Based on the geographical features of Greece, why do you think the Greeks developed city-states rather than a unified nation? How do you think the Greek city-states might have affected the course of Greek history?
They were separated on different islands and by mountains. Many different governments and societies probably developed.
100
What type of government and ruler were there in Minos, Mycenaea, Corinth, and Athens?
Minos: monarchy, king
Mycenaea: monarchy, king
Athens: democracy, elected representatives
100
Which people in Athens were allowed to vote?
Male citizens
100
What contributed to the Macedonian victory over Greece?
Continual fighting between Athens and Sparta; the loss of wealth, resources, and power; Sparta’s defeat by Thebes
100
What made Alexandria, Egypt, a center of culture and learning?
Two scholarly resources; the Musaeum held many works of art; library was a huge storehouse of writings on many subjects
200
What were Minoan and Mycenaean cultures like?
They were advanced civilizations based on trade around the Aegean Sea, and they built huge palaces and temples.
200
Why did Sparta’s political system develop?
Because of Sparta’s emphasis on war, it was led politically by two kings who served as military commanders.
200
Why do you suppose the Council of 500 worked with the assembly?
To ensure that the laws represented all of society fairly; the assembly was too large to be effective.
200
How did Alexander the Great rise to power?
Following the death of his father, he succeeded to the Macedonian throne and ended the Greek revolts and conquered territory in Persia, Egypt, Phoenicia, and Central Asia.
200
What role did stories of gods and heroes play in Greek culture?
Stories about these heroes were used to teach the Greeks where they came from and what sort of people they should try to be.
300
How were Minoan and Mycenaean cultures similar?
They were both trading states. Mycenaean writing has been translated, but not Minoan. Mycenaeans, unlike the Minoans, had frequent wars.
300
Why did Spartans place such an emphasis on preparedness for war?
It was seen as the only way to keep order in society.
300
How did the Greeks manage to win the Persian wars?
Defeated larger foe at Marathon; called on other Greek city-states for help; trapped Persians in Greece, far from home and short on supplies; Sparta joined Athens to crush weakened Persian foes
300
What made Alexander the master of the Persian world?
The defeat of Darius
300
What were the reasons for telling legends and myths?
Legends were told to explain natural phenomena or events of the distant past. Myths explain where people came from, how they live, and how they cope in an uncertain world.
400
What are the factors that contributed to the downfall of the Mycenaeans?
Droughts, famines, invasion from outside, collapse of trade, and war between Mycenaean cities
400
What was the role of helots in Sparta?
Farmed, performed manual labor for Sparta’s citizens
400
What events led to the Greek victory in the Persian wars?
Athens and Sparta allied to fight the Persians. Spartans held off the Persians at Thermopylae, allowing Athens to prepare. Persians’ supplies were cut off when the Greek fleet destroyed their ships. Spartans led the Greek army to defeat the Persians at Plataea.
400
Why did Alexander’s empire break apart after his death?
He did not name an heir, so the empire was divided among his top generals.
400
What was the function of Greek mythical heroes?
Provided examples of virtues and strength
500
What were the common characteristics of Greek city-states?
Built around a high area called the acropolis, which contained temples; had public marketplace; political system
500
What were the characteristics of Athenian democracy?
Direct democracy; only certain people allowed to vote; those people were expected to vote in all elections; serve in office if elected; serve on juries and in the military during war
500
How did Athens come to control the Delian League?
Athens was the largest and richest member of the league, and controlled both ships and money.
500
What was life like in the Hellenistic culture that developed after Alexander’s death?
Blended culture; no city-state; women had more rights
500
How did Greek philosophy influence later thinking?
Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato contributed to later Greek philosophy. Aristotle’s emphasis on investigation and classification contributed to the development of science.