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Year 9 NSW
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History
Topic : Greece: part I
In this topic you will learn...
Chapter 1 :
The origins of the society: fact and myth
The geography of Greece impacted on the development of Greek society
Cities developed independently, forming city-states, or poleis (singular polis)
The Greeks were united by a common language and culture
The earliest civilisation in Greek history was the Minoan civilisation of Crete
The Mycenaeans were a warlike people who occupied Crete
The Mycenaean civilisation came to an end when the Dorians invaded
By 800 BC, poleis were developing distinctive political cultures
Chapter 2 :
Geography of the societal homeland
The civilisation of ancient Greece was influenced by its geography and topography
The Greek peninsula jutted out into the Mediterranean Sea
Greece had several rugged mountain ranges and small rivers dividing the countryside
Most of Greece had a harsh climate, suffering from cold winters and hot summers
Greeks also settled on the thousands of islands in the Aegean called the Cyclades
Many islands were small so the development of sea travel ensured their survival
Other Greeks settled in Asia Minor and came into contact with many ancient civilisations
Chapter 3 :
Religion in the society
The Greeks were polytheistic - they worshipped many gods
The gods and goddesses were subject to the same emotions as humans
There were many festivals held in honour of the gods
The Ancient Greeks sought the advice of their gods through oracles
Chapter 4 :
Greek city states
The Greek word for city state was
polis, poleis
for plural
The city state was one political unit that comprised a geographical area
All Greek city states were different and adopted different political forms
Most city states included an assembly of citizens, a council of elders, and magistrates
The main city of a city state was built around a high rocky outcrop called the acropolis
City states also included an agora (open meeting space) and walls for defence
Chapter 5 :
Athens
Athens was the most powerful city state in Greece in the Classical period
Athens was the first democratic state in history
In the Persian Wars, Athens won decisive battles at Marathon and Salamis
After the wars, Athens formed the Delian League, a Greek alliance against Persia
The League was eventually transformed by the Athenians into an empire
Athens was the centre of intellectual activity and culture
Many Greek states became angry with Athens. Sparta declared war on Athens in 431 BC
The Peloponnesian War lasted until 404 BC and Athens was defeated
Chapter 6 :
Sparta
Sparta was transformed into a military state by the lawgiver Lycurgus
Sparta was governed by two kings, an advisory council of elders, and an assembly
All men were expected to undertake military training
The Spartan army was the most powerful army in Ancient Greece
Sparta led Greece during the Persian Wars
Athenian arrogance caused Sparta to declare war on Athens in 431 BC
Sparta won the war in 404 BC but did not capitalise on the victory
Sparta lost her power in the 4th century BC when there were no more Spartan soldiers
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