Notes:
The earliest Greek civilizations They thrived nearly 4,000 years ago.
The Ancient Greece empire spread over Europe as far as France in the East.
The Greek Empire was most powerful between 2000 BC and 146 B.C.
The ancient Greeks developed new ideas for government, science, philosophy, religion, and art.
Ancient Greece was split into many different states, each one was ruled in its own way. Each state had its own laws, government and money but they shared the same language and religion .
The two most important city states were Athens and Sparta.
Ancient Greece City-States
Polis – means city-state
A polis or city-state was made up of a major city and its surrounding countryside
Acropolis – great marble temples were built on the hilltop dedicated to the gods and goddesses
Population of each city-state was small
Ancient Greece: Types of Government
Monarchy – hereditary ruler exercises central power
Aristocracy- rule by hereditary landholding eliteOligarchy – power is in the hands of a small, wealthy elite
Ancient Athens
Athenian government evolved from a monarchy into an aristocracy
Athens eventually moved slowing towards a democracy. (Democracy – government by the people)
Citizenship remain limited
Many positions were open only to the wealthy
Continued Athens
Cleisthenes – broadened the role of ordinary citizens in government. He set up a council of 500
Council of 500- prepared laws. (they were elected by males over the age of 30.)
He made the assembly a genuine legislature (lawmaking body)
Athens a Limited Democracy
Athenian democracy was limited
Citizens could participate in government
Citizenship was restricted to landowning men
Women, merchants, and foreigners were excluded
Slaves had no political rights
