Ancient Greece Rise of Polis (City-State)

Mycenaean Migration

• Inhabitants of Mycenaean settlements migrated to islands in the Aegean, Anatolia, and Cyprus due to widespread turmoil and the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization.

Governance in Greece (800 BCE)

• Governance in the numerous poleis that arose in Greece was characterized by emerging forms of political organization, local laws, and democratic elements, often varying from one city-state to another.

Powerful City-States

• Athens and Sparta were the two most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece, each representing unique cultural and military values.

Athenian Government

• Athens operated under a system of direct democracy, where citizens had the right to participate in decision-making and governance.

Spartan Governance

• Sparta's governance was characterized by an oligarchic system, with power concentrated in a council of elders and dual kingship, focusing on military discipline and societal stability.

Spartan Expansion

• Sparta extended its power throughout the Peloponnesus by establishing a network of alliances and dominating neighboring city-states through military strength.

End of Monarchy in Rome

• The last king to rule before the establishment of the Roman Republic was King Tarquin the Proud, whose tyrannical rule led to his overthrow.

Role of the Senate

• In the Roman Republic, the Senate functioned as an advisory body, influencing legislation and foreign policy, providing stability and continuity in governance.

Social Gap in Rome

• The widening social gap between Plebeians and Patricians in Rome was driven by economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, and the struggles for power and representation.

Julius Caesar's Dictatorship

• The main outcome of Julius Caesar being voted in as Dictator for life in 45-44 BCE was the consolidation of power and the erosion of the Republic's democratic principles, leading to civil unrest.

Monarchy's End in Rome

• Historical records indicate that the establishment of the Roman Republic, marked by the exile of Tarquin, signified the end of Monarchy rule in Rome.

Twelve Tables Significance

• The Twelve Tables were significant in Roman history as they represented the first codification of Roman law, ensuring legal transparency and protecting citizens' rights.

Draco's Law

• One of the laws introduced by Draco in 621 BCE was the establishment of severe penalties for crimes, known for its harshness, leading to the phrase "Draconian laws."

Philosopher's Influence

• Aristotle wrote about various topics, including biology, drama, ethics, and politics, contributing significantly to knowledge and thought in ancient philosophy.

Spartan Strategy in Peloponnesian War

• One strategy used by Sparta against Athens during the Peloponnesian War included leveraging their formidable land army to disrupt Athenian supply lines and resources.

Hellenistic Culture Spread

• Alexander the Great facilitated the widespread dissemination of Hellenistic culture through his conquests and the establishment of cities that promoted Greek language and customs.

Helots in Spartan Society

• Helots were an oppressed class within Spartan society, primarily serving as agricultural laborers bound to the land, representing a significant demographic and economic segment.