Ancient Greece Geography Mountainous Peninsula Over 300 islands

Ancient Greece

Geography • Mountainous Peninsula – Over 300 islands – Around 170 are inhabited today – Surrounded by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas

The Sea • Shaped Greek civilization – Never further than 85 miles from the coast • Greeks became skilled sailors – Used the sea as we use highways – Linked them with other societies – Trade became important • Greece lacked natural resources

The Land • Rugged – Mountain chains divided Greece into different regions • Because of this, Greece was difficult to unite • As a result… • Independent city-states developed like: – Athens and Sparta – Different governments developed to manage those city-states

Types of Governments found in ancient Greece

Monarchy The ruling power is in the hands of a single person. • Leader— “The King” – – Lived in a palace in the capital Made laws for the city-state Pledged protection to his subjects (people) Inherited power from his father • The King’s Subjects – Paid taxes to the king – Followed the king’s laws

Oligarchy most common type of ancient Greek government The ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders. • The Leaders…Oligarchs – – A few selected, wealthy individuals Led luxurious lives Enforced their rule with military support Had more privileges than the citizens • The Citizens – Were protected by the Oligarchs – Gave up their political rights • Had no say in government

Tyranny The ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control…takes power for themselves. • Ruler— “Tyrant” – Usually a military officer– Backed by the middle class who wanted as much power as the wealthy aristocrats – Reformed laws – Aided the poor – Gave other citizens a voice in government – Later on…grew greedy and ruled harshly • The Citizens – Initially received more rights – Later on…rights were restricted

Democracy The ruling power is in the hands of all the people. • Developed in the city-state of Athens The Assembly • Open to all 30, 000 Athenian citizens – Made laws for Athens Council of 500 • Responsible for the day-to-day running of Athens • Enforced the Assembly’s laws All government workers were paid for their services.