1. Legacy of the Ancient Greeks
Parthenon in Athens, Greece

2. Classical Age of Greece (700 – 323 B.C.E)
Importance: Produced a political, cultural & philosophical movement which was a key foundation for Western Civilization
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700 B.C.E.
2009 C.E.
1 C.E.
Timeline
(B.C.E. = before common era)

3. Greek Empire: comprised of city-states

4. Reading: Legacy of Ancient Greece
Aristocrat Monarchy Mercantile Class

5. Term Set Format
Got Importance?

6. What is a Philosopher?
A philosopher studies the world & human nature to find “truth” by using
reason & logic.
Knowledge
Wisdom
Aware of facts/data
The ability to discern or judge what is true,
right, or lasting; deep insight.
Example: “We can’t solve problems with
same kind of thinking we used to create them”

7. 3 Greek Philosophers who: Respected human intelligence
faith in the individual
Attempted to “seek truth "by using
“reason & logic” to study nature
Writings were often in argument or dialogue form
Socrates
B.C.E.
Plato
B.C.E.
Aristotle
B.C.E.

8. Rafael: School of Athens 1508
Medieval Art
Rafael: School of Athens

9. Plato & Democracy Reading

10. Philosopher Kings What is virtue? What is a benevolent ruler?
What are values?
Socrates
B.C.E.
Plato
B.C.E.
Aristotle
B.C.E.

11. The Trial of Socrates
Video: Road to Democracy DVD Scene #10 minutes long

12. Primary Source: Aristotle Reading

13. Road to Democracy Solon introduces limited democracy to Athens (600BC)
created 4 classes of citizens (based on wealth not heredity)
only 1/10th of country considered “citizens”
Cleisthenes advances democracy (500BC)
attempted to break up the power of nobility
created “council of 500” to propose new laws
Pericles introduces direct democracy (450BC)
his rule known as Greek’s “Golden Age”

14. Direct Democracy vs. Republic
Video: Road to Democracy DVD Scene 4

15. Primary Source: Pericles Reading
Greek Ruler
495 – 429 BC

16. Greek Legacy Considered foundation of Western Civilization
Developed Direct Democracy
Empowered the “individual” citizen
Advanced art, philosophy & science
Promoted a meritocracy vs. aristocracy
Developed 3-branches of Government
Heavily influenced the Roman Empire

17. The fall of the Greek Empire 700 – 323 B.C.E
Golden Age of Greece under Pericles
Athens reigned supreme during period
City-States/Geography made empire difficult to unite
Sparta vs. Athens in constant conflict
408 BCE Spartans seek Persian help to fight Athens
Sparta wins but empire greatly weakened
Sparta disbands Delian League (404 BCE)

18. The Fall of Democracy 383-323 BCE
Macedonia in Northern Greece establishes dominance & establishes a monarchy under King Phillip II
Alexander the Great (Phillip’s son) greatly expands empire & rules until his death (323 BCE)

19. Plato’s Republic
Reading

20. Sparta Legacy vs. Athens Legacy
Sparta had military supremacy but left little of lasting cultural significance
Athens was eventually defeated by Sparta, but left a cultural legacy that influenced Western Civilization for 2,500 years!