Greece from c. 750-415 BCE
Jan 22, 2016
Greece from c. 750-415 BCE
Agenda1. Bell Ringer: Why does the West focus on Greek
Civilization so much? Op-ed2. Lecture: Ancient Greece (Classic period)3. Examining a DBQ4. A Comparison of Athens and Sparta using primary
sources5. The Peloponnesian War: Analysis and impact of a
Plague6. Classic Civilization Map
HW: Be prepared to write the DBQ on Monday.
The formation of the Polis• The Greek Polis was an
autonomous political and social unit.
• Geography of Greece required this form of Civilization.
• City-States were independent of one another, and this led to tension.
• Phalanx formation
Sparta• Made the effort to create
a military state.• Life is rigidly organized.
– Allowed to marry at 20– Enters military at 30– Works until he is 60
• Oligarchy, led by two kings.
• Ephors used to maintain conduct.
• Deliberate isolation
Athens• Considered a tyranny
under Pisistratus. – Solon had attempted to
avoid this.• Cleisthenes creates
Council of 500, assembly had final say on all laws.
• Adopts traditions from other cultures.– Kouros adapted from Egypt– Utilized part of the
Phoenician Alphabet.
The Persian War• Fundamental differences
and territory leads to war.
• Xerxes wants to finish the job that Darius I started.
• Themistocles begins development of a Navy in Athens.
• Sparta and Athens Ally.• Major Battles
– Thermopylae – Sacking of Athens– Salamis
A Golden Age
• Delian League formed, all city states paid tribute to Athens.
• Pericles expanded Democracy.
• Tensions rise between Sparta and Athens.
• Art and Architecture flourish.
The Peloponnesian Conflict• 431 BCE
– Sparta forms Peloponnesian League.
• Pericles knew Sparta was militarily dominant on land. Use Navy to defeat Sparta. – Stay behind the walls, and
wait them out.– Someone got sick…
• Lasted 27 years, the real winner is Macedonia.