Unit 4:Persia and Greece
What are some examples of Cyrus's tolerant way of governing?
-He made his generals prevent the Persian soldiers from burning and looting -believed in honoring local customs and religions instead of destroying the local temple, so he would kneel down and pray there -allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, their homeland, (after being driven out by Babylonians) in 538 BC to rebuild their city and temple
What are the 3 reasons for Alexander's greatness
1. Conquered a lot of land (Egypt to India) 2. Huge legacy, spread greek language, built multiple cities 3. His legend (embellishment), died young (32 years), studied under Aristotle
What happened at the battle of marathon?
10,000 Athenians waited for 25,000 Persians on the battlefield Athenians charged Athenians:skilled- lost less than 200 Persians: lacked skill- lost more than 6,000 Athenians won
Where did Alexander eventually turn around? Why?
11 years of fighting -morale was low -soldiers exhausted
What happened at the Battle of Thermopylae? Why were the Spartans willing to sacrifice themselves at Thermopylae?
7,000 Greeks (300 Spartans) blocked Xerxes (Persia) way Stopped their advance for 3 days until Persians were told about a secret path Greeks retreated, Spartans fought SACRIFICE: Spartans sacrifice of their lives made great impression on the Greeks
What happened at the battle of Plataea?
80,000 Greek troops defeated the persians ending the threat from the Persian empire
Define city state
A city with its own government
Where is Sparta located?
A cluster of houses along the Evernote's river
Define direct democracy.
A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not though epresentatives
Define Oligarchy.
A government ruled by a few powerful people
Define monarchy.
A government ruled by a single person, such as a king
Define aristocracy.
A government ruled by a small group of noble, landowning families
Define satrap.
A governor who ruled the province
Where is Macedonia?
A nearby kingdom to Greek city states
How were the persians eventually able to defeat the Spartans?
A traitor gave the persians a special path so they could attach the Spartans from the front and back at the same time
What aspects were unique to Assyrians
Advanced military organization and technology City of Nineveh Catalogues library (similar to Dewey decimal system) Manuscripts
What were the main ideas of Plato in THE REPUBLIC?
All citizens naturally fall into three groups: farmers and artisans, warriors, and the ruling class
What was the Delian league?
An alliance formed by Greek city states Dove Persians from the territories surrounding Greece and ended the threats of future attacks
Who was Cleisthenes?
Athenian: plays big role in democracy and path to an empire Nobleman born in 570 BC
What happened at the battle of salamis?
Athenians evacuated the city to fight at sea Positioned the self in narrow channels (in multiple small boats) Xerxes sent ships to block the exits, bu they had difficulty turning Athenians attacked Xerxes: 1/3 of fleet sank
After the Peloponnesus War, why would philosophers start questioning traditional beliefs? Why would philosophy have flourished during this particular time in Athenian history?
Athens was so badly destroyed, that they lost belief in the government structure Due to the unstructured government, the philosophers had a big impact on the thoughts and lives of the people
What was the military strategy of Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War?
Athens: avoid land battles with sparta, and strike them by sea Destroy syracuse (Sparta's wealthiest ally) Sparta: attack athens allies
Why would philosophers start questioning traditional beliefs at this particular time in Athenian history?
Because everyone lost confidence in the government, many people wanted to restructure it
What is the thesis Mike Shammas's article? What are his 3 main arguments?
Because the capacity to debate requires the capacity to to think, i believe the answer lies in philosophy 1. It can help entertain a thought without accepting it 2. Invokes thought rather than anger 3. Makes one less angry when confronted with opposing views
What is meant by the term heroic ideal? What was its importance?
Bravery, glory, power Achilles (chose battlefield glory over long life) Shapes greece
Who was Phillip 2 of Macedonia? How was he able to conquer Greece?
Brilliant general and ruthless politician He trained peasants into a well trained army Had a fast moving cavalry
Describe Cleisthenes's family background.
Brought up to be a ruler Richest family in Greece Elite privilege Aristocrat (they controlled everything in athens) Pivotal in 508 BC revolution
Why did Alexander decide to attack persia
Carry out father's plan Unite greeks by giving common enemy Add to his wealth
What does polis mean?
City state
Describe daily life in Sparta.
City state Brought from birth to be soldiers Taken from family Life:obedience and discipline Few of own possessions Ruthless expansionists
Which Athenian leader's reforms most resemble aspects of US democracy? How is Athenian democracy different than modern democracy?
Cleisthenes: empire divided into 10 divisions based on location Assembly of 500 discuss laws In Athenian democracy the citizens were directly in the political decision making, in modern day society we vote on representatives
How did geography shape Ancient Greece culture?
