Ancient Greece
Jan 12, 2016
Ancient Greece
Geography
• Mountainous Peninsula– Over 300
islands – Around 170 are
inhabited today– Surrounded by
the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas
The Sea
• Shaped Greek civilization– Never further than 85
miles from the coast
• Greeks became skilled sailors– Used the sea as we use
highways– Linked them with other
societies– Trade became important
• Greece lacked natural resources
The Land
• Rugged– Mountain chains divided Greece into
different regions• Because of this, Greece was difficult to
unite• As a result…
• Independent city-states developed like:–Athens and Sparta–Different governments developed to
manage those city-states
Types of Governments found in ancient Greece
Monarchy
The ruling power is in the hands of a single person.
• Leader— “The King”– Lived in a palace in the capital– Made laws for the city-state– Pledged protection to his subjects (people)– Inherited power from his father
• The King’s Subjects– Paid taxes to the king– Followed the king’s laws
Oligarchymost common type of ancient Greek government
The ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders.
• The Leaders…Oligarchs– A few selected, wealthy individuals– Led luxurious lives– Enforced their rule with military support– Had more privileges than the citizens
• The Citizens– Were protected by the Oligarchs– Gave up their political rights
• Had no say in government
Tyranny
The ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control…takes power for themselves.
• Ruler— “Tyrant”– Usually a military officer-– Backed by the middle class who wanted as much power as the
wealthy aristocrats– Reformed laws– Aided the poor– Gave other citizens a voice in government– Later on…grew greedy and ruled harshly
• The Citizens– Initially received more rights– Later on…rights were restricted
Democracy
The ruling power is in the hands of all the people.
• Developed in the city-state of AthensThe Assembly• Open to all 30,000 Athenian citizens
– Made laws for AthensCouncil of 500• Responsible for the day-to-day running of Athens• Enforced the Assembly’s laws
All government workers were paid for their services.