Classical Greece Overview Quiz

Classical Greece, 2000 B.C. - 300 B.C.

• Power and Authority: Athenian democracy emerged, allowing citizens to govern. Geography possibly limited this form of government to Athens.
• Cultural Interaction: Alexander the Great spread Greek culture across Asia, leading to a blend of Greek, Egyptian, and Asian cultures, forming Hellenistic culture. Sea travel was important for the spread of Greek culture.
• Empire Building: Athens expanded a defense league to an empire. Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire and expanded his own vast empire. Geographic features potentially influenced Macedonian expansion.
• Integrated Technology: Interactive maps, visuals, and primary sources are available online for further study. Resources include research links, maps, internet activities, test practice, primary sources, and current events. Chapter quiz available.

Greece and the World 2000 B.C. and 1500 B.C.

• 2000 B.C.: Minoan civilization flourished on Crete
• 1780 B.C.: Hammurabi's code of laws
• 1500 B.C.: Mycenaean culture thrived on the Greek mainland

Greek City-States 750 B.C.

• Topography: Greece is mountainous with a coastline of about 2,000 Islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
• 1200-750 B.C.: Trojan War

750 B.C. - 300 B.C.:

• 750 B.C.: Greek city-states flourished.
• 1000 B.C.: Zhou Dynasty began (in China)
• 850 B.C.: Assyrians expand their empire
• 750 B.C. - 479 B.C.: Greek City-State Flourishing - Persian Wars
• 479 B.C.: Greece triumphs in Persian Wars.
• 334 B.C.: Alexander the Great begins to build his empire.
• 300 B.C.: Chandragupta founds Mauryan Empire in India

What does this art tell you about Greek culture?

• Democracy: Relief panels depict democracy and its role in Athenian society.
• Art in everyday life: Pottery was used to depict heroic scenes.
• Public Buildings: Public buildings were decorated and adorned with statues. Greek public life included statuary (statues) and artistic embellishments, like sculptures, to highlight and celebrate gods and heroes.

Interact with History

• When Greeks think of ancient Greece, the first association is with works of art and literature. This includes statements from its leaders, historical figures, and historians.
• Works of art and statements by leaders, scholars, philosophers, historians provide insight into Greek culture.

Cultures of the Mountains and the Sea

• Minoan Civilization: 3000 B.C., lived on the island of Crete, had significant Mediterranean power.
• Sea: The sea shaped the traditions and customs of Greek civilization, serving as a transportation route.

Warring City-States

• 750 B.C.: The city-state (polis) was a vital political unit.
• Monarchy: Government led by a king.
• Aristocracy: Government ruled by a group of wealthy, landowning families.
• Oligarchy: Government ruled by a small group of powerful people.
• Tyrants: Individuals who seized control of the government, sometimes by appealing to the common people.

Athens Builds a Limited Democracy

• 621 B.C.: Draco developed a legal code.
• 594 B.C.: Solon established democratic reforms, ending debt slavery.
• 500 B.C.: Cleisthenes introduced further reforms, organizing citizens by region and expanding assembly power, leading to limited democracy.

Spartan Builds a Military State

• 725 B.C.: Sparta conquered the Messenian region, and forced Messenians into servitude as helots.
• 650 B.C.: The Messenian revolt, Spartans dedicated themselves to building a strong military.

Festivals and Sports

• 776 B.C.: First recorded Olympics.

The Spread of Hellenistic Culture

• Alexander's Empire: Alexander blended Greek culture with the cultures of conquered regions, leading to Hellenistic culture.
• Alexandria: an influential city that became a center of Hellenistic culture, commerce, and learning.

Democracy and Greece's Golden Age

• 477-431 B.C.: Athens experienced a Golden Age, marked by intellectual and artistic achievements.

Alexander's Empire

• 359 B.C.: Philip II becomes king of Macedonia, establishing a strong army and conquering Greece.
• 338 B.C.: Philip II defeats Athens and Thebes in the Battle of Chaeronea, gaining control of Greece.
• 336 B.C.: Alexander the Great becomes king, eventually conquering Persia.
• 334 B.C.-323 B.C: Alexander the Great expanded his empire across Persia, Egypt, and India.
• 323 B.C.: Alexander the Great dies, leading to a power struggle among his generals, resulting in the division of his empire into successor states.

Alexander's Empire and its Legacy

• 336 B.C. - 306 B.C.: The period where Alexander's empire was established and continued to grow, and his successor states emerged.

Test your knowledge on Classical Greece from 2000 B.C. to 300 B.C. Explore the emergence of Athenian democracy, the cultural interactions led by Alexander the Great, and the geographical influences on ancient empires. This quiz includes insights into technology and resources for further study.