Classical Greece
The Polis

Each polis had an agora (market place) and acropolis
(fortified citadel)
Forms of Government

Many different types (monarchy, aristocracy, oligarchy,
tyrant, etc.)

Athens = Democracy


Draco, Solon, Cleisthenes
Sparta = Oligarchy

2 kings, 5 elected officials (ephors), Council, Assembly
Athens vs. Sparta
Athens
• Large Population
• Citizen, aliens, slaves
• Democracy
• Women = property
• Male education important
• Civic duty
• Navy
Sparta
• Small population
• Citizens, neighbors,
helots
• Oligarchy
• Women = almost same
power men
• Male, Female Education
Important
• Obey, endure
• Military
Greek Hoplite and Phalanx
Persian Wars

Greece vs. Persia

3 Main Stages/Battles


Battle Marathon

Battle Thermopoylae

Battle Salamis
Outcome:

Persia never attacked Greece again

Golden Age Athens
Athens “Golden/Classical Age”
Peloponnesian Wars

Fast Facts…

Source of information - Thucydides
 “This
day will be the beginning of great evils for the
Greeks.”

Greeks called “the war b/w Peloponnesians and
Athenians”

Lasted 27 years

Fighting ranged across Greek world

At wars end, “Golden Age” of Greece over
Why did the Peloponnesian war start? How did it end?

According to Thucydides…
 “Spartan

fear of the growth of Athenian Power”
Big Idea: War of Opposing Ideologies
“This day will be the beginning of great evils for the
Greeks.”

Ended greatness Greece
Alexander the Great

Arguably one of the
greatest military generals
of all time

Father Philip II
 Improved

Phalanx
Created vast Empire
 Ionian
Sea to Himalaya
Mts.

Responsible for
preservation and diffusion
of Hellenism