Big Concepts - Ancient Greece Flashcards
Why did city-states adopt different forms of government?
They were separated geographically and each city state had their own traditions, legends and local heroes and they valued their uniqueness and independence
How were Athens and Sparta similar? (5 ways)
1) Worshiped the same central Greek gods
2) Had a strong military
3) Spoke a common language and had similar traditions
4) Both had assemblies made up of elected government officials
5) They united against a common enemy - Persia
What are the 5 different types of government adopted by different city-states?
1) Tyranny
2) Aristocracy
3) Oligarchy
4) Democracy
5) Monarchy
What did the Greek word Polis mean?
City-State
How were Athens and Sparta different (give 3 ways)?
1) Government - Athens had a democracy and Sparta had an Oligarchy
2) Military - Athens military was skilled at sea (Navy) and Sparta’s military was skilled on land
3) Cultural Values - Athens was focused on education and intellectual pursuits (I.e. philosophy), where Sparta was focused on discipline and warrior training
What were the consequences of the Peloponnesian War? (Name 3 consequences)
1) Weakened Athens government, military and its economy
2) Which led to the rise of Spartans power including their navy
3) Weakened Greek influence overall which led to the rise of the kingdom of Macedon
Name two events that brought about an end to the Golden Age of Athens
1) The Peloponnesian War (which ended with Athens defeat)
2) The Plague of Athens (which killed over 30,00 people)
What were 4 main achievements during the Golden Age of Athens?
1) Democracy
2) Advancements in architecture - the building of the Parthenon and the Acropolis
3) Advancements in Philosophy - with thinkers like Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle
4) Significant progress in the Arts - like theater and sculptures
Summarize the history of the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece in 776 BC as a religious festival in honor of Zeus. They were held every four years and featured a variety of athletic competitions and Greek city states had to call a truce to stop any fighting during the games. The modern Olympic Games continue to be a major international sporting event.
Describe the cause and effect of the Persian War?
The Persian War was caused by Athenian support for a rebellion against Persian rule in Asia Minor. The Greek victory in the war led to the rise of the Athenian empire and the Golden Age of Athens.
What role did philosophy play in ancient Greece and what were the long-term contributions?
Philosophy in ancient Greece was a way to seek knowledge and understanding of the world, human behavior, and the nature of reality. It led to the development of logic, ethics, and natural science, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle making significant contributions that continue to influence Western thought.
How did the success of Alexander the Great contribute to the expansion and influence of Greek Culture?
Alexander the Great’s conquests spread Greek culture, ideas, and language throughout the Mediterranean and into Asia. This led to the Hellenistic Period, a time of cultural exchange and intellectual flourishing that blended Greek, Egyptian, and Persian influences.
