Which Greece and Rome Study Guide
City-states: Greece had many independent city-states, often at odds with each other, while Rome initially began as one of many city-states in the Italian peninsula and eventually evolved into a vast empire.
Acropolis: a citadel or fortified part of an ancient Greek city, typically built on a hill. The Acropolis at Athens, containing the Parthenon and other notable buildings, mostly dates from the 5th century BC.
Athens vs Sparta
Athens was a democratic state, and philosophy was valued. Sparta was a military state where strength, size, and fighting capabilities were most important. Both were located in southern continental Greece, spoke the Greek language, practiced the same polytheistic religion, and shared similar cultural practices, including participation in the same religious festivals.
Persian Wars
-Who fought? Greek states and Persia.
-Major battles? Where at Southeast Europe (Greece, Thrace, Aegean Islands, and Cyprus), West Asia (Anatolia), and Northeast Africa (Egypt)
-Outcome: the defeat of the Persian Empire's attempts to conquer Greece, ultimately leading to the emergence of Athens and Sparta as dominant Greek city-states and the temporary unification of Greek city-states
Democracy
What is democracy? Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, either directly through direct democracy or through elected representatives in a representative democracy. It is based on the principles of majority rule, minority rights, and the rule of law. Key elements of democracy include free and fair elections, respect for human rights, and citizen participation in the political process.
-Was Athenian democracy democratic?
Yes, Athenian democracy was a form of democracy, although it differed significantly from modern democratic models. Athenian citizens, specifically adult male citizens, had a direct say in government through assemblies and participation in councils and courts. However, the Athenian definition of "citizen" was limited, excluding women, slaves, and non-residents from the political process. While Athenians embraced the concept of popular rule and active citizen participation, it was not as inclusive as modern democracies.
Peloponnesian War
-Who fought? Athens and Sparta
-Major battles? The Siege of Syracuse, the Battle of Mantinea, the Battle of Pylos, and the Battle of Aegospotami
-Outcome: victory for Sparta and its allies
Philosophy
-What is it? The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.
-Socrates focused on the importance of moral virtue and self-knowledge, emphasizing that the most important good for a human being is the health of their soul.
-Plato: the systematic study of ideas and issues
Alexander the Great
-Who was he? Alexander the Great is renowned for his unparalleled military achievements and the vast empire he created. He is considered one of the greatest military strategists in history, known for his brilliant tactics, charismatic leadership, and ruthlessness. Significantly impacting the course of history.
-Accomplishments: vast conquests, the establishment of numerous cities, and the spread of Hellenistic culture. He conquered the Persian Empire, expanded Macedonian rule from the Balkans to parts of India, and founded over 70 cities, most notably Alexandria in Egypt
Mythical origins of Rome: The mythical foundation of Rome centers on the legend of Romulus and Remus, twins raised by a she-wolf and the founders of the city.
Two classes in Roman society: the Patricians and the Plebeians
Three parts of the Roman Republic: the Senate, the Magistrates, and the Assemblies
End of the Republic
-Julius Caesar
-Who was he? Julius Caesar is primarily known for his brilliant military leadership, political reforms, and eventual transformation of the Roman Republic into an Empire. He conquered Gaul, expanded Roman influence, and implemented various reforms that benefited the common people, making him a popular figure. His life culminated in his assassination, marking the end of his reign as dictator.
-What was his fate? Several members of the Senate took turns stabbing Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.E.), the dictator of the entire Roman Empire.
Emperors
-Caesar Augustus: was the elector of Saxony and leader of Protestant Germany who, by reconciling his fellow Lutherans with the Roman Catholic Habsburg Holy Roman emperors, helped bring the initial belligerency of the Reformation in Germany to an end.
-Constantine the Great, not Caesar Augustus, was a Roman emperor. While Caesar Augustus (63 BC – 14 AD) was the first Roman emperor, Constantine the Great (272 – 337 AD) was a later emperor who significantly impacted the Roman Empire by legalizing Christianity and establishing the new capital, Constantinople
-Who did you research? Marcus Didius Severus
Rise of Christianity
-Jesus
-Paul of Tarsus: a Christian missionary to the Gentiles
-Martyrs: a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
Fall of Rome
-Barbarian Invasions: barbarian invasions played a significant role, especially in the Western Roman Empire
-Christianity: Christianity is often cited as a factor in the decline of the Roman Empire; modern scholarship generally agrees that it was not the sole or primary cause
-Division into east and west: Emperor Diocletian first divided the empire in 286 CE, followed by a final and more permanent division in 395 CE,