Collection of separate lands Bc of mountains couldn't unite Sea shapes Greek civilization Proximity to sea, lack of resources encourages sea travel and trade
How did Athens benefit from victory in the Persian wars?
Confidence and freedom Leader of the Delian league Moved and controlled league headquarters Golden age
Describe sparta's expansionism.
Conquered more than 4000 mi All surrounding regions
Who was Cambyses? How was his rule different from Cyrus's?
Cyrus's son, who expanded the the Persian Empire by conquering Egypt (to Africa) -Cambyses did not respect the Egyptians customs and beliefs, instead he ordered the images of Egyptian gods t be burned -his death lead to rebellion all across Persia leading to a fragile state
Which of these three do you think was most successful? Why?
Darius -the 20 provinces, with the leaders within them lead to efficiency and overall greatly helped the Persian empire -the metal coins and road systems greatly helped trade -conquered land spreading the Persian Empire to 2,500 miles
Who was Xerxes?
Darius the Great's son and successor
Who were the Dorians?
Dorian's moved into the war torn country after the Mycenaean civilization collapsed Far less advanced than Mycenaean (no written records)
What was Zoroastrianism? In what ways was it similar to Christianity?
Earth is a battleground for good vs evil Monotheistic Ideas similar to Satan and angels Judgement= how well you fought for good on earth
What happened to Alexander's empire after his death? Was this inevitable?
Empire split into three 1. ANTIGONUS: King of Macedonia and city states 2. PTOLEMY: pharoah 3. SELEUCUS: old persian empire Yes because no one had the same mindset of slexander which was to unify the empire
What two ways did Alexandr use in order to unite the different people of his empire?
Established many cities in different pats of the empire Local soldiers and government officials to speak ONLY greek
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it," said Aristotle. How does this demonstrate his key beliefs that provided the basis of the scientific method today?
Even thous some people may not agree with a thinking it shows their knowledge when they can acknowledge the point.
What happened at Thermopylae?
Every spartan fighting died to the persians
Who were the Mycenaeans?
Existed around 2000 BC Lived in Mycenae (mainland of greece) Ruled by militaristic kings (1600-1200 BC) Surrounded by 20 feet thick walls Lived in huge beautiful palaces Used weapons of bronze Lived extravagantly
Define Royal Road.
Famous road that ran from Susa in Persia, to Sardis in Anatolia which ran for 1,677 miles
Spartiate
Farms owned and managed by a pure spartan
Why is it problematic to refer to certain rulers as "the great"
Few women were called the greats One mans great is another's bad
What wasn't Alexander very good at and what became of his empire
Good at conquering not building up (gov, branches, etc) Broke into 3 different kingdoms
How did Alexande defeat Persia?
Got his best men to find weak point and attack Darius 3 Darius fled, his army followed Alexanders calvary charged Darius denied negotiation and was conquered
Define tyranny.
Government rules by nobles or wealthy citizens who seized control of the government by appealing to the common people for support
Who was Homer? What time period is her from? What are his two well known works
Great story teller; blind Composed epics (Illiad and the Odyssey) Don't know time period because of no written record
Who was Thucydides and why was he important?
Greatest historian of the classical age
Who was Herodotus and why was he important?
Greek, living in athens Pioneered reporting of events
What happened at Marathon?
Greeks (Athenians) attacked the persians Greeks won
What happened at the battle of the plataea?
Greeks crushed Persians in 479 BC After this the Persians were always on the defensive side
What are Aristotles main contributions to science and philosophy?
He questioned the nature of the world and of human belief Invented a method for arguing according to rules of logic Created basis of scientific method Tutored alexander the great
Why might the ideas of Socrates have beenn threatening to some athenians_
He threatened traditional ways of life by encouraging students to wuestion their beliefs and values
Who was Darius 1?What methods and tools did he use to hold up his empire?
He was Cambyses's successor, a noble of the Persian dynasty who started out as a member of the King's bodyguard -used an elite group of Persian soldiers, the Ten Thousand Immortals, to help seize the empire in 522 BC -he spent 3 years putting down revolts then the next few years establishing a well organized and efficient administration - expanded the empire to 2,500 miles -divided the empire into 20 provinces,similar to where there homeland was, the different provinces spoke their own language, had their own religion, and followed many of their Own laws -installed a satrap, a governor who ruled locally, a military leader, and a tax collector per province -excellent system of road(Royal Road:1,677 miles) -metal coins:promoted trade
Who was Cyrus? What were his major accomplishments?
He was Persia's king, and a military genius -controlled an empire that spanned 2,000 miles by conquering several neighboring kingdoms from 550 Bc-539 BC -known for his wise and tolerant government
Sparta faced threats from without and within the city state. Who posed these threats?
