western civilization- Greece Terms

Ancient Greece

Person/Place/Event                      What Came Before, Describe, What Came After?

Early Greece	Before Greece was the Mycenaean civilization, which fell, and Greece experienced their own dark ages until the 8th century B.C when Greece entered it’s archaic period. Greece then fell to Rome and marked the era of Roman Greece.
Minoan Crete	Before Minoan Crete Neolithic farming communities inhabited The Island. Minoans were great naval and sea warriors and experienced a short-lived golden age due to natural disaster such as an earthquake. After Minoan Crete The city of Knossos served as an administrative center until about 1200 B.C
Mycenae – First Greek State	Settled by Indo-Europeans who were herders and farmers. During the Dorian invasion, Greeks from the north Invaded during the Mycenaean bronze age.
Dark Age For Greece	Before was the Mycenaean Palatial Civilization caused by the Invasion of Greeks from the north caused the civilization to collapse. After was the Thriving Greece that we all know and that inspired Rome.
Homer	One of ancient Greece’s greatest Epic Poets. Author of the Iliad, The Odyssey. He lived in the early 12th century B.C.
Iliad & Odyssey	Epic Poems by Homer. Iliad: takes place during the Trojan war and tells of the ten-year siege on Troy. The Odyssey is some what of a sequel to the Iliad and marks the journey of Odysseus and his men on their journey back home.
The Polis	The Greek City-States. They remained somewhat unionized until the Hellenistic period (when Alexander the great died) where most cities became Independent.
Hoplites	A citizen-soldier responsible for his own armor and weaponry. A “new” form a disciplinary military created after the age of the heroic warrior.
Colonization and Effects of Tyranny in the Greek Polis	The polis had a negative effect on Greek society. It gave a feeling of a colonized governing force. It gave rise to Tyranny and disdain for the central government of Greece.
Sparta	Prominent City-State of ancient Greece it emerged as a dominant political figure in 10th century and is known for the leader of the city-states in the Greco-Persian wars. Before it was a Mycenaean City.
New Sparta – Spartan State	After the loss of the battle of Leuctra, Sparta never recovered Although they remained powerful for two more centuries after.
Athens	Inhabited for around 7000 years. Was inhabited during the Neolithic times and has been ever since.
Reforms of Solon & Cleithenes	Solons reforms were laws to legislate against moral, political, and economic decline in Athens during the 6th century B.C Cleithenes: Is said to be the father of Athenian Democracy and got Athens on the track to Democracy.
Move To Tyranny	During the 6th and 7th century an uprising of the middle class that overthrew Aristocratic governments by unconventional means. This was in large part due to the rise of aristocratic wealth from colonialism.
Challenge of Persia	Conflict between the Archaemenid City-states of Persian and Hellenic Greece that went on for over 50 years.
Persian Attack – Invasion of Xerxes	After the stopping the Egyptian revolt Xerxes set his eyes of Greece. The Greeks were lead by King Leonidas. Xerxes and his army depended largly on their fleet for supplies. The epic fight depicted in the movie “300”, The Persians outflanked the Greeks by using a mountain path to surprise the Greeks. Unfortunately for the Greeks a traitor gave the Persians this information giving them an even bigger disadvantage, referring to king Leonidas’ army’s small numbers. After this battle the Persian moved to Athens and sacked the city leading to the naval battle of Salamis. At this battle the Greeks outmaneuvered the Persians and Xerxes retreated to Asia, fearing another Ionian revolt. The Greeks would go on to defeat the Persians at the battle of Mycale in Ionia leading to Xerxes and the Persian full retreat.
Athenian Empire	After the defeat of the Persians the Athenians stepped in to provide leadership against the Persians. They set up a confederation called the Delian league. Under this new Athenian leadership they liberated all greek states from Persian control. After this success Naxos and thasos tried to secede. The Athenians destroyed their walls, took over control of their fleets, and made them pay tribute. “ no secession” became Athenian Policy.
Age of Pericles – Accomplishments	Under a new imperial policy an aristocrat names Pericles stepped forward. During this age of Pericles Democracy was expanded at home and imperialism was the foreign policy. Athens severed ties with Sparta and expanded their empire abroad. They developed the democracy we know, with assemblies, counsels, and magistrates. Overall creating a checks and balances form of government.
Athenian Imperialism	The Athenians set out to create a land empire and also a maritime empire in the Aegean sea. While expanding their land empire Athens overstretched their boundaries and ended up in conflict with Sparta. After defeats they agreed to 30 years of peace. While building their land empire Athens continued it’s offensive against Persia in the Aegean sea. After the peace treaty with Sparta Athens took a break and had time to enjoy the fruits of democracy.
Peloponnesian War          s -       1st -       2nd -       3rd	The first Peloponnesian war was due to Athens over stepping their boundaries in their pursuit to expand their land empire. After many defeats a fifty year peace treaty was reached. The second Peloponnesian war began six years after the fifty-year treaty had come to an end. Under the leadership of general Alcibades who argued that invading Sicily would provide the support for a lengthy war. Alcibades was removed from leadership before the expedition on grounds of religious mysteries. Instead of standing trial he fled to Sparta and advised them how to defeat the Athenians. The attempt to take Sicily was failed and was captured in their retreat from Syracuse. All Athenians were killed or sold into slavery. The democracy was weakened and an aristocratic oligarchy government was temporarily set in place. They refused to give up despite the disaster. The third war was short lived but delivered the final blow to the Athenian empire and their rule over Greece. At the battle of Aegospotami the whole Athenian fleet was destroyed. They surrendered the next year and their walls were torn down and the empire was dissolved.
