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The Rise of Ancient Greek Civilization
Jul 18, 2024
The Rise of Ancient Greek Civilization
Introduction
Famous Greek city-states provided the world with rich culture.
Despite Greece's ultimate fall, its cultural impact remains significant.
Historical Context
Greece was relatively poor but incredibly populous and urbanized during the Classical period.
Middle-class spending drove economic growth.
Periods in Ancient Greek History
Classical Age (480-323 BC):
Height of Greek culture and power.
Archaic Age (700-480 BC):
Known for art, poetry, and technology development; invention of the city-state (polis).
City-State System
Greece was a constellation of intertwined cultures, each with its ruling system.
Innovations: colonialism, democracy, military strategy.
Key Civilizations
Four influential civilizations: Greeks, Romans, Sumerians, Egyptians.
All established laws, revered gods, created voting rights, advanced in sciences, and valued expressive arts.
Development of City-States
Greek Dark Ages led to small farming villages evolving into city-states.
City-state features: agora (marketplace), government, constitution, armies, tax collection system.
Each city-state protected by a specific deity.
Writing Systems
Introduction of Linear A and Linear B scripts (e.g., precursor to Greek language).
Prosperous City-States and Trade
Key cities like Mycenae, Knossos (Crete), and Athens.
Development of complex settlements, luxury, and trade routes.
Conflicts and Natural Disasters
Mycenae attacked by sea peoples and internal Dorians; also faced earthquakes.
Rise of Athens
Became influential post-Mycenaean era.
Hosted first Olympic Games (776 BC).
Homer’s epic poems written in the 8th century BC.
Development of democracy in Athens: citizens elected officials.
Sparta vs. Athens
Athens:
Known for arts and culture, significant political reforms by leaders like Solon and Cleisthenes.
Sparta:
Militaristic, relied heavily on enslaved helots; men's main duty was military service.
Rise and Fall of Democracy
Early Athenian democracy: elected officials, participation of citizens in local councils.
Reforms by Pericles in mid-5th century BC improved democracy and civic involvement.
Conflicts with Persia united Greek city-states temporarily.
Persian Wars
Series of conflicts from 490 to 448 BC where Greece successfully repelled Persian invasions.
Decline of Greek Power
Internal conflicts and external pressures led to Athens' surrender to Sparta (404 BC).
Macedon's rise under Alexander the Great diminished Greek power.
Roman conquest ultimately led to Greece’s fall.
Legacy
Despite political decline, Greece remained a center for education, literature, and philosophy.
Conclusion
Ancient Greece’s contributions to modern societies are immense.
Greece's eventual fall: conquered by Romans but left an enduring legacy.
Call to Action
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