Helots
2 ways Alexander used religion to convince people to accept him as their leader
Honored Egyptian and Persian gods Called himself a god
Do you agree with Socrates that there are absolute standards for truth and justice? Why or Why not?
I think their are in some cases, but I disagree about the complete concept because i believe there is not absolute right and wrong
What is meant by the quote attributred to Socrates- "The unexamined life is not worth living?" How does this connect to the Socratic method?
If you do not look at and examine your life for the good, what is it worh Socrates encouraged examining beliefs
Where and Why did the Persian Wars begin?
In Ionia on the coast of Anatolia Greeks had settled there -Persians conquered the area -Ionian greeks revolted, Athens sent soldiers and ships to aid -Persian king defeated rebels and vowed to destroy the Athens
What steps did Pericles take to strengthen democracy in Athens?
Increased number of public officials with paid salary -poor people can join government Direct democracy
What present day countries does Mesopotamia include?
Iran, iraq, Syria, turkey
Why do you think Alexander adopter Persian customs and included Persians in his army?
It brings everyone together and causes less turmoil for all
How did the growth of Alexander's empire spread Greek culture?
It created a hellenistiv cultue A mix of greek cultures with others
According to Plutarch, what was the Spartans justification for killing helots?
It was a training exercise
What significant generalization can you make about the population makeup of Sparta?
It was very small and strict about training
Who were the Minoans?
Kings invaded Crete, and lives They preserved Minoan culture by using sea for travel Adapted the Minoan writing system to the Greek language and decorated vases
In THE REPUBLIC Plato states, "Dictatorship naturally arises out of democracy and the aggravated from of tyranny and slavery out of the most extreme liberty." What might he mean by this assertion?
Leadership will shine through a group of people, but slavery and bad things can come out of freedom
What were spartan children taught regarding the importance of reading, treatment of men older than them, working with their hands, importance of money, travel, attending plays, and music?
Learned to read and write for practicality but NO other forms of education Required to regard all older men and be silent in their presence Not allowed to take up any hands only trade Did not need to worry about making money Boys could not travel Not allowed to attend plays Cared deeply for their music and songs
Helot
Local people defeat by Sparta on its way to conquering Peloponnese Were not slaves but were not free Worked on farms Gave half they own to Sparta
Define Peloponnese
Located along the peninsulas in southern Greece
What were the reasons for whipping boys who were caught stealing?
Men punish a learner for not carrying out properly whatever he is caught to do
What were the strengths/ weaknesses of spartan education
Military training Magnamity
Where is Persia located? Describe its resources.
Modern day Iran: Caspian Sea in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south -fertile farmland -wealth of minerals such as copper, lead gold, silver, and gleaming blue lapis lazuli
Describe the daily life of early athens
Mud brick houses: no sewage Men: worked in fields Women:cooking, cleaning, weaving RARE literature 15 year life expectancy bc of no sanitation, diseases, (high infant mortality rate)
Why might astronomy, math, and physics have been promoted in Alexandria?
New ideas for agriculture and navigation were important to travel on the Nile and the Mediterranean.
Why does john green say that its difficult to judge someone's greatness based on his or her accomplishments?
No primary source while Alexander is alive His stories are probably embellished
Socrates is quoted as saying, "There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance." Do you agree with this statement?
No, I think there can be more than one right and wrong, not one thing is right and all have to abide by that
What clothing did Spartan boys wear?
One piece of garment all year round
Why is the study of greatness troubling
Opinionated Kardashians are "great"
How many city states we're there in Ancient Greece?
Over 1,000
Who was Darius 3?
Persian King Grandson of Darius Defeated by Alexander
4 foreign ideas or customs that Alexander adopted
Persian system of government Borrowed Persian customs Demanded Persian greetings Encouraged Macedonian and Persian marriage
Define Philosopher- King
Person with the greatest insight and intellect from the ruling class (chosen)
Who was Alexander the Great?
Philip's son Next king (at 20 years old) Studied under Aristotle
Why were the Persian wars important?
Preserved Greece's independence and kept Persia from conquering all of Europe
How did developments in technology influence both the rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire? How did the Persians compare to the Assyrians?
Rise: conquered people Fall: made a lot of enemies Persians and Assyrians were opposites
Define democracy.
Rule by the people
How did life in Athens compare to life in Sparta? Offer specifics.
SPARTA Had a military state Had peasants (slaves) Had representatives that decided on laws 3 social classes Did not value the arts, literature, or other artistic and intellectual pursuits Valued duty, strength, and discipline over freedom, individuality, beauty, and learning Focused on military training Some were trained for military and some stayed at home and managed the estates ATHENS Democracy Educated on school subjects
What are 3 strengths and weaknesses of Athens, and which would you rather live in?
