Legacy of the Ancient Greeks Parthenon in Athens

Legacy of the Ancient Greeks Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Classical Age of Greece (700 – 323 B. C. E) Produced a political, cultural & philosophical movement which was a key foundation for Western Civilization • Importance: Timeline 700 B. C. E. 1 C. E. 2009 C. E. |----------------------------------------------| (B. C. E. = before common era)

Greek Empire: comprised of city-states

Reading: Aristocrat Legacy of Ancient Greece Monarchy Mercantile Class

Term Set Format • Got Importance?

What is a Philosopher? A philosopher studies the world & human nature to find “truth” by using reason & logic. Knowledge Aware of facts/data Wisdom The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; deep insight. Example: “We can’t solve problems with same kind of thinking we used to create them”

3 Greek Philosophers who: Respected human intelligence • faith in the individual Attempted to “seek truth "by using “reason & logic” to study nature Socrates 469 -399 B. C. E. Plato 427 -347 B. C. E. Aristotle 384 -322 B. C. E. Writings were often in argument or dialogue form

Medieval Art Rafael: School of Athens 1508

Plato & Democracy Reading • Reading

Philosopher Kings • What is virtue? • What is a benevolent ruler? • What are values? Socrates 469 -399 B. C. E. Plato 427 -347 B. C. E. Aristotle 384 -322 B. C. E.

The Trial of Socrates Video: Road to Democracy DVD Scene #10 minutes long

Primary Source: Aristotle Reading

Road to Democracy Solon introduces limited democracy to Athens (600 BC) • created 4 classes of citizens (based on wealth not heredity) • only 1/10 th of country considered “citizens” Cleisthenes advances democracy (500 BC) • attempted to break up the power of nobility • created “council of 500” to propose new laws Pericles introduces direct democracy (450 BC) • his rule known as Greek’s “Golden Age”

Direct Democracy vs. Republic Video: Road to Democracy DVD Scene 4

Primary Source: Pericles Reading Greek Ruler 495 – 429 BC

Greek Legacy • Considered foundation of Western Civilization – – – Developed Direct Democracy Empowered the “individual” citizen Advanced art, philosophy & science Promoted a meritocracy vs. aristocracy Developed 3 -branches of Government • Heavily influenced the Roman Empire

The fall of the Greek Empire 700 – 323 B. C. E • 461 -429 Golden Age of Greece under Pericles – Athens reigned supreme during period • City-States/Geography made empire difficult to unite – Sparta vs. Athens in constant conflict • 408 BCE Spartans seek Persian help to fight Athens – Sparta wins but empire greatly weakened – Sparta disbands Delian League (404 BCE)

The Fall of Democracy 383 -323 BCE • Macedonia in Northern Greece establishes dominance & establishes a monarchy under King Phillip II • Alexander the Great (Phillip’s son) greatly expands empire & rules until his death (323 BCE)

Plato’s Republic • Reading

Sparta Legacy vs. Athens Legacy Sparta had military supremacy but left little of lasting cultural significance Athens was eventually defeated by Sparta, but left a cultural legacy that influenced Western Civilization for 2, 500 years!