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.