Real Reading #2

Question 1

What is an individual strongman in governance?

Answer 1

A form of tyranny that is quite common and can be effective.

Question 2

What does ‘demos’ refer to in Greece?

Answer 2

The people.

Question 3

How did general assemblies function in ancient Greece?

Answer 3

All citizens voted, representing direct democracy, not a republic.

Question 4

How were executive officers chosen in ancient Greece?

Answer 4

They were chosen by lot, similar to jury duty.

Question 5

What percentage of citizens participated in ancient Greek democracy?

Answer 5

Only about 25% participated, as half of the citizens were slaves or foreigners, and women were excluded.

Question 6

What were some negatives of democracy in ancient Greece?

Answer 6

Lower class citizens sought power and recommended poor military choices during the Peloponnesian Wars.

Question 7

What governance system was most preferred in ancient Greece?

Answer 7

Aristocratic assemblies, where the best ruled.

Question 8

What is Greco-Roman religion characterized by?

Answer 8

A belief in gods and goddesses that interacted with mortals and influenced nature.

Question 9

How did Greco-Roman religion influence literature?

Answer 9

God stories illustrated human passions and foibles.

Question 10

What did Aristotle advocate for in ethical behavior?

Answer 10

The Golden Mean, which emphasizes balance.

Question 11

What did the Stoics emphasize?

Answer 11

Moral independence, discipline, and personal bravery.

Question 12

What was Socrates accused of?

Answer 12

Undermining the state, leading to his poisoning.

Question 13

What did Plato seek to understand?

Answer 13

The three forms: True, Good, and Beautiful.

Question 14

What was the importance of human ability in ancient Greek philosophy?

Answer 14

It focused on human ability to think rather than human spirituality.

Question 15

How does ancient Greek philosophy compare to Confucianism?

Answer 15

It is more skeptical and focused on abstract questions.

Question 16

What was the focus of rational inquiry in ancient Greece?

Answer 16

It involved few inventions but many theories and classifications.

Question 17

What was a limitation of ancient Greek theories?

Answer 17

Many theories were incorrect, including some in geometry, anatomy, and astronomy.

Question 18

What role did mathematics play in ancient Greek science?

Answer 18

It was used to explain science and nature.

Question 19

How did official religion influence art in ancient Greece?

Answer 19

It inspired artistic expression through temples and statues.

Question 20

What was a key characteristic of Greek sculpture?

Answer 20

It followed a heroic and realistic tradition.

Question 21

What architectural styles are associated with classical architecture?

Answer 21

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns.

Question 22

What was the impact of large landowners on small farmers?

Answer 22

Large landowners tended to squeeze out small farmers, leading to tensions.

Question 23

What challenges did farmers face in ancient Greece?

Answer 23

Geography and topography made farming difficult.

Question 24

What did commercial agriculture lead to in ancient Greece?

Answer 24

A need for empire to supervise grain trade and public works.

Question 25

How did slavery impact agriculture in ancient Greece?

Answer 25

Slavery became a key component due to military expansion, making it hard for free farmers to compete.

Question 26

What was the status of women in ancient Greek society?

Answer 26

Women were considered inferior and had different laws, though not as harsh as in China.

Question 27

How is the period of ancient Greece idealized in the Western world?

Answer 27

It is not seen as the most happy or prosperous time for the human race.