The Legacy of Classical Greece In this lesson, students will be able to identify accomplishments of classical Greek civilization. Democracy Parthenon Socrates Pythagoras V. Oliver

A classical civilization is a civilization that has given the world important ideas and inventions that people still use today. V. Oliver

Pericles’ Three Goals for Athens Wise statesmen, Pericles led Athens during its golden age Popular politician, respectful general, inspiring speaker- led for 32 years, known as Age of Pericles Had 3 goals for Athens: 1) strengthen Athenian democracy 2) to hold and strengthen the empire 3) glorify Athens V. Oliver

#1 Strengthen Democracy To become a stronger democracy, Pericles increased number of paid public officials More citizens became involved in government than any other city-state, but limited to citizens Direct democracy- citizens rule directly, not through representatives, important legacy to Pericles V. Oliver

#2 Hold and Strengthen the Empire Pericles used money from the Delian League to build Athens’ 200 ship navy into strongest in the Mediterranean Strong navy helped strengthen the safety of the empire Prosperity depended on gaining access to surrounding water ways and overseas trade for grain and other materials V. Oliver

#3 Glorify Athens Pericles also used money from Delian League (without approval) to pay for: 1) the building of the Parthenon- took 15 years for a group of artisans to create 2) buy gold, silver and marble V. Oliver

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Architecture The Greeks built temples with beautiful columns. Greek architecture still influences people today. Many government buildings in the United States are modeled after Greek temples. V. Oliver

The Parthenon was a Greek temple to the goddess, Athena. Notice the use of columns. V. Oliver

Classical Greek Philosophy The ancient Greeks were the first students of philosophy. They wanted to know the meaning of life and how people should live. Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle still influence people today. Socrates encouraged people to think for themselves and to ask questions. V. Oliver

The Greek Mathematicians The ancient Greeks also made advances in mathematics. Pythagoras, Euclid, and Archimedes were important Greek mathematicians. The Pythagorean theorem examines the relationship between the three sides of a right triangle. V. Oliver

The ancient Greeks were the first people to perform plays and write comedies and dramas. V. Oliver

Questions for Reflection: Define legacy. List two important contributions of the ancient Greeks to the modern world. How do Greek ideas concerning government still influence us today? How do Greek ideas concerning architecture still influence us today? Why is ancient Greece considered a classical civilization? V. Oliver

Alexander the Great V. Oliver In this lesson, students will identify the contributions of Alexander the Great to world history. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Alexander the Great Macedonia Hellenism V. Oliver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtJoz743AyQ V. Oliver

Greece’s neighbor to the north is Macedonia. V. Oliver

Philip II Philip II was a king of Macedonia. In 338 B.C., he conquered the Greek city- states. After his successful conquest of the Greeks, he planned to conquer Persia. However, he died before he could realize his plan. V. Oliver

After the death of Philip II, his son, Alexander, set out to conquer the world. Alexander quickly conquered Asia Minor, Egypt, and Babylon. By 330 B.C., he defeated all of the Persian armies. Alexander moved his army all the way to the Indus River. Alexander the Great V. Oliver

Alexander the Great was only 32 when he died. For 13 years, he had ruled a vast empire. V. Oliver

After the death of Alexander the Great, his vast empire was divided among his generals. V. Oliver

Hellenism Alexander the Great spread Greek culture throughout his empire. As Greek culture spread eastward, it blended with other cultures. This blend of eastern and western cultures is called Hellenism. Hellenism comes from the Greek word “Hellas”, which means “their own land.” V. Oliver

Hellenism is a Greek like culture. V. Oliver

Hellenistic Culture V. Oliver Hellenistic culture shaped the Mediterranean world for nearly 300 years. However, Alexander’s dream of creating an enduring empire with one government did not come true. After Alexander’s death, the Romans eventually realized this dream V. Oliver

Alexander the Great spread Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world. V. Oliver

Questions for Reflection: Where is Macedonia located? List two accomplishments of Alexander the Great. Why did Alexander’s soldiers want to return home after invading the Indus River Valley? What happened to Alexander’s empire after his death? Why did this happen? Define Hellenism. V. Oliver