Classical Mediterranean Chapter 4 Pg

Persian Tradition Key civilizations rose neighboring & influencing the Mediterranean: –Persian Empire during Greek Era –Sassanid Empire during Roman Era Cultural contributions include: –Zoroastrianism

Patterns in Classical Greece 800BCE-500BCE : early Greek diversity, common language from Phoenicians 500BCE-431BCE : Greek city-states flourish & expand 431BCE-338BCE : decline due to Peloponnesian Wars 338BCE-100BCE : Alexander the Great & Hellenistic period

Patterns in Classical Rome 509BCE-45BCE : Roman Republic expands vigorously 27BCE-180CE : Roman Empire’s peace & prosperity 180CE-476CE : Roman Empire declines as society loses effectiveness

Political Institutions Political theory & citizenship create cultural preoccupation with gov 1 of 3

Political Institutions - Greece Characteristic Greek city-states innovate two forms: –Direct democracy = decisions made by voting citizens attending assemblies –Aristocratic assembly = aristocrats gather to check executive power 2 of 3

Political Institutions - Rome Common threads of Roman politics: –Local autonomy & religious freedom –Codified objective law: held territory together & limited aristocratic privilege –Function based on military, infrastructure, entertainment 3 of 3

Religion & Culture Religion: polytheism classical mythology regulating human powers & nature –Christianity: only historically significant during Rome’s decline –Had clear limitations 1 of 3

Religion & Culture Philosophies fulfilled some religious shortfalls through –Ethical codes of moderation –Abstract theories about human nature Science & math weak empirically –Yet contributed geometry, anatomy, engineering Art & literature –Sculpture, Plays, Poems 2 of 3

Religion & Culture Architecture & engineering –Roman aqueducts –Greek Parthenon –Column styles 3 of 3

Economy & Society Commercial agriculture dominated –Free farmers indebted to landlords –Olive & grape agriculture required trade & expansion Slavery was a key ingredient –Hindered production technology 1 of 2

Economy & Society Families patriarchal, but women had some rights Rural culture differed significantly than urban cultural legacy 2 of 2

Toward the Fall of Rome Decline after 180 CE & fall in 476: –More definitive than other civs –Result of Loss of territory & population Political & Economic ineffectiveness Nomadic invasions

Global Connections Greek connections framed by belief in own superiority Roman connections complex due to size, diversity of population, economic clout, yet confidence in own style

Question What are the short-term & long-term effects of the Mediterranean civilizations’ lack of a dominant unifying religion?