Ancient Greece Chapter 3, Section 2

The Land Greek Peninsula is mountainous, and travel was difficult for early settlers. The land is rocky with poor soil and few trees. Two crops flourished: Olives Grapes

The Land (Cont’d) Greatest natural resource is sea, which provided: Fishing Trade Became excellent sailors

The Formation of City-States As population grew city-states were formed. City-state is a central city—or polis— surrounded by villages. Each city-state had its own laws and form of government. City-states were united by common religion, language, and way of life.

The Growth of Colonies About 800 BC, Greeks left peninsula searching for better land and trade opportunities. From 800 BC to 600 BC, they built communities on the islands and coastline of the Aegean Sea. Some Greeks moved to modern-day Spain and Africa.

The Growth of Colonies (Cont’d) Greek colonies traded with each other and communities on the Greek peninsula. Trade increased the goods available to Ancient Greeks, which included wheat for bread, timber for boats, and iron ore for tools and weapons.

Individual Forms of Government Ancient Greek city-states had several forms of government: Oligarchy—Few powerful, wealthy individuals rule. Tyrant—Single person takes control of government by force. Democracy—”Rule by people” or citizens take part in government.

Athens Located in the center of the Greek Peninsula and was a large and important ancient city-state. By 600 BC, it developed a democratic form of government. Participation in government was limited to free, adult males whose fathers had been citizens. Women, slaves, and foreign residents did not take part in government. Had a powerful army.

Sparta Sparta was the chief rival of Athens. Located in the southernmost part of the Greek Peninsula. Government was an oligarchy with rule by two kings who were supported by other officials.

Spartan Soldiers Sparta was the only city-state with a permanent army. When boys were seven, they were sent by their families for military training. Boys stayed in the army until they were 30 years old.

Spartan Soldiers (Cont’d) Army protected against: Slave rebellions. Attack by rival city-states. Foreign invaders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKPpSCJXb0k

Literature Ancient Greeks wrote myths, poems, and plays to honor their gods and goddesses. During 500 BC, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides wrote tragedies. Many of the modern-day films and operas are based on these tragedies. Aristophanes wrote popular comedies.

Philosophy Ancient Greek was the birthplace of some of the best philosophers—or people who think and study the world. In the 500s BC, Socrates studied and taught about friendship, knowledge, and justices. Plato was a student of Socrates who studied and taught about human behavior, government, mathematics, and astronomy.

Heraclitus One cannot step twice into the same river, for the water into which you first stepped has flowed on.

Architecture Greeks created some of the world’s most impressive works of architecture. Many government buildings in the United States, such as courthouses and post offices, use this style. Denotes the democratic ideals of ancient Greece.

Spread of Greek Culture The city-states were constantly fighting. In 338 BC, King Philip II of Macedonia conquered the land. Philip was assassinated by one of his body guards.

Spread of Greek Culture (Cont’d) After Philip’s death, his son Alexander the Great took control. Student of the philosopher Aristotle. Great leader whose armies conquered new territories and helped spread Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean region. When Alexander died, his generals fought for control of the territory, divided it among themselves, and ended one of the greatest empires of the ancient world.

The End