The Rise of Greek City-States The Polis 1750 B.C. - 133 B.C.
The Geography of Greece
Greek Polis or City-state Small populations in each polis Men became involved in politics Men became citizens not subjects Evolution of polis government Between 750B.C. and 500 B.C. Ruler of polis – monarchy [1] Nobles/Landowners – aristocracy [10] Wealthy Merchants – oligarchy [100] Citizen-soldiers – democracy [1000]
Geography shapes the Polis Valleys and Islands Small, independent city-states (polis) developed / NO LARGE Empire Endless rivalry between city-states (polis) Mediterranean and Aegean Seas Greeks skilled at sailing Seas link to rest of world
Greek Polytheism Common Cultural aspects of every Greek city-state = religion, language, Olympics Acropolis Center of each Greek city-state Beliefs in many gods/goddesses NO HUMAN SACRIFICES Imitated by the Romans with only name changes to the gods/goddesses
Greek Polis or City-state ATHENS Golden Age of Western Civilization Cultural Achievements Art and Architecture Science and Math Philosophy and Politics.
Athens vs. Sparta Who was better?
SPARTA
SPARTA Helots Messenians enslaved by the Spartans.
Sparta Politics Social Classes/Groups Democracy – all men citizens/soldiers Assembly – native born Spartan men over 30 Five Elected Ephors to run polis Two kings and council of elders Social Classes/Groups Social Hierarchy Warrior Class Governing Class Slaves - Helots
Sparta Role of Women Military Patriarchal society – must obey men Women control family estate while men at war Military Greatest Soldiers in Greece Phalanx formation Training all life to be warrior
Sparta Persian Wars Age of Pericles in Athens Battle of Thermopalye Inspired Greek unity against Persia Leonidas and the 300 Age of Pericles in Athens Developed a rival alliance system Peloponnesian League against Athen’s Delian League Resented Athenian Domination of Greece
Sparta Peloponnesian War Sparta defeated Athens in 27 year war.
ATHENS: Yesterday & Today
Golden “Age of Pericles”: 460 BCE – 429 BCE
Athens Politics Social Classes/Groups Democracy – all landowning men are citizens Assembly – native born Athenian men over 30 Council of 500 – men over 30 - by lottery Direct Democracy Social Classes/Groups Social Hierarchy Landowning men Merchants Foreigners Slaves
Athens Role of Women Military Patriarchal society – must obey men Women essential role in religious ceremonies Women managed household affairs Military Greatest Sailors in Greece Huge fleet of warships Huge fleet of merchant ships
Athens Persian Wars Age of Pericles Battle of Marathon Elevated Athens above other polis Battle of Salamis Athens defeat of Persian navy Athens begins domination of Greece Age of Pericles Golden Age of Athens / Greece under leadership of Pericles Building projects Increase in trade, arts
Athens Peloponnesian War Athens defeated but not destroyed Greek culture declines under Spartan Leadership
Athens and Sparta Two of the Greatest Greek Polis or City-States Golden Age of Greece under Athens Greek culture declines under Spartan Leadership