1. An Introduction…
Europe and it’s people have had an enormous impact on world culture
Much of what we see – art, architecture, literature, forms of government, and the ways that some of us think (beliefs) – has been shaped by the legacy of Europe and European Societies.
European history is the rise and fall of these cultures, some by force, some by religious changes and some by social or cultural changes.
This “culture” found it’s roots on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea

2. The Mediterranean Sea

3. Why the Mediterranean?
Environment had everything needed to sustain large numbers of people
Fertile soil
Plenty of rainfall and sunshine
A climate that was moderate
Neither too hot, nor too cold
Long growing season, surplus of food could be produced
It was an area that encouraged people to travel widely in the name of trade and travel
Two of the most important early European civilizations that came from this area were those of Greece and Rome

4. The Greeks and The Romans
Studied Philosphy
Made great advances in art, architecture, drama, literature, medicine, and science.
Alexander the Great conquered many lands and spread Greek culture as far away as India.
Empire weakened and fell to Romans 150 BCE
Followed the Greek attitudes in learning and made them their own.
Developed advanced systems in regards to irrigation, travel, and military
The Roman Legions were so powerful that at their peak they controlled most of Europe, southeast Asia, and North Africa.
Latin became the language of dominance, and Roman Law applied to everyone, allowing trade to expand
Roman Law: Law became more universal and was documented
The Mediterranean was under Greek/Roman rule for 6 centuries.

5. Roman Empire at its fullest…