Introduction to Greece
Where is Greece?
Geography
• Balkan Peninsula in the Mediterranean
Sea. Mountains in the North.
Surrounded by water on three sides.
Separated all over by valleys.
The rise of Greek City-States
• Greece was divided into polis, or city-states. It was
made up of a major town and its surrounding
countryside. At the top of the city was the acropolis,
or high city.
• The population was typically small and all the
citizens, or free residents, had a certain responsibility
with-in the city-state.
In today’s world what would be considered a polis and
what would be considered an acropolis?
Governing the city-states
• All male landowners held political power. Women could not
have power and neither could the poor or slaves.
• Many different types of government form ruled these citystates.
– Monarchy
• Power in the hands of a hereditary central person. King!
– Aristocracy
• Power in the hands of the hereditary landowning elite.
– Oligarchy
• Power in the hands of the small wealthy elite.
• Governments changed because of weapons, farming, trade,
cities, and other advancements.
What type of government does the United States have? Who
has the power in our government?
City-states
Comparing Athens and Sparta
Government
Athens
Sparta
• Democracy (1 person, 1
vote)
• Citizens could
participate
• Rule by an assembly of
male citizens
• Slaves, women, and
foreigners were
excluded
• Oligarchy (power in
the hands of a few
wealthy elite)
• Two kings and a
council of elders
• Also an assembly of
male citizens over 30
Wife Swap Video
What can you infer about the differences
between Athens and Sparta from this
video?
Fill out chart.
Wife Swap video- Athens and Sparta
• http://www.schooltube.com/video/f8836a343
4a31a97579b/
Education
Athens
Sparta
• Only for those who
could afford it
• More interested in
the arts and
philosophy
• Warrior stateeducation was all based
on the military. Tough
training
Treatment of Women
Athens
Sparta
• Women had to obey the • Stressed fitness and
men- patriarchal
strength
• Jobs centered around
• When men off at war,
the home
the women would run
the households
Introduction to gods and goddesses
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCm8W5
RZes
God/Goddess Trading Card
1. Name of God/Goddess
2. God of ……. Or what
they represent
1. Symbols
2. Description
3. picture