Classical Greece Classical Greece and Romeand Rome

Chapter 10, Section 1

What is Classical Europe?What is Classical Europe?

• Ancient Greece and Rome dominate the Classical Period – 800 B.C. to A.D. 400

Ancient GreeceAncient Greece

• The Classical period of Greece reached its “Golden Age” in the 400s B.C.– B.C. – What does that mean?

• B.C.= Before Christ

• A.D.= Anno Domini (In the year of [the/Our] Lord)

• How does it all work?

• OK – Back to Greece →

Ancient GreeceAncient Greece

• By that time (400s B.C.), the city-state, or polis, had grown from kingdom to democracy.

• Athens was the home of the world’s first democratic constitution

Ancient GreeceAncient Greece• Athenian artists produced famous and

influential works of philosophy, literature, and drama.

• The three great philosophers were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Ancient GreeceAncient Greece

• The city-states of Athens and Sparta fought frequently attempting to expand their borders– Persia brings them together briefly

• In the 300s B.C., Philip II and Alexander the Great conquered all of Greece– Alexander’s empire would eventually include

Persia and Egypt and stretched to India

Alexander’s EmpireAlexander’s Empire

• What lands were included in Alexander’s empire, and how did he influence his empire?

• The empire included Persia and India and stretched into India in the East.

• Alexander spread Greek Culture everywhere he invaded.

Alexander’s EmpireAlexander’s Empire

The Rise of RomeThe Rise of Rome

• Rome was settled sometime around 1000 B.C. and dominated much of the Italian peninsula by 700 B.C.

• Because Italy could be easily invaded, the Romans had to develop a strong army.

The Rise of RomeThe Rise of Rome

• Rome started as a monarchy, but changed to a republic. What is a republic?

• The people of Rome chose two consuls to represent them.

• The consuls reported to the Senate, which was made up of landowners who served for life.

The Rise of RomeThe Rise of Rome

• Roman law was based of the Twelve Tables.– Bronze tablets on which laws regarding wills,

courts, and property were recorded.

From Republic to EmpireFrom Republic to Empire

• From 264 to 146 B.C., a series of wars transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

• Conquered peoples were granted Roman citizenship and rights.

• Under the empire, Senators lost their power to emperors.

From Republic to EmpireFrom Republic to Empire

• In 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was killed before he could become first emperor of Rome.

• In 31 B.C., Caesar’s nephew Octavius becomes Caesar Augustus, first emperor of Rome.– Caesar Augustus establishes the Pax Romana

The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire

• The Romans built advanced temples, stadiums, aqueducts, and roads.

• During the rule of Agustus, Jesus of Nazareth was born.– For centuries to follow, Christians were

persecuted in Rome.– A.D. 300s – Christianity becomes official

religion

The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire