Greece from c. 750-415 BCE
Agenda
1. Bell Ringer: Why does the West focus on Greek
Civilization so much? Op-ed
2. Lecture: Ancient Greece (Classic period)
3. Examining a DBQ
4. A Comparison of Athens and Sparta using primary
sources
5. The Peloponnesian War: Analysis and impact of a
Plague
6. Classic Civilization Map
HW: Be prepared to write the DBQ on Monday.
The formation of the Polis
• The Greek Polis was an
autonomous political and
social unit.
• Geography of Greece
required this form of
Civilization.
• City-States were
independent of one
another, and this led to
tension.
• Phalanx formation

Sparta
• Made the effort to create
a military state.
• Life is rigidly organized.
– Allowed to marry at 20
– Enters military at 30
– Works until he is 60
• Oligarchy, led by two
kings.
• Ephors used to maintain
conduct.
• Deliberate isolation
Athens
• Considered a tyranny
under Pisistratus.
– Solon had attempted to
avoid this.
• Cleisthenes creates
Council of 500, assembly
had final say on all laws.
• Adopts traditions from
other cultures.
– Kouros adapted from Egypt
– Utilized part of the
Phoenician Alphabet.
The Persian War
• Fundamental differences
and territory leads to war.
• Xerxes wants to finish the
job that Darius I started.
• Themistocles begins
development of a Navy in
Athens.
• Sparta and Athens Ally.
• Major Battles
– Thermopylae
– Sacking of Athens
– Salamis
A Golden Age
• Delian League formed,
all city states paid
tribute to Athens.
• Pericles expanded
Democracy.
• Tensions rise between
Sparta and Athens.
• Art and Architecture
flourish.
The Peloponnesian Conflict
• 431 BCE
– Sparta forms
Peloponnesian League.
• Pericles knew Sparta was
militarily dominant on
land. Use Navy to defeat
Sparta.
– Stay behind the walls, and
wait them out.
– Someone got sick…
• Lasted 27 years, the real
winner is Macedonia.