Warring City States Flashcards
Main Idea-Warring City States
The growth of city-states in Greece led to the development of several political systems, including democracy.
What is democracy?
A political system where the leaders are voted on.
What is monarchy?
A political system with hereditary kings and queens.
What is aristocracy?
A political system led by the highest hereditary class.
What is oligarchy?
A political system led by a small group of people. Not hereditary.
Relevance-Warring City States
Many political systems in today’s world mirror the varied forms of government that evolved in Greece.
What did Greece see by 750 BCE?
Rise of powerful city states.
What material was bronze replaced by in the warring city states? Why? What did this enable?
Iron. Harder, more common, and cheaper. This enabled a new kind of army, composed of commoners, possible.
What was the Hoplon shield? Why was it important?
Planks of wood covered with leather and bronze. 15 Ibs. It was defensive and offensive.
Who did Sparta conquer in 725 BCE?
Messenia
Who eventually revolted in Sparta?
Messenians
Who were the helots?
A state-owned serf of the ancient Spartans.
What unique position does Sparta have in Greek world?
Extraordinary power + prestige despite small population
What’s the secret of Sparta prosperity?
Obedience to law code set down by Lycurgus
How did the Spartans train their young women? What does this say about them?
Rigorous physical activity. They valued women’s strength more than other places, but Greeks valued women solely as mothers.