Date: _____________________________
ANCIENT GREECE NOTES PAGE
Ancient Greece City-States
*Ancient Greece was organized by city-states (polis)
*City-state = an independent city and its surrounding land that has its own government,
separate from others
*Each city-state had its own government, goals, laws and personality
*Ancient Greeks were VERY loyal to their city-states.
*City-states had in common:
1. Believed in the same gods
2. Greek language
*The city-states came together to fight common enemies.
But they also went to war with each other.
Ancient Greece Governments
Tyranny
*Greek Word “turannos” = lord or master
*Ruling power is in the hands of one person who is not a legal or lawful ruler
*Tyrants seize (take) power illegally and by force
Types of Democracy
Direct democracy = Every citizen votes on every issue
*In Ancient Greece, only men were citizens
*First developed in Athens
Representative democracy = citizens vote for representatives who decide
Issues/laws in their name
Greek Conflict Notes Page
ANCIENT GREEK WARFARE

Greek city-states were often at war with each other - especially Athens & Sparta!

City-states could become allies and fight against common enemies like the Persians

Each city-state would use the phalanx formation in battle – long spears & heavy armor to
attack enemies

They also used foot soldiers, archers, cavalry (on horses)

Greek warriors were VERY respected - often hired out to other civilizations when no Greek
wars going on
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PELOPONNESIAN WARS

Lasted 431 BC – 404 BC

Sparta & allies vs. Athens & allies (Delian League)

Sparta’s victory ends Athens’ “Golden Age” and power

Greek city-states are weakened by the wars for many years

Allows for Philip II of Macedonia to take over Greek city-states & this ends Greek power