Beginning of Democracy Presentation 4: Ancient Greeks

Impact of Geography Ancient civilization in Greece was shaped by its unique geography. Mountains created valleys, and hundreds of rocky islands extended from the coast. Independent city-states formed in these isolated islands and valleys. Rivalries between city-states often led to war.

The sea was a link to the outside world. Greeks became skilled sailors.

Origins of Greek Civilization Three groups contributed to the development of Greek culture. Features Minoans Mycenaeans Dorians Great sailors of this early civilization impacted the Mycenaeans These warrior/traders built the earliest cities in isolated valleys and seaports…This is called the Heroic Age Fierce invaders that destroyed most of Mycenaean civilization, this led to a “Dark Age”

Contributions of Homer during the Dark Age Homer was a storyteller/poet who is credited with two epic poems about Greek heroes His work helped preserve Greek values during this period, and laid a foundation for Greek civilization to revive The Iliad tells about the Trojan War and the adventures of Achilles, the mightiest Greek warrior. The Odyssey tells about the struggle of the Greek hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the war.

After the Dark Age Greeks developed the “polis”, or city- state with one of four types of government Description of Type of Government Monarchy Aristocracy Oligarchy Democracy a hereditary ruler exercises central power rule by a hereditary landholding elite (noble class) a government in which power is in the hands of a small, wealthy elite A government where decisions are made by the citizens, although this developed over time into direct democracy

In each Greek polis, the city was built on two levels, with an acropolis on the top of a hill and a walled main city below. In the main city, the market-place, or agora, was a gathering place where male citizens met to discuss issues and government The citizens, or free residents, of cities, shared responsibilities and debated ideas. Male landowners held all of the political power. As forms of government evolved, and new weapons were available (iron weapons), new warfare methods also emerged. Affordable iron weapons replaced bronze, increasing the power of the middle class. Soldiers trained to fight in a phalanx, and this training created unity.

A typical Greek phalanx Heavily armored infantry fought in dense formations to better utilize the protection afforded by the large round shield.

Phalanx warfare put defense of a city-state into the hands of ordinary citizens. At the same time, it led to two influential city-states developing different ways of life.  Athens glorified the individual and extended rights to more citizens.  This is the birthplace of democracy (self- government)  Sparta stressed military virtues and strong discipline.  This military state started boys at age seven to prepare them for life-long military service.

Greek Civilization Despite divisions and rivalries among city- states, Greeks did share a common culture. The Olympic games are one of the best examples. They all spoke the same language. They shared the same mythology, and prayed to the same gods, including Zeus. They shared a sense of superiority over foreigners.

Greek culture eventually clashed with the large Persian Empire. This resulted in the Persian Wars

The Persian invasions ended when the Greeks defeated them on land and sea. Athens emerged from the war as the most powerful city-state. It organized a formal alliance with other Greek city-states called the Delian League. Athens used its leadership position to create an empire, dominating the other members. This soon led other Greeks to appeal to Sparta for help. A devastating civil war, the Peloponnesian War, broke out between Athens, Sparta, and their allies, which Sparta won. This weakened the Greeks which made it easier for them to be conquered.

Glory of Athens  Greek philosophers used observation and reason to discover the causes for events.  They rejected the idea that everything was caused by the whims of the gods.  Athens enjoyed its ‘golden age” during the leadership of Pericles.  It was at this point that Athens developed into a direct democracy.  Athens became the cultural center of Greece, encouraging the arts through festivals and building programs.