Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome:
Chapter 5 and 6
Unit 1: Essential Questions
1. Compare and contrast the role of geography on the development of the Greek and Roman Empires.
Ancient Greece consisted mainly of a mountainous peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea and about 2,000 islands in the Aegean Sea. The sea shaped Greek civilization in many ways, especially when it came to sea travel. The land also had certain features such as mountains which influenced Greek political life in a particular way. The third contributing geographical factor to influence the Greek civilization is the moderate climate that Greece enjoys. More information on these three factors and the role they played in the development of the Greek Empire can be found on pp. 123-124. In contrast to Greece, the city of Rome was built on seven hills at a curve on the Tiber River. This is an extremely strategic location with fertile soil, making it ideal to establish the Roman Empire. Information on what made this so site so strategic can be found on p. 155. When answering this essential question, ensure that you compare and contrast the important factors; a Venn diagram may make this easier to do. |
2. Describe the elements of the Age of Pericles and Pax Romana that contributed to the rise of the Greek and Roman Empires. Who did NOT benefit from this in both empires?
For a period of about 50 years (477 - 431 B.C.) Athens experienced a growth in intellectual and artistic learning. This period, during which drama, sculpture, architecture, poetry, philosophy and science reached new heights, is known as the Golden Age of Athens, or the Age of Pericles. Pericles, the leader of Athens at that time, was an accomplished politician, inspiring speaker and respected general with three goals:, i.e.
1. to strengthen Athenian democracy
2. to hold and strengthen the empire, and
3. to glorify Athens.
This incredible growth period for Athens came at the cost of other city states, especially Sparta. Consequently a war between the two city states became inevitable. Read about Pericles' plan for Athens on pp. 134 - 136 and pp. 140 - 141. The war between Athens and Sparta is discussed on on pp. 127 - 138.
Rome's path to greatness followed the opposite route that Greece's did in that they started out as a republic, but eventually became a military dictatorship under the absolute rule of Julius Caesar. After his death, there followed a period of instability, but eventually some aspects of the republic were restored under the Roman ruler, Emperor Augustus. During his reign Rome reached the peak of its power, which lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D. During most of the 200+ years Rome experienced a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana or Roman Peace. An efficient system of government was established, and agriculture and trade expanded over a wide territory. The Romans built roads and bridges, and art and culture flourished.
Unfortunately the advantages of this expansion was limited to the upper classes, and most common people in Rome struggled to survive, causing much discontent among the ordinary citizens of Rome and setting the stage for the development of a new religion known as Christianity. You can read about this period in Rome's history on pp. 162 - 165.
For a period of about 50 years (477 - 431 B.C.) Athens experienced a growth in intellectual and artistic learning. This period, during which drama, sculpture, architecture, poetry, philosophy and science reached new heights, is known as the Golden Age of Athens, or the Age of Pericles. Pericles, the leader of Athens at that time, was an accomplished politician, inspiring speaker and respected general with three goals:, i.e.
1. to strengthen Athenian democracy
2. to hold and strengthen the empire, and
3. to glorify Athens.
This incredible growth period for Athens came at the cost of other city states, especially Sparta. Consequently a war between the two city states became inevitable. Read about Pericles' plan for Athens on pp. 134 - 136 and pp. 140 - 141. The war between Athens and Sparta is discussed on on pp. 127 - 138.
Rome's path to greatness followed the opposite route that Greece's did in that they started out as a republic, but eventually became a military dictatorship under the absolute rule of Julius Caesar. After his death, there followed a period of instability, but eventually some aspects of the republic were restored under the Roman ruler, Emperor Augustus. During his reign Rome reached the peak of its power, which lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D. During most of the 200+ years Rome experienced a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana or Roman Peace. An efficient system of government was established, and agriculture and trade expanded over a wide territory. The Romans built roads and bridges, and art and culture flourished.
Unfortunately the advantages of this expansion was limited to the upper classes, and most common people in Rome struggled to survive, causing much discontent among the ordinary citizens of Rome and setting the stage for the development of a new religion known as Christianity. You can read about this period in Rome's history on pp. 162 - 165.
3. Analyze the reasons why Alexander was considered the Great. Consider his education, accomplishments as a military leader and toleration of conquered peoples, as well as his legacy with regard to the expansion and spread of Hellenistic culture.
Alexander, sometimes referred to as Alexander the Greek, was actually not Greek! He was born a prince in the neighboring country of Macedonia where he was taught by Aristotle, a very famous philosopher and teacher who had spent many years in Greece. He learned science and geography, but also learned to admire and love Greek literature - in fact, all things Greek. Alexander's father, King Phillip, conquered Greece, but died before he could invade Persia. This task was left to his young 20-year old son, Alexander, who conquered Egypt, Mesopotamia and eventually the entire Persian Empire as far as India over a period of 11 years. Alexander died when he was just 32 years old, but during his short life, managed to become the most powerful leader of his time. However, Alexander was also a wise leader who, rather than suppress Persian and Egyptian culture, allowed it to merge with Greek culture. As a result, a vibrant new culture emerged, combining Greek, Egyptian and Persian culture; it became known as Hellenistic culture.
You will find information on Alexander the Great's life and military conquests on pp. 142 - 145, and information on his cultural legacy on pp. 146 - 149.
Alexander, sometimes referred to as Alexander the Greek, was actually not Greek! He was born a prince in the neighboring country of Macedonia where he was taught by Aristotle, a very famous philosopher and teacher who had spent many years in Greece. He learned science and geography, but also learned to admire and love Greek literature - in fact, all things Greek. Alexander's father, King Phillip, conquered Greece, but died before he could invade Persia. This task was left to his young 20-year old son, Alexander, who conquered Egypt, Mesopotamia and eventually the entire Persian Empire as far as India over a period of 11 years. Alexander died when he was just 32 years old, but during his short life, managed to become the most powerful leader of his time. However, Alexander was also a wise leader who, rather than suppress Persian and Egyptian culture, allowed it to merge with Greek culture. As a result, a vibrant new culture emerged, combining Greek, Egyptian and Persian culture; it became known as Hellenistic culture.
You will find information on Alexander the Great's life and military conquests on pp. 142 - 145, and information on his cultural legacy on pp. 146 - 149.
4. Analyze the reasons for the fall of the Greek and Roman Empires. With regard to the fall of the Greek Empire, you should refer to the battles between Athens and Sparta, as well as the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. Consider the issues between the patricians and plebians, the rise of Christianity and the role of various Roman Emperors when discussing the fall of the Roman Empire.
This question is a "thinking question", and will require you to have a good overview of the history of both empires.
During Ancient times Greek was not a united country, but rather a collection of separate city-states where Greek-speaking people lived. Different city-states had different forms of government, e.g. monarchies, oligarchies such as Sparta, and democracies such as Athens. At various times throughout history these city-states would fight together in wars against other countries, e.g. the Persian wars. However, divisions sometimes led to poor communication between the various city-states, making it more difficult to win against the well organized army of the Persian Empire. After the Persian war Athens flourished, which ultimately led to resentment from other city-states such as Sparta. Consequently war broke out between the city-states. This war, known as the Peloponnesian War, led to much destruction on either side, and ultimately weakened the entire nