Ancient Greece: Peloponnesian War and Alexander

A period of great cultural, economic, and political flourishing in a civilization.

The Athenian leader who guided Athens to its Golden Age, focusing on making it the greatest city-state.

An alliance of Greek city-states formed to fight the Persians, which also brought great wealth to Athens.

The philosophical study of fundamental questions about reality, existence, and human nature.

A person who loves wisdom and engages in philosophical inquiry.

A method of questioning and critical analysis that helps uncover hidden truths and assumptions.

A prominent Athenian philosopher known for his method of questioning and challenging conventional wisdom.

A philosopher who was a student of Socrates and founded the Academy, known for his writings on ideal forms, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The rivalry between Athens and Sparta for dominance in Greece, which ultimately led to the Peloponnesian War.

The Athenian policy of domination and expansion, which threatened other Greek city-states, especially Corinth.

The group of Greek city-states led by Sparta, who feared Athenian imperialism and sought to resist Athenian dominance.

Athens' political system, characterized by direct democracy, contrasted with Sparta's oligarchic system.

Sparta's political system, dominated by a small group of elites, contrasting with Athens' direct democracy.

The Athenian view that Sparta posed a greater threat to them than Persia, resulting in a focus on preparing for conflict with Sparta.

The Athenian view that Persia was the greater threat and believed Sparta could be an ally against Persia.

A set of principles and methods used to persuade an audience, often using techniques like humor, visuals, and emotional appeals.

Greek sculptures were celebrated for their realistic portrayal of the human form, showcasing athleticism, beauty, and ideal proportions.

The Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to Athena, exemplifies the pride and ambition of Athenian citizens. It was a costly undertaking, showcasing their commitment to their city.

Greek art emphasizes balance, harmony, and moderation in its compositions. It avoids excessive ornamentation or chaotic designs, aiming for a sense of order and tranquility.

The Greeks believed that beauty and functionality should coexist. Their art combined aesthetic appeal with practical considerations, resulting in structures like the Parthenon, which served both as a temple and a symbol of power.

The first known theater in the world, where Athenians gathered twice a year for festivals filled with plays, music, and celebrations. These gatherings played a crucial role in Athenian social life.

A famous Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, where Oedipus unwittingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. This play explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of one's actions.

The Peloponnesian War was a devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta, two powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It lasted for over 27 years and resulted in major political and social changes throughout Greece.

Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who conquered vast territories, including the Persian Empire, and became a powerful and influential ruler. He spread Greek culture and ideas across his vast empire, leading to the development of Hellenistic culture.

Alexander the Great's most famous tutor was Aristotle, a renowned Greek philosopher. Aristotle taught Alexander about philosophy, politics, science, and the arts, shaping his intellectual development.

At the age of 13, Alexander tamed a wild horse named Bucephalus, an accomplishment that impressed everyone and hinted at his exceptional skills. It is said that his father, King Philip II, told him that Macedon was too small for a man like him.

Alexander the Great envisioned a vast empire and aimed to conquer the entire known world, driven by ambition and a desire to spread Greek culture and his own rule.

Alexander's military achievements included conquering the entire Persian Empire, expanding his empire significantly. He also embarked on a campaign to India, reaching the Indus River before his army refused to continue.

Alexander the Great is believed to have never lost a battle, establishing a reputation as an undefeated military genius. His strategic skills and leadership qualities contributed to his military triumphs.

Hellenistic culture refers to the fusion of Greek and Eastern cultures during Alexander's reign, as he spread Greek language, philosophy, and art throughout his vast empire influencing other cultures like those in Asia and the Middle East.

After Alexander's death, his vast empire split into different kingdoms, each ruled by one of his generals, ultimately leading to the fragmentation of the once sprawling empire he had built.

The period in Athenian history marked by significant cultural, intellectual, and artistic achievements, coinciding with the leadership of Pericles.

A student of Plato and a renowned philosopher and scientist, known for his works on logic, ethics, metaphysics, and politics.

A major military conflict in ancient Greece between two powerful leagues—the Delian League led by Athens and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta.

The period of Macedonian control over Greece, following Alexander the Great's conquests, which included the establishment of Hellenistic kingdoms.

Philip II of Macedonia, a skilled and ambitious king, managed to unite Greece through a combination of force and diplomacy. He achieved this by conquering various city-states and gaining their loyalty through generous financial support and political maneuvering.

The Peloponnesian War was a devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their allies, which lasted for almost 30 years. It resulted in the destruction of Athens's empire and the decline of Greece's overall power.

The city of Athens was besieged by the Spartans, a brutal and protracted conflict that led to a devastating outbreak of the Plague of Athens. The plague killed thousands of Athenians, including its leader Pericles. This event weakened Athens's ability to resist Sparta.

During the Peloponnesian War, the Spartans proved to have a stronger army. They were able to push back the Athenians, forcing them to retreat behind their own city walls. This marked a turning point in the war, giving Sparta a significant advantage.

The Athenians chose to hide behind their city walls and avoid direct confrontation with the Spartans. This decision was a consequence of the superior Spartan army and the desire to protect their city from falling into enemy hands.

Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, rose to prominence as a skilled leader and unifier. He conquered and unified Greece, creating a powerful Macedonian empire. His efforts paved the way for Alexander's future conquests.