands, property law
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Religion Greeks and Romans did not create a significant world religion
Complex set of deities regulated human life Along with India, reflected the common heritage of Indo-European invaders Practical approach Lessons that illustrated human passions and flaws Modeled few ethical behaviors The appeal of Christianity Lack of spiritual passion did not satisfy workers, peasants, and slaves Paganism lacked ethical codes Greek/Roman philosophy highly influenced Christianity Moral independence, moderation, personal bravery
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Culture Philosophy played a large role, especially among aristocracy
Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, etc. Allegory of the cave Taught the importance of moderation and balance Socrates Taught to question conventional wisdom with logical Science Geometry, anatomy, engineering Aqueducts, roads, grand structures Art Sculpture, architecture, plays, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Aeneid Architecture Doric, Ionic, Corinthian orders The arch Practicality
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Economics and Society Most Greeks and Romans were subsistence farmers
Commercial agriculture fueled empire building Large landlords imposed heavy fees/burdens on their farmers Farmers depended on their landlords for protection Olives and grapes became the predominant crops in Italy and Greece The requirements for these crops allowed landlords even more power Extensive trade Merchant class made up the second highest social order in Rome Romans were masters of engineering Slavery was pervasive Family was a tight social structure Men in clear control Women better off than in China
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Comparison of the Three Classical Civilizations
Similarities: Empire development Agriculture economy Each supported scientific developments Clear social strata Elites were far separated from the masses Differences: Social mobility Least: India; Most: Rome Mediterranean society focused on civic duty Indian society focused on good behavior leading to better reincarnation Chinese society focused promoted obedience and self- restraint Indian and Chinese culture structures survived longer because of Christianity’s absence
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Greater Connection Greeks established a widespread colonial and trading network Peaked with Alexander, declined rapidly Romans were much more aware of a greater world Chinese goods traded in Rome Romans only interested in material goods, not Chinese technology or governance
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