Ancient Greece
Greece is located in the southern part of the continent of Europe.
Greece is smaller than the state of Georgia. Greece is a peninsula. The countries of Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria border it to the north. Greece – 50,949 sq. mi. Georgia – 57,906 sq. mi.
Architecture of Ancient Greece
Architecture – a style or design of buildings The architecture of ancient Greece was copied by builders and architects in the United States.
Jefferson designed many buildings using Greek architecture. Thomas Jefferson, who was the third president of the United States and the main author of the Declaration of Independence, was also an architect. Monticello Charlottesville, Virginia Jefferson designed many buildings using Greek architecture.
The Parthenon
The people of Athens lived below the Acropolis (rocky hill) The people of Athens lived below the Acropolis (rocky hill). The Parthenon, a temple to the Greek gods, was built on the highest part of the Acropolis. Other views of The Parthenon
U.S. Supreme Court Building Built to look like the Parthenon
Also built to model the Parthenon
U.S. Treasury Department The Treasury of Athens
Government of Ancient Greece
City-States The cities of ancient Greece each had their own government. Many were monarchies. This meant that they were ruled by kings. Philip of Macedon
Roots of Democracy In Athens around 500 B.C., the people began a new form of government that was led by the people. A democracy is a government by the people in which majority rule.
The government in ancient Athens, Greece was a DIRECT DEMOCRACY All the people (only men who were citizens of Athens) had the right and responsibility to vote on leaders and laws.
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY When the founding fathers of the U.S. were developing our democracy, they modeled it after democracy in ancient Greece. The biggest difference in the U.S. government is that we are a… REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY We choose people to represent us in government. They vote on laws for us.
Congress in session
Olympics of Ancient Greece
The Olympics of ancient Greece were always held in Olympia, Greece every four years. Only men who spoke Greek could enter the games. There were not as many sports in the Ancient Olympics. Discus Thrower
Events in Ancient Greece Running Wrestling Boxing Chariot Races Pentathlon (this included discus, javelin throw, and long jump) Although only men who spoke Greek were allowed to participate, the games included men from several different Greek city-states.
truce – temporary stopping of fighting (as war) While the ancient Olympics were on, there was a truce in the country of Greece. truce – temporary stopping of fighting (as war)
The Olympic champions were capped with a crown of olive branches. Winners of the ancient Olympic games were national heroes! The Olympic champions were capped with a crown of olive branches. The olive branch is a symbol of hope and peace.
Modern Olympics The modern Olympics began in the late 1800’s. Countries from all over the world have participated. Women were allowed to participate in the second modern Olympics and every one since then.
There were 28 sports and over 300 sporting events in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Olympic winners receive medals (gold, silver, bronze) instead of olive crowns.
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) has founded the Olympic Truce Foundation. The mission of the International Olympic Truce Foundation is to promote the Olympic Ideals and serve with peace, friendship, and international understanding. In particular, it’s mission is to uphold the observance of the Olympic Truce, calling for all hostilities to cease during the Olympic Games and beyond, and mobilizing the youth of the world in the cause of peace.