STRENGTHS: direct democracy Strong navy Education WEAKNESSES: did not have as much military training as Sparta Spartan women had more rights Foreign policy to surrounding land I would rather live in Athens because I would receive a better education, and a less rigorous lifestyle.
Define comedy.
Scenes with slapstick solution and crude humor
What was the krypteia?
Secret police/unit operation
Define tradegy.
Serious drama about common theme
How did the Spartan attitude toward the seven topics listes address this concern about security?
Since young were not allowed to travel they couldn't make enemies, and since they didn't study other subjects they could focus more on possible attacks
What happened to the Greek city states as a result of the Peloponnese an war
Small city states were dragged into the war Fought against themselves Divided and work
What was the reason from small rations of food
So they know what it is like for their hunger to be unsatisfied, work better on an empty stomach and can carry on better and learn
Who was Alexander the Great?
Son of kink Philip 2nd Accomplished general Never lost a battle Expanded his empire Won the Persian empire
Who fought against whom in the Peloponnesus War?
Sparta and athens
What were the major events of the war? Who won? How?
Spartans burned athens food supply In 2nd year of was, plague hit athens killing 1/3 of their population (including Pericles) Athens continued fighting for several years, but finally signed a truce in 421 BC 413 BC Athens attacked Sicily 404 BC Sparta conquered Athens
What does the term acropolis mean?
Steep sided mountain of bare rock-highest pint Helped defend athens military
What was the main concern of the Stoic and Epicurean schools of Philosophy?
Stoic: social unity and focus on what they can control Epicureanism: main goals of humans was to achieve harmony of body and mind
Which philosophy, Stoicism or Epicureanism, seems more reasonable to you?
Stoicism because i think this closely relates to that everything has a place and purpose in this world
Why was Alexander well trained to be a leader?
Studied under Aristotle -public speaking, science and philosophy, appreciate Greek culture
What were some of the scientific and mathematical achievements of the Hellenistic period?
Sun is 300 times larger than the earth Earth and other planets revolve around the sun ELEMENTS: 465 geometry propositions and proofs Archimedes: pi, and a pulley system to lift laarge objects
Define polis.
The city state which was the fundamental political unit in Ancient Greece Was made up of a city and its surrounding countryside, which included numerous villages
Why was the battle of marathon important to the Greek city states?
The leaders ofthe city states came together to fight the Athenians showing unity and pride because they won
Why did the Athenians sail to nearby islands in panic?
The news of the slaughter they received at the battle of Thermopylae
Phalanx
The perfection of military/battle formation
What military technique helped Sparta become so strong
The philanx technique
What do you think was the greatest scientific or mathematical advancement of the Hellenistic period? Why?
The pulley system that could carry heavy objects, because that could lead to major agricultural advancements.
How were the Spartans able to hold off such a large Persian army?
They blocked them and made them go through a narrow passage with his huge army Spartans army fought to the end
How was it that the Athenians and Spartans who had recently worked together in the Persian Wars started fighting the peloponnesian war?
They both believed war was inevitable, and that they had a leg up on Persia
Why did the Ionians revolt against Persian rule?
They did not want to pay tributes They did not want to fight in the Persian war
How were the Greeks able to defeat the Persian fleet, even though they were outnumbered?
They told the persians they wanted to join them but instead tricked them into coming into a narrow channel They then rammed them and won the battle
how do Napoleon and Pompey help ALexander's greatness
They wanted to do what and BE Alexander
Why did the Spartans refuse to escape although they knew they would be killed?
They were brave in battle to the end and wanted to die fighting
According to both Xenophon and Plutarch, what was the purpose for training spartan girls to wrestle, run, and throw?
To prepare them for motherhood and child bearing
What happened to the Ionians? And who was the stronger group at this time?
To punish them the persians destroyed the city of Miletus Persians
How did diversity impact the city of Alexandria?
Trade ships from all around the Meditteranean docked in its harbor It became an international community with a rich mix of customs and traditions from egypt and from the Aegean Sea More than 1/2 a million people
Define hellenistic.
Vibrant new culture -greek blended with Egyptian, persian, and Indian influences
Define classical art?
Wanted to portray beauty not realism
How did they control the helots
Went into war once a year Killed helots for fun and called it kulling not killing (it was a right of passage for them) Made them grow their food
How did the Assyria model their government?
Whoever is the best military leader Had governors
What is philosophy?
Wisdom
Who was Pericles? What were his 3 goals?
Wise and statesman led Athens during golden age -hones and fair -skillful politician, inspiring speaker, and expected general GOALS Strengthen Athenian democracy Hold and strengthen the empire Glorify Athens
