University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
HIST 1160 | U.S. History to 1865
Academic year:

2024
Views:

176

Pages:

5
Author:

Harsh P.

Lecture Notes: Ancient Greece I. Introduction to Ancient Greece A. Geography and Timeline ● Ancient Greece: Located in southeastern Europe. ● Timeline: Approx. 800 BC to 323 BC. ● Geographic Features: Peninsulas, islands, and mountains. B. City-States (Polis) ● Independent city-states were the core political units. ● Examples: Athens, Sparta, Corinth. ● Each had its own government and culture. II. Greek Society and Culture A. Social Structure ● Citizens: Free adult males. ● Metics: Foreign residents. ● Slaves: Property of citizens. B. Religion ● Polytheistic beliefs. ● Gods and goddesses: Zeus, Athena, Apollo, etc. ● Religious ceremonies: Olympics, Delphi Oracle. C. Philosophy ● Prominent philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. ● Emphasis on reason and ethics. ● Influence on Western thought. D. Art and Architecture ● Classical art: Balance, harmony, and proportion. ● Examples: Parthenon, Discus Thrower. ● Theater: Tragedy and comedy. III. Athenian Democracy A. Birth of Democracy ● Cleisthenes: Introduced democratic reforms in 508 BC. ● Direct democracy: Citizens voted on laws and policies. B. Political Participation ● Assembly (Ekklesia): Decision-making body. ● Ostracism: Exile of unpopular figures. ● Limited to male citizens. IV. Spartan Society A. Militaristic Culture ● Focus on military training and discipline. ● Strongest army in Greece. ● Limited individualism. B. Helots ● Servile class of agricultural laborers. ● Slavery in all but name. ● Constant fear of revolt. V. The Persian Wars A. Causes ● Persian Empire expansion. ● Greek city-states in Asia Minor. ● Ionian Revolt (499 BC). B. Key Battles ● Marathon (490 BC): Greek victory. ● Thermopylae (480 BC): 300 Spartans. ● Salamis (480 BC): Naval victory. C. Significance ● Greek unity against a common enemy. ● Emergence of Athenian naval power. VI. The Peloponnesian War A. Causes ● Athens (Delian League) vs. Sparta (Peloponnesian League). ● Power struggle, jealousy, and distrust. B. Key Events ● Archidamian War (431-421 BC). ● Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC). ● Spartan victory (404 BC). C. Consequences ● Weakening of Greek city-states. ● Rise of Macedon. VII. Alexander the Great A. Early Life and Education ● Tutored by Aristotle. ● Ambition to conquer the known world. ● Inherited the throne of Macedon. B. Conquests ● Asia Minor, Egypt, Persia, India. ● Speed and strategy of military campaigns. ● Cultural exchange (Hellenistic era). C. Legacy ● Spread of Greek culture (Hellenism). ● Creation of Alexandria. ● Influence on subsequent empires. VIII. Conclusion A. End of the Classical Period ● Death of Alexander (323 BC). ● Rise of Rome (conquest of Greece, 146 BC). ● Greek legacy in law, art, and philosophy. B. Impact on Modern World ● Founding principles of democracy. ● Western philosophy and art indebted to Greece.