Mediterranean Society: The Greek Phase Chapter 10 Mediterranean Society: The Greek Phase

Classical Greece, 800-350 B.C.E.

Persian Wars (500-479 B.C.E.) Revolt against Persian empire, 500 B.C.E., in Ionia Athens supports with ships Athenians rout Persian army in 490 B.C.E at battle of Marathon.

The Polis City-state – main political structure of ancient Greeks. Highly independent character Monarchies “Tyrant,” not necessarily oppressive, usually general or politician who gained power by irregular means Early democracies

Sparta Athens Highly militarized society Subjugated peoples: helots Military society developed to control threat of rebellion Athens Development of early democracy Contrast Athenian style of government with Spartan militarism

The Delian League The Peloponnesian War Poleis create Delian League to forestall more Persian attacks Led by Athens The Peloponnesian War Civil war in Greece, 431-404 B.C.E. Poleis allied with either Athens or Sparta

Kingdom of Macedon Frontier region to north of Peloponnesus King Philip II (r. 359-336 B.C.E.) builds massive military 350 B.C.E., encroaches on Greek poleis to the south; controls region by 338 B.C.E.

Alexander of Macedon “Alexander the Great,” son of Philip II Rapid expansion throughout Mediterranean basin Invasion of Persia successful Turned back in India when exhausted troops mutinied

Alexander’s Empire, ca. 323 B.C.E.

The Hellenistic Empires After Alexander’s death, empire divided into three: Antigonid Ptolemic Seleucid Philosophers Socrates Plato Aristotle

Greek Theology Polytheism Zeus principal god

Hellenistic Philosophies Epicureans Pleasure, distinct from Hedonists Skeptics Doubted possibility of certainty in anything Stoics Duty, virtue Emphasis on inner peace

Mediterranean Society: The Roman Phase Chapter 11 Mediterranean Society: The Roman Phase

Social Conflict Patricians (aristocrats) Plebeians (commoners) Major class conflict, fifth century B.C.E. Plebeians allowed to elect tribunes for representation Rights expanded through third century B.C.E. Constitution allowed for dictators to be appointed in times of crisis

The Punic Wars Julius Caesar Conflict with Carthage, 264-146 B.C.E. Rome dominates Mediterranean by middle of second century B.C.E. Julius Caesar Rises in popularity Public spectacles, victories in Gaul Attacks Rome 49 B.C.E. Names self dictator for life in 46 B.C.E.

The Roman Empire, ca. 117 C.E.

Pax Romana: “Roman Peace” Facilitated trade, communication Roadwork Curbs Drainage Flat paving stones Milestones Postal service

Cross-Cultural Exchanges Chapter 12: Cross-Cultural Exchanges on the Silk Roads

Trade in the Hellenistic World Bactria/India Spices, pepper, cosmetics, gems, pearls Persia, Egypt Grain Mediterranean Wine, oil, jewelry, art Development of professional merchant class

The Silk Roads 200 BCE – 30 CE

Diocletian (r. 284-305 CE) Divided empire into two administrative districts Co-Emperors, dual Lieutenants “Tetrarchs” Currency, budget reform Relative stability disappears after Diocletian's death, civil war follows Constantine emerges victorious

Fall of the Roman Empire: External Factors Visigoths, influenced by Roman law, Christianity Formerly buffer states for Roman Empire Attacked by Huns under Attila in 5th c. CE Massive migration of Germanic peoples into Roman Empire The Visigoth Alaric sacked Rome in 410 CE, established Germanic emperor Odovacer in 476 CE

Internal Decay of the Han State Formation of factions Marriage alliances reduced effectiveness of central government Problem of land distribution Large landholders develop private armies Epidemics Peasant rebellions 184 CE Yellow Turban Rebellion