Unit 1: Lesson 2 Early Greece

Lesson Objective: 10.1.2

10.1.2: Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western political thought. Trace the development of the Western political ideas of the rule of law and illegitimacy of tyranny, using selections from Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics.

Lesson Introduction:

Much of what we know today of political systems, including many Democratic principles, western culture, architecture, philosophy and even the cultural blending of many nations, can be traced back to the land of ancient Greece. As you read through this chapter about the beginnings of Greek history, you will discover the interactions between the Mycenaeans, Minoans and early Dorian civilizations and the classical heritage they planted. Many of our current political systems, including democracy, aristocracy, and oligarchy, can be traced to the early forms of government established by the Greek city-states.

During the Golden Age of Greece, Greek culture was glorified through their art, architecture, philosophy and drama. Sporting events like the Olympics were established by early Greeks. The spreading of Greek Hellenistic culture was furthered by the rule of Alexander the Great’s expansion throughout the known world. Despite the relatively small size of Greece’s geography, Greece’s impact on the world is anything but.

In this lesson, the student should focus on the effects that tyranny had on early Greek history. The student will also consider the legacy and effect Alexander the Great had on spreading culture around the western world.

Key Terms/Concepts: Direct democracy, classical art, tragedy, comedy, Peloponnesian War, philosopher, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Philip II, Macedonia, Alexander the Great, Darius III, Persian Empire, Alexander’s Legacy

Reading Assignment:

● Textbook: Chapter 5, Sections 3-4● Research: Explore the information, pictures and videos about the following Greek philosophers:

○ Plato: http://www.history.com/topics/plato○ Aristotle: http://www.history.com/topics/aristotle

Self-check Questions:

1. Which philosopher was condemned to death for “corrupting the youth of Athens” and “neglecting the city’s gods?”

A. PlatoB. PericlesC. SocratesD. Sophocles

2. Greek art of the time, also called “classical art,” exhibits all of the following:A. BalanceB. ProportionC. OrderD. Emotion

3. Which Greek philosopher asked a series of leading questions to show that people hold many contradictory opinions. This method of questioning and answering was later named after this philosopher.

A. SocratesB. PlatoC. Alexander the GreatD. Aristotle

4. Which Greek philosopher founded a school called the Academy that lasted for roughly 900 years. He was a student of Socrates and was quoted as saying, “Philosophy begins in wonder.”

A. SocratesB. PlatoC. Alexander the GreatD. Aristotle

5. This student rained at Plato’s Academy, and was known for questioning the nature of the world and human belief.

A. SocratesB. PlatoC. Alexander the GreatD. Aristotle

Application Assignment:

See “Unit 2” for assignment.

Speedback Questions:

1.What are philosophers?a. “Religious leaders”b.“Military Giants”c. “Law Writers”d. “Lovers of Wisdom”

2. Why is it important that Alexander the Great was a student of Aristotle?A. Aristotle taught Alexander all that was known in the Greek world thenB. Aristotle taught Alexander how to fight by Greek methodsC. Aristotle taught Alexander the philosophy of stoicismD. Aristotle taught Alexander classical strategies to defeat the Persians

Final Exam Questions:

1. Greek philosophers based their thinkers on the following assumptions:I. The universe (land, sea, sky) is put together logic and reasonII. People can understand these laws through logic and reasonIII. All people are natural evil and thus should be punished when their naturally side takes

over

A. I and IIB. I and IIIC. II and IIID. All of the above apply

2. The United States’ democracy and Athenian democracy share which common belief?A. All citizens are malesB. Leaders are chosen by electionC. Three branches of governmentD. All of the above were shared between the United States and Athenian democracy

© 2013 Cassidy Baker