Classical Greece:Birth of Western Civilization

Chapter FiveUnit 2

A. Unification of large land masses

B. Golden Age of Greek civilization

C. New institutions being developed. For example, government, philosophy, drama, sculpture, poetry, philosophy, architecture, and science

D. Cultural or Commercial Bonds (Greece, Rome, India, China)

What is the “classical” age?

A. What is changing that brings us into Classical Greece?

1. Technology Advances (Bronze to Iron)2. Agricultural Productivity (Increased output)3. Monetary System (Coined money replaces

barter)4. Expanded Trade Routes (More sea than land)5. Military Rules Changing (Political structures

such as democracy, republic)

Causes of Classical Civilization

1. Political – People/citizens are gaining a greater voice in government

2. Economic – Had to trade because of geographical location, trade over larger geographical areas

3. Religious – more religious opportunities, new religions developing

Effects of Classical Civilization

4. Social – Social mobility; Merchant class is growing and expanding; Social structure shifting from a status based on birth to a status based on wealth

5. Intellectual – More time to develop/expand intellectual thought; Many life questions raised; Development of philosophy

6. Artistic - Focus moved from religion to artists expressing themselves and their loyalty to their leader

Effects of Classical Civilization

Classical Greece:The Golden Age

Classical/Ancient GreecePhilosophy and Government

Chapter FivePresented to you by – Tonopolis Socratotle

Classical Greek City-States

“The unexamined life is not worth living.“

“Know thyself”

Socratic Method: "What is wisdom?" and "What is beauty?" and "What is the right thing to do?“

Tried in 399 BC for corrupting the youth of Athens

Greek Philosophy – Socrates (469-399 BC)

Socrates’ student

Wrote “The Dialogues” which were the teachings of Socrates.

Wrote “The Republic” A book about the ideal society

Started the “Academy” which was a school that lasted 900 years.

Greek PhilosophyPlato 427-347 BC

Plato’s student

He believed that the key to a successful life was the pursuit of happiness. He walked around teaching as students followed him.

He created the Scientific Method and began the studies of psychology, physics, biology.

Teacher of Alexander the Great

Chose to leave Athens because he was being threatened. He said, “Lest Athens sin twice against philosophy.”

Greek PhilosophyAristotle 384-322 BC

1. Monarchy – A form of government where a single person, called a king, rules.

2. Oligarchy - A form of government ruled by a few powerful people who seize power from the people or the rightful ruler(s).

3. Tyranny – A form of government where the ruler violates the laws and acts arbitrarily towards others.

4. Democracy - A form of government in which the power to govern lies directly in the hands of the people rather than being exercised through their representatives.

Greek Forms of Government