Decline of Greek States	After the Peloponnesian wars the next seventy years were met with constant war for leadership of Greece among the city-states. The Persians saw this internal struggle as an advantage and took over Greek land in western Persia minor. After Thebes defeated the Spartan army, Thebes influence grew and they soon took control over Greece. With all this inner turmoil going on they did not notice Phillip II and the Macedonians. This would be the end of the Greeks after the Macedonians enacted Macedonian authority.
Greek Love of Wisdom	Philosophy is a Greek word tat literally means love of wisdom. The Greeks were focused on the attempt to explain the universe on basis of unifying principles. Many great philosophers came out of this period like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Socrates	Socrates, the great philosopher whose teaching style is still used called the Socratic method. No writings of his survived but his teaching method live on. He was a stones man by occupation but had a great love for philosophy.
Plato	Plato, Socrates pupil and the greatest philosopher in western civilization. Plato was fascinated with reality and how do we know what is real. He wrote a great deal and wrote “The Republic”, due to his distaste with democracy. It outlined his ideal society and a three class system.
Aristotle	Aristotle, Plato’s student who studies under Plato at the academy in Athens for over twenty years. His interest laid in analyzing and classifying things through research and investigation.
Greek Religion	Greek religion was connected to everyday life. The temples were the major building of Greek society. There were 12 chief gods of lived on mount Olympus. Some of the 12 Chief Gods were: Zeus- chief diety and father of all gods, Athena- Goddess of wisdom and crafts, Apollo- god of sun and poetry. Aphrodite- Goddess of love, and Poseidon- Brother of Zeus and god of the sea.
Slavery and the Economy	A common institution in the ancient world. Economic necessity dictated the desire for owning at least one slave. Soldiers usually took one slave with them on a campaign. Due to slave labor crafts moved into factories and were high-end crafts.
Family and Relationships	Common family was the nuclear family with slaves and sometimes other relatives. The family’s primary function was to produce more citizens. Offspring had to be that of two legally married citizens. Women always had a male guardian whether it was father, brother, or husband. Women were married at 14 or 15 and were cut off from education but still managed to learn to read and play musical instruments.
The Hellenistic World	The world of greek and non-greek easterners.
Philip of Macedon	Philip was the Macedonian ruler and brought Macedon to a powerful empire. He enacted military reforms that improved the military indefinitely. Also, he strengthened the relationship between the army and it’s leaders. He expanded the Macedonian empire and defeated Greek and their allies and took control over the Greek peninsula.
Philip and Conquest of Greece	Athens was allied with Thebes and other smaller states and took fight against the Macedonians. The Greek states were joined and formed the Corinthian league under Macedon and Philip.
Alexander the Great	Son of King Philip who inherited the throne at the age of 20.  His father Philip groomed Alexander for kingship at a young age. Alexander went on campaigns with his father and was given control of the cavalry at the battle of Chaeronea.
Alexander’s Conquests	Alexander began his rule by securing Macedonia. He then put down a rebellion in the Greece states killing most of the men and selling the women into slavery. He then turned his sights on his fathers dream, Persia. In 334 BCE in the Granicus River Alexander had a major victory against the Persians and by the next spring the Macedonian empire engulfed the western portion of asia minor. At his victory of Issus Alexander had put down the Persian once again and had 6,000 killed and 30,000 sold into slavery. Egypt surrendered without a fight and Syria and Palestine were soon in Alexanders possession. He assumed title of Pharaoh in Egypt, “ son on Amon”. He then went on to name many cities after himself. Alexandria in Egypt, being the capital of the greek administrative capitol, was and is still the most important of them all. He went on to Gaugemela where he met Darius and was outnumbered. Despite the odds Alexander was victorious mainly to due with his huge cavalry. Alexander then went to Babylon and took possession of the Persian treasures. Alexander was still not satisfied. He moved east into Pakistan and all the way to India. Wanting to still push on his soldiers mutinied and he agreed to turn back.
Darius III	King of Persia who tirelessly fought Alexander the great. Despite his defenses could not hold off and defeat the great military king.
Alexander’s Ideals	Alexander is said to have believed in the ideals of universal humanity. He encouraged his soldiers to marry native women and did so himself.
Alexander’s Legacy	His main legacy in general was the Hellenistic era. Destroying the Persian empire gave vast working opportunities for Greeks. The Macedonian empire was not that of Macedonians but international. The Roman empire was the real heirs to Alexander’s Legacy. Many cities were established and named Alexandria after him.
Golden Age of Medicine	The separation of science from philosophy was practiced. With a interest in astrology and anatomy science progressed.  Herophilus added to the understanding of the eye, brain and reproductive and nervous system. Erasistratus made significant finding with the digestive system
Archimedes	The most famous scientists of the Hellenistic period. Well known for his work with spheres and cylinders. His biggest contribution is the mathematical constant of pi and for creating the science of hydrostatics. He invented the system that pumps water from mines and irrigation water.
Epicureanism	Epicurus view that pleasure begins with his view of the world. He believed in the gods but did not believe they played an active role in the world. With this the goal in life was to be happy through the pursuit of pleasure
Stoicism	Most popular school of thought in the Hellenistic world. Similar to Epicureanism the pursuit of happiness was very important. But instead of reaching this through pleasure it was to be reached through virtue- Living in harmony with the divine. Living in accordance with nature and submitting to the divine will.
Mystery Religions	Egypt was a big influence in mystery cults of the Hellenistic world. The ultimate goal was to pursue salvation to achieve eternal life. The cult of Isis was one of the most popular of the mystery religions. Isis was the goddess of women marriage and children.

Pericles Funeral Oration

 

Summarize the oration by Pericles. What are his main points? Pericles talks a great deal on the glory of the democracy and the greatness of Athens. He does this to convey that these men did not die in vain but in honor and glory. He mentions their ancestors and their sacrifices that gave them this amazing empire. He goes into detail on the fruits of war and the luxury of life in Athens. Without the bravery of the deceased soldiers they would not have such fortunes. Pericles speaks to the deceased’s loved ones saying that he does not wish to say they needed to die but they did in honor and that is a joyous thing and should be looked upon with happiness.

What do you think is his purpose for this speech? The purpose of the speech was to honor the fallen soldiers. Below the surface the purpose was to inspire men to fight for the glory of the country and attain the honor these men have. To outline the luxuries of Athens and all they have

Reflecting on our theme, “The same conditions always produce the same results”, how might this speech be similar to views and events of today with regard to the United States? This speech is very similar to our soldiers and military. We have such great luxuries and live in an amzing country. This speech can almost be exactly transcribed to America.

How may some cite this speech as a source for inspiration for America today and for those serving America in Iraq and Afghanistan? This speech is very inspiring to fight for what we have. In the U.S we have it easy and feel safe. That is what we fight for. We fight against terrany and terrorism to protect was is ours and maintain our safety.

Connecting History

How does the theme, “The importance of history is realizing its presence” connect to people and/or events in this module? Provide examples. Realizing that once a Empire or country becomes to comfortable with their successes they are bond to be taken by a foreign military.

How does the theme, “The same conditions always produce the same results” connect to people and/or events in this module? Provide examples. With the Peloponnesian wars we see the Greek-states union fall apart. Constant fighting amongst them marks this and the Macedonians see this and take the empire. The same condition of instability at home brings a foreign threat looking to take advantage of this weakness.

How does the theme “The only thing new in the world is the history you didn’t know” connect to people and/or themes in this module? Provide examples. With the discoverys of the Hellenistic world we see a perfect example of science and medicine evolving. The tools for these were always there they just did not use them because they did not know.