Government in Ancient Greece

Growth & Polis’ Polis : Greek city-state –Had own government –Every inhabitant was expected to obey laws City was the center of the polis Placed in an ideal location Built on high rocky hills (acropolis) Each polis had an agora (marketplace)

Growth & Polis’ Polis’ were self-sufficient Government: first was run by an aristocracy (ruling class:nobles, warriors, landowners) Tyrants began taking over –Tyrant: seize absolute control Some area had oligarchy –Oligarchy: rule by a few superior citizens

Government Eventually many polis’ created democracy –Democracy: common public could elect leaders Trade –Used coins (invented in Asia Minor) for trade –Monetary system, less barter needed

Sparta Located: valley of Peloponnesus Made up of three classes Spartans were the upper class Believed that contact w/ outside people would weaken them yr. Olds were dedicated to be citizen-soldiers

Sparta cont. Boys/girls taught physical hardships –Wear little clothes in winter –Given little to eat –Became very strong military force

Athens Different from Sparta Trade, open meetings, discussions were important aspects Democratic society –Rich and poor men participated –Wealth, instead of birth gave your social class –Ostracism was also practiced: voting to exile a leader for ten years (1 person each year)

Parthenon

Influence of Ancient Greece (1:30)

Persian Wars Persians attacked Greece Athenians defeated the Persians –Sent runner 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to tell of the victory After the Persian Wars Greek city-states united together.

The End.