Ancient Greece: Political Systems & Society

Golden Age of Greece Study Guide

• Aristotle believed women were not as intelligent as men, a view challenged by the evolution of the "ideal family" concept from the 1950s onward, emphasizing women's roles in the home, contrasting to the modern day inclusion of women in the workforce. Women now work due to economic pressures.

• Monarchy:

  • Pros: Qualified leader; efficient decision-making
  • Cons: Absolute power; struggles relating to the needs of all people

• Oligarchy (Small Group of Elite):

  • Pros: Wisdom, intelligence, and inspiration to be better; influence and direction from upper-class people
  • Cons: Ineffective representation of the common people; disconnect from street smarts

• Direct Democracy:

  • Pros: Inclusive participation; community building; shared ownership and accountability
  • Cons: Potential chaos; time-consuming decision-making; reliance on popular opinion

Political Systems in Ancient Greece

• The growth of city-states (poleis) led to various political systems evolving toward democracy

• Demos: Common people; citizens

• Kratia: Power/authority

• Polis: City-state (plural: poleis)

• AcroPolis: Highest point in the city-state; temples built there

• Foot soldiers in Sparta were called hoplites

Military

• Everyone in the polis or city-state had to serve: members in Sparta were called hoplites, equipped with a cuirasse (chest protector), greaves (shin guards), and a hoplon (shield) made of wood and bronze (which provided protection)

Greek vs. Persian War

• Persia launched a dual ground and naval attack on the Greeks.
• Athens had to make a decision between fighting or surrendering
• Athens' democratic system allowed each citizen to vote on how they would approach the conflict which led to a democracy (never done before)
• Greek warriors (hoplite) were better protected; Persian warriors did not have armor

Mankind: The Story of Us: Birth of Democracy

• Athens prioritized self-determination
• Athenians believed in their right to make decisions regarding their lives and future.
• The Athenian model of democracy involves citizens directly participating and voting on important issues, differing from the present-day method of electing representatives.
• Athens used stones of different colors (e.g., "yes" and "no") for voting.
• Athenian democracy was limited to male landholders.

Pericles' Goals:

• Strengthen Democracy
  • Ensure all citizens could serve in government positions, paid positions, regardless of financial status (not just wealthy)
  • The city of Athens excelled under Pericles's leadership in several areas, particularly in politics and art.

Athenian Democracy vs U.S. Democracy

• Similarities: Both systems prioritize power of the people and empower citizens through voting; laws are passed by the legislative; executive branch enforces the laws, and judicial branch oversees legal issues
• Differences: Athenian democracy involved direct voting by citizens; in the U.S. citizens elect representatives to make decisions
• Jury size differs per system
• Leader selection processes vary greatly.

Pericles' Speech

• Compares democracy to trees: different but with comparable outcomes
• Eulogy for warriors who fell in battle vs. Persia

The Golden Age of Greece

• A time of great political and cultural achievements led by Pericles in Athens.
• The creation of the Parthenon serves as an example of this great era's architectural advancements.
• Significant funds were needed for defense, leading to a communal fund for support and fortification if attack.

Athenian Architecture

• Types of columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian)
• Parthenon as a temple to the goddess Athena
• Metopes show scenes highlighting gods
• Sculptures to honor gods and heroes

Phidias

• Accused of embezzlement but proven innocent
• Designed the Parthenon with impressive features, such as Doric columns, Ionic frieze, and murals.

Theatre of Epidaurus

• Acoustics enabled sound projection
• Theatre seating accommodated numerous people.

Music and Healing

• Music used therapeutically to calm distressed individuals
• Healing center, supported by income from patients, facilitated medical treatment as well as emotional and mental well-being.
• Actors, musicians, artists, and patients from across the empire, demonstrating the influential nature of the medical treatment and cultural exchange possible at the time.

Moral Dilemmas:

• Heinz Dilemma:
  • A woman needs a medication but cannot afford it. Should he steal it?
• Trolley Dilemma:
  • A trolley tracks 5 people versus 1. Should a person sacrifice one to save five?

Socrates

• Socratic method: A philosophical approach focused on questioning to guide students' thinking.
• Questioning the status quo to probe into matters
• Was put on trial and sentenced to death.

Allegory of the Cave

• Plato's allegory uses a story of prisoners in a cave to illustrate how misleading appearances and perceived reality can be.
• The prisoners mistake shadows for reality.
• One prisoner escapes the cave and sees the true reality of the world, only to be challenged by his fellow prisoners who only perceive reality as what they know.

Caves of Today: Social Media

• Increased social anxiety is linked to excessive social media use
• Encourage users to be brave and confront social fears.

Aristotle

• Established the Lyceum;
• Philosophy based on the golden mean table (a balanced approach to life)
• Provided a basis for Western culture and science.

Explore ancient Greek political systems like monarchy, oligarchy, and direct democracy. Also examine the societal views on women during the Golden Age of Greece, contrasting them with modern perspectives on women's roles in society and the workforce.