Greek Civilizations

Greek Civilization

Period: 300 to Mar 2, 2022

Sparta; Alexander the Great

345

SPARTA
Alexander was born in 345 B.C. at Pella, the capital of Macedonia. At the age of sixteen he was entrusted with the governing of their country. When his father was murdered, he became King and leader of the powerful Macedonian army. After strengthening his positions in Greece, he undertook a military campaign which freed the Greek cities of Asia Minor from Persian rule.

Athens; The Temple of Parthenon

447

ATHENS
The Parthenon, the main temple of Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena. The shrine was built between 447 and 438; the decoration was finished in 432. The building is still impressive because it is made of beautiful Pentelic marble.

Sparta; Spartan Women

450

SPARTA
This statue is both a depiction of a game and a representation of gender ideals. Whereas girls in the nearby city-state of Sparta were taught to read and write and engaged in athletic competitions, those in Athens spent their girlhoods largely indoors practicing the domestic arts.

Athens; Again, A Leader

500

ATHENS
The Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced further reforms. He broke up the power of the nobility by organizing citizens into ten groups based on where they lived rather than on their wealth. He also increased the power of the assembly by allowing all citizens to submit laws for debate and passage. He then created the Council of Five Hundred. This body proposed laws and counseeled the assembly. Council members were chosen by lot, or at random.

Athens; Direct Democracy

500

ATHENS
Direct Democracy is state ruled by its citizens. The rule is based on citizenship. The majority rule decides the vote. Direct democracy began practice in Athens by about 500 B.C.

Sparta; Oligarchy

500

SPARTA
Oligarchy is state ruled by a small group of citizens. The rule is based on wealth and ability. The ruling group controls military. The practice of Oligarchy began in Sparta by 500 B.C.

Sparta; Leonidas

500

SPARTA
Leonidas was a fifth century Spartan military king whose stand against the invading Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece is one of the enduring tales of Greek heroism, invoked throughout Western history as the epitome of bravery exhibited against overwhelming odds.

Sparta; Sparta Daily Life

Jan 1, 600

SPARTA
From around 600 until 371 B.C., Sparta had the most powerful army in Greece. However, the Spartan people had paid a high price for their military supremacy. As a result of individual expression being discouraged, Spartans did not value the arts, literature, or other artistic and intellectual pursuits, They did value duty, strength, and discipline over freedom, individuality, beauty, and learning.

Athens; A New Leader

Jan 1, 621

ATHENS
The first step toward democracy came when a nobleman named Draco took power. Draco developed a legal code based on the idea that all Athenians, rich and poor, were equal under the law. His code dealt very harshly with criminals, making death the punishment for practically every crime. It also upheld such practices as debt slavery, in which debotrs worked as slaves to repay their debts.

Sparta; Anger Inside

Jan 1, 650

SPARTA
The Messenians, resentful of the Spartans' harsh rule, revolted. The Spartans, who were out numbered eight to one, just barely put fown the revolt. Shocked at their vulnerability, they dedicated themselves to making Sparta a strong city-state.

Sparta; Sparta Builds a Military State

Jan 1, 725

SPARTA
Sparta conquered the neighboring region of Messenia and took over the land. The Messenians became helots, peasants forced to stay on the land they worked. Each year, the Spartans demanded hlaf of the helots' crops.

Athens; Another Leader

Mar 2, 2022

ATHENS
More far-reaching democratic reforms were introduced by Solon. Solon outlawed devt slavery, organized all Athenian citizens into four social political classes according to wealth, and also introduced the legal concept that any citizen would bring charges against wrongdoers.

Athens; Aristocracy

Mar 2, 2022

ATHENS
Aristocracy is state ruled by nobility. The rule is hereditary and based on family ties, social rank, and wealth. The social status and wealth support rulers' authority. Aristocracy began practice in Athens prior to 594 B.C.

Athens; Gods

Mar 2, 2022

ATHENS
The marble decoration of the Parthenon is now in the British Museum in London ("Elgin Marbles"). This is a fragment, showing reclining gods who are waiting for the beginning of a great procession.

Athens; Phidias

Mar 2, 2022

A reconstruction of the cult statue of Athena, made by the sculptor Phidias, who had been placed in charge of the decoration of the Parthenon by the Athenian politician Pericles.