Untitled Quiz

Athens vs. Sparta

• Athens operated as a democracy valuing education and civic participation, while Sparta was an oligarchy focused on militaristic training.
• Spartan society prioritized raising strong male warriors from a young age (beginning at age 7), contrasting with Athens's broader educational goals.
• Women in Sparta had more rights and were respected for their role in producing strong offspring.

Geography of Greece

• Mountainous terrain created natural barriers, leading to distinct and independent city-states (poleis).
• Proximity to the sea facilitated trade and cultural exchange, which contributed to the spread of Greek civilization as far as India.

Spartan Society

• Spartan culture emphasized athleticism and military prowess, shaping boys into soldiers.
• Spartan women were encouraged to be fit to ensure robust offspring, reflecting the society's commitment to military strength.
• Material wealth was de-emphasized, with a focus on bravery and honor in combat.

Key Terms

• Polis: Independent Greek city-states.
• Citizenship: Included free individuals participating in governance.
• Democracy: Government system where power rests with the people.
• Spartiates: Elite Spartan aristocrats.
• Perioeci: Middle class in Sparta, including farmers and craftsmen.
• Helots: Subjugated population working the land in Spartan society.
• Krypteia: Secret police responsible for controlling the Helots.

Persian Governance and Religion

• Cult of Kingship: Concept supporting absolute monarchy in Persia.
• Ahura Mazda: Supremem deity of Persian religion, symbolizing divine kingship.
• Satraps: Governors managing Persian provinces.

City-States and Warfare

• City-State: Independent settlements within a country.
• Hoplites: Infantry soldiers in Greek warfare.
• Council of Elders: Spartan governing body comprising men over 60.
• Greco-Persian Wars: A series of conflicts (492–449 BCE) where the Greeks triumphed against a larger Persian army.

Cultural and Historical Figures

• Philip II: Macedonian ruler who consolidated power and strengthened Macedonia.
• Alexander the Great: Son of Philip; expanded the Macedonian empire and spread Greek culture but left a fragmented empire posthumously.
• Macedonia: Northern Greek kingdom that conquered Greece.

Era and Trade

• Hellenistic Era: Period (323–30 BCE) of extensive Greek cultural influence following Alexander's conquests.
• Bactria: Ancient Iranian civilization significant in trade.
• Great Silk Road: Major trade route facilitating the exchange of silk and other goods.

Philosophical Movements

• Mystery Religions: Cults offering secret rites and beliefs, appealing due to promises of an afterlife.
• Epicureanism: Philosophical doctrine claiming that happiness is achieved through a life free of pain and filled with pleasure.
• Stoicism: Philosophy asserting happiness is found in living in harmony with nature's laws.

Scientific Advancements

• Heliocentric Theory: Concept proposing that the Earth revolves around the sun.
• Herophilus: The first anatomist in Greece who made significant contributions to anatomy.

Athenian and Spartan Governance Structures

• Athenian Democracy: Evolved from the assembly of citizens to various governing bodies.
• Spartan Governance: Twin kingship combined with the Gerousia (Council of Elders) and the assembly of wealthy landowners.

Peloponnesian War

• Conflict arising from tension between the powerful Athens and fear of Spartan dominance.
• Resulted in Spartan victory, but left both city-states militarily weakened and altered Greek warfare towards naval strategies.