Ancient Greece: Sparta, Athens and Culture

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Questions and Answers

What happened to the island of Naxos when it attempted to revolt against the Delian League?

It faced violent suppression. (correct)

It negotiated a peaceful settlement.

It was ignored by the Athenians.

It successfully gained independence.

Who is the fifth-century BCE historian that depicted the harsh treatment of Melos?

Plutarch

Thucydides (correct)

Xenophon

Herodotus

What was the reaction of the Athenian allies regarding the transformation of the Delian League?

They fully supported it.

They saw it as an opportunity.

They were unhappy with it. (correct)

They were indifferent.

What portion of the tribute was inscribed each year by the Athenians?

One-sixtieth Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leading Athenian statesman during the fifth century BCE, associated with the Delian League policies?

Pericles Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature significantly influenced agricultural practices in ancient Greece?

Mountains Signup and view all the answers

Which resource was notable in the production of trade goods in ancient Greek city-states?

Olive oil Signup and view all the answers

How did Sparta's military intervention affect its influence over other city-states?

It resulted in constant warfare. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main challenges of agriculture in Athens?

Rocky and clay-filled soil Signup and view all the answers

Which type of livestock was most commonly raised due to the geographical conditions of mainland Greece?

Sheep Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Persia employ when facing Spartan forces?

Acted aggressively with overwhelming numbers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the relationship between geography and resources in ancient Greek city-states?

Different regions provided varying resources influencing trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic feature of Spartan military practices during their expansion?

Limited military intervention in other city-states. Signup and view all the answers

What significant changes were introduced to the hoplite phalanx's way of fighting?

Slightly longer spears and wedge formation Signup and view all the answers

What type of decline did the Macedonian phalanx experience?

A catastrophic decline in effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect describes the psychological impact on the Athenians regarding the end of the Peloponnesian War?

The terrible end significantly affected their collective psyche. Signup and view all the answers

What was introduced alongside the longer spears to improve the hoplite phalanx formation?

A wedge formation for better offense Signup and view all the answers

Which source provided information about the mentioned military changes?

Public domain reports related to military changes Signup and view all the answers

What type of pottery is mentioned in association with the Mediterranean area?

Attic Black-Figure Hydria Signup and view all the answers

What does the prevalence of images on pottery reflect about everyday life?

They indicate social customs and practices. Signup and view all the answers

In which historical context were cattle theft concerns notably mentioned?

Hellenistic Egypt Signup and view all the answers

What type of artifacts serve as primary sources for understanding legal matters in ancient contexts?

Written inscriptions and documents Signup and view all the answers

Which artifact is mentioned as equivalent to a legal code in Hellenistic times?

The Gortyn Code Signup and view all the answers

What does the imagery on water pots from the late sixth century primarily depict?

Daily life activities and gatherings. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the function of artifacts like hydria in ancient societies?

They served practical purposes and reflected social roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the category of artifacts called 'legal inscriptions'?

They record laws and social agreements. Signup and view all the answers

What was the emotional impact of the war on characters in Sophocles' plays?

They experienced emotional and psychological challenges. Signup and view all the answers

In which context did Oedipus lead six heroes to attack Thebes?

To reclaim his throne from Eteocles. Signup and view all the answers

What common theme is explored in the plays following the Trojan War?

The experiences of both warriors and civilians. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main character's reaction to Athenian leadership in one of the plays?

He expresses frustration over their inefficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual act do the women in the play do to force peace?

Engage in a sex-strike. Signup and view all the answers

What symbolically represents the frustrations of the characters in their quest for peace?

A dung beetle. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of endings are depicted for the characters in Sophocles’ plays?

They face tragic, untimely deaths. Signup and view all the answers

How are the perspectives of the heroes depicted in relation to the war?

They express doubts about their heroism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sparta's Rise and Influence

Sparta's military dominance in the early 5th century BCE led to widespread political control over the Peloponnese peninsula.
Spartan military intervention was common in other city-states' affairs and wars.

Geographic and Resource Impact on City-States

Mainland Greece's varied terrain influenced agriculture and manufacturing.
Athens' rocky soil presented agricultural challenges, while mountainous regions were ideal for herding.
Olive oil production was widespread.
Athenian potters utilized clay soil for pottery decoration.

Archaeology and Material Culture

Archaeological finds like pottery offer insights into daily life in ancient Greece.
Attic black-figure hydria (water pots) from the late 6th century BCE show artistic styles and social practices.
The Gortyn Code (c. 5th century BCE) provides insights into ancient legal systems.

Athenian Empire and the Delian League

The Delian League, initially an alliance, transformed under Athenian leadership into an Athenian empire.
Athenian allies were unhappy with this power shift, as were non-allies.
The treatment of Melos illustrates the harshness of the Athenian empire.
The tribute collected from League members was publicly recorded by the Athenians.

Athenian Politics and the Peloponnesian War

The Athenian leadership faced criticism for inefficiencies during the Peloponnesian War.
Plays and myths, like Sophocles' works, demonstrated the war's impact on individuals and society.
The plays highlighted emotional and psychological consequences of war and presented tragic, untimely deaths.
Comedies, like Aristophanes' Lysistrata, satirized the war, depicting women's attempts to end it through a sex-strike.

Athenian Psyche Post-War

The devastating conclusion of the Peloponnesian War left a lasting scar on the Athenian psyche.
It was challenging for Athenians to forget the war's terrible ending.
The experience profoundly affected their collective identity.

Military Innovations in Warfare

After the Peloponnesian War, the Hoplite phalanx underwent significant changes.
These changes included longer spears and the adoption of the wedge formation.

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Description

Explore the rise of Sparta's military influence and its impact on the Peloponnese. Learn about the geographical challenges faced by Athens and their consequences on agriculture, resource production, and the thriving material culture of ancient Greece. Examine archaeological findings that provide a glimpse into daily life and legal systems in this remarkable period.