Ancient Greece and Rome

Greece

Developed democracy Important discoveries in science Wrote stories and plays that continue to

be performed today Excellent sailors Made up of over 100 city-states Two important city-states were Athens

and Sparta

Athens

Every citizen had the right to vote Free-born males whose fathers held

Athenian citizenship were citizens Developed the idea that people had a

voice in how they are ruled

Philosophy

Philosophy – “the love of wisdom”

Philosophers were people who discussed, debated, and studied wisdom

Three great philosophers were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Socrates

a philosopher who taught by asking questions

A well-known teacher in Athens

Was charged with impiety (not respecting the gods) and corrupting youth

Plato

A student of Socrates Started the Academy in

Athens – a school that operated for more than 900 years

Did not believe in democracy – believed that the best and the wisest should rule

Believed that the government should raise all children

Aristotle

Greatest scientist of the Ancient world

Believed in using logic and reason to explain events in nature

Studies at Plato’s Academy Was hired by King Philip to

teach 13 year old Alexander (Alexander the Great)

Opened a school called Lyceum – a center of research on astronomy, zoology, geography, geology, physics, and anatomy

His ideas formed the basis of modern science

Alexander the Great

King of Macedonia A military genius Was crowned Pharaoh of

Egypt Carried ideas of the

Greeks and their love for learning throughout his empire

Founded Alexandria – a center of learning and culture in Egypt

Rome

Had a two house (bicameral) government – upper house and lower house U.S. followed this example

Created many roads throughout the empire – still used today

Created aqueducts to bring water to the city – still used today

Built huge stadiums called amphitheaters – used for entertainment

Greatest Roman Achievement – sewer system

Julius Caesar

Powerful military leader

Elected dictator of Rome in 46BC

Killed by the Senate in 44BC

Caesar Augustus

Restored peace and order to Rome

Built massive roads and bridges, government buildings, and huge public baths

Began a 200 year period known as Pax Romana

During Pax Romana Rome was the most powerful state in Europe

Middle Ages

In AD476, warriors attacked the city of Rome

The fall of Rome marks the end of ancient history

Middle Ages began – Medieval Times Often called the “Dark Ages” because

life was very hard Christianity became people’s source of

hope during this time

Constantine

First Christian emperor

Moved his capital from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium

Renamed the capital Constantinople

Feudalism

A way to organize society when there was no central government

Lord – noble who owned land Vassal - a person who was granted

possession of the land by the lord Fief – the land Serf – farmed the land