Ancient Greece: City-States and Sparta

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Questions and Answers

What was Cleisthenes known for doing?

He fought in many wars

He kept all power for himself.

He helped create the first democracy.

He gave power to the people. (correct)

Why did ancient Greek cities form as city-states?

They wanted to expand their empires.

The mountainous terrain made unity difficult. (correct)

They were united against a common enemy.

They were forced to by strong rulers.

What is the best description of a city-state?

A city that has no laws or rules.

An independent city that controls its own affairs. (correct)

A city controlled by a single powerful family.

A city with only one form of government.

What does the term "Polis" refer to in ancient Greece?

The city-state itself. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a common feature of ancient Greek city-states due to the frequent warfare?

Construction of forts on mountains for protection. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the First Punic War?

Control of Sicily (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key factor that allowed Hannibal to launch a devastating attack on Rome during the Second Punic War?

The destruction of the Roman navy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of Hannibal's victory at the Battle of Cannae?

The weakening of Rome's military power (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Roman Republic provoke the Third Punic War?

To prevent Carthage from becoming a threat to Rome's dominance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What were the main factors leading to the decline of the Roman Republic?

The rise of military dictators, slave revolts, and economic instability (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key event that marked the end of the Roman Republic?

The assassination of Julius Caesar (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Edict of Milan?

It granted religious freedom to all citizens of the Roman Empire (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire?

Their refusal to worship Roman gods (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events marked a significant turning point in the history of the Roman Republic?

The assassination of Julius Caesar (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given by Octavian to the period of peace and prosperity that followed the establishment of the Roman Empire?

Pax Romana (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last Pharaoh of Egypt?

Cleopatra (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the conflict between Mark Antony and Octavian?

Control of the Roman Empire (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical significance of the Twelve Tables?

It established a code of law for the Roman Republic (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Roman farmers in debt?

They bought crops from other countries, and their land was neglected during the wars (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Roman slave revolt?

Spartacus (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Diocletian's persecution of Christians primarily aimed at?

Protecting the traditional Roman religions and the power of the Emperor (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the assassination of Julius Caesar?

A period of peace and stability within the Roman state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Octavian, upon gaining power, rule the Roman Empire?

He maintained the facade of the Republic while consolidating his own power. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Acropolis in a Greek city-state?

To provide a safe haven for citizens during times of war (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Agora play in the Greek city-state?

It was the marketplace and center of public life. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sparta establish a military-style government?

To prevent uprisings by the Helots, their slaves (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary difference between Athenian and Spartan women in terms of their roles in society?

Spartan women enjoyed more freedom and opportunities compared to Athenian women. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the phalanx, a military formation used by the Spartans?

A tight formation of soldiers armed with spears and shields, advancing in a coordinated manner (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these events is NOT a reason for the decline and fall of Sparta?

Their reliance on long range weapons. (B), The Spartans' success in conquering many surrounding territories, which led to overextension and strain on resources (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Darius I of Persia in attacking Athens?

To punish Athens for aiding Greek cities in Asia Minor fighting against Persian rule. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the Battle of Marathon?

A decisive Athenian victory, helping to slow the Persian advance into Greece. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason that the Persian King Xerxes sought to defeat the Greeks?

To avenge the Persian defeat at the Battle of Marathon. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary difference in military strength between Athens and Sparta?

Athens had a stronger navy, while Sparta had a larger and more powerful army. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key factor that led to Athens' downfall during the Peloponnesian War?

A plague that decimated Athens' population, including its leader Pericles (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main aim of King Philip II of Macedonia in forming the League of Corinth?

To create a political alliance that would allow him to dominate Greece (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements correctly describes the Hellenistic Age?

It was a period of significant cultural blending, as Greek culture spread throughout the Middle East and Asia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant impact of the destruction of the Library of Alexandria?

It resulted in the loss of a vast collection of knowledge, setting back intellectual development and progress. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key difference that distinguished Roman society between Patricians and Plebeians?

Patricians held the majority of wealth and political power, while Plebeians had limited rights and influence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Roman Republic function?

It was a representative democracy where citizens elected officials to govern. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cleisthenes

Wealthy Athenian leader who relinquished power to the people.

Greek City-States

Formed due to Greece's mountainous terrain.
City-states (poleis) were independent, self-governing centers of political, economic, and cultural life.

Structure of City-States

Polis: Greek word for city, often built around a fortified hilltop.
Acropolis: Fortified hilltop, high city, refuge during attacks.
Agora: Marketplace, downtown area.

Sparta

Helots: Conquered slaves, vastly outnumbered Spartans.
Military Society: Rigorous training for both men and women emphasized physical fitness and military prowess.
Spartan Children: Boys removed from homes at age 7, trained in warfare, stealth, hunting, and athletics. Abandoned infants with disabilities.
Spartan Women: Relatively free; attended schools, owned property (40% of land, according to Aristotle), and participated in the Olympics.
Decline: Population decline, economic hardship, reliance on close-quarters combat, defeat at Leuctra by Thebes.

Persian Empire

Founded by Cyrus the Great, creating the world's first superpower.
Darius the Great succeeded Cyrus.

Marathon & Thermopylae

Battle of Marathon: Athenian victory over Persian forces.
Battle of Thermopylae: Persian defeat of the Spartans at Thermopylae.

Peloponnesian War

Athens + Delian League (Navy): vs. Sparta + Peloponnesian League (Army).
Fall of Athens: Overcrowding during the war led to disease, weakening Athens. Pericles died.

King Philip II & Alexander the Great of Macedonia

King Philip II: Stabilized and expanded Macedonian power. Formed the League of Corinth.
Alexander the Great: Conquered the Persian Empire, expanding Macedonian territory extensively. Undefeated in battle.

Hellenistic Age

Alexander's death fragmented his vast empire into three kingdoms. Spread of Greek language, culture, literature, customs, and ideas throughout the Middle East.

Library of Alexandria

A significant library (the Great Library), burned, a devastating loss of knowledge.

The Roman Republic

Romulus & Remus: Mythical founders of Rome; Romulus killed Remus.
Early Rome: Gained strength through trade and adopted aspects of Greek culture (religion, architecture, military tactics).
Republic Structure: Power held by citizens electing leaders.
- Patricians: Wealthy landowners, held power.
- Plebeians: Common people, gradually gained more rights.
- Consuls: Two patrician leaders, running government and army.
- Senate: Powerful council of patricians.
- Assembly: Representatives of plebeians, gained legislative power.
- Twelve Tables: Written Roman law, protecting plebeians.

Punic Wars

Carthage: Powerful civilization, rival of Rome.
First Punic War: Primarily over Sicily, Rome gained Sicily after a victory.
Second Punic War: Hannibal's invasion of Italy, Battle of Cannae (major Carthaginian victory), Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal at Zama.
Third Punic War: Rome destroyed Carthage completely.

Decline of the Republic

Farm debts, unemployment, and slave revolts (Spartacus) weakened the Republic.

Julius Caesar

Military conquests in Gaul, became a powerful general, dictator for life, assassinated by senators (Ides of March).

Second Triumvirate

Power struggle among Mark Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian.

Cleopatra

Last Pharaoh of Egypt, mistress of Julius Caesar, alliance with Mark Antony.

Octavian (Caesar Augustus)

First Roman Emperor. Established the Roman Empire. Introduced "Pax Romana."

Christianity in Rome

Nero: Blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome.
Diocletian: Persecuted Christians extensively.
Constantine: Issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious freedom.

Saint Sebastian

Christian martyr, patron saint of athletes and archers, survived several attempts before death by being beaten.

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Description

Explore the political, social, and military structures of ancient Greek city-states, including Sparta's unique society. Learn about key figures like Cleisthenes and the roles of various classes within these city-states. This quiz will test your knowledge on the formation and characteristics of these influential communities.