BELLWORK What is the Torah? Describe the religion of the Israelites and what they believe. What are the Ten Commandments? What is King David known for? What did the Chaldeans do to the Jews living in Jerusalem? THINKER: What is a democracy? (HINT: The U.S. government is a democracy)

Greece The Greeks took over the Mediterranean region and contributed greatly to the way we live today. Ancient Greece included the southern part of Europe’s Balkan Peninsula and islands in the Aegean Sea. Greece’s mountain ranges protected against invaders but also limited communication. Greece is surrounded by sea, which encouraged the Greeks to become traders, and expand their empire.

Greek Civilization Originated in Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations between 3000BC to 1000BC. Early on, they developed legends of gods and heroes. Homer – Iliad & The Odyssey Main themes throughout Greek civilization: bravery, honor, dignity, and the love of beauty. In religion, the Greeks worshiped gods and goddesses

The Polis Polis, or city-state, emerged as the political unit of Greek civilization. A Polis included a city and surrounding villages and fields. Citizens within a polis government could vote, hold public office, own property, and speak for themselves in court. In return, they were expected to defend the polis in time of war. Greek women had no political or legal rights.

Greek Government By the 700s BC, Kings were losing their powers and being challenged by lower classes. As unrest increased, tyrannies arose in the city- states. (Tyrant: one man who seized power and ruled the polis on his own) Tyrants ruled until 500BC until city-states became either: Oligarchy: rule by a few wealthy people Democracy: government and rule by the citizens

Greek Government The two major city-states of ancient Greece were Sparta and Athens. Sparta –Located in the Peloponnesus peninsula –Warlike society, used its army for control Athens –Located on the Attica peninsula –Freer society known for artistic/intellectual achievements –Created a constitution, or plan of government, that stated all men were equal regardless of social class

The Persian Wars In 490 BC, Persian forces landed near Athens. The Greeks were outnumbered, but staged a surprise attack and defeated the Persians! Ten years later, the Persians returned to Greece. About 7,000 Spartans fought the Persians for three days at Thermopylae. Then, the Greek navy destroyed the entire Persian fleet.

The Peloponnesian War War between Sparta and Athens that lasted from 431BC to 404BC. Sparta allied with the Persians A plague struck Athens and killed 1/3 of their population Persian-financed Spartan navy destroyed Athens fleet. Athenians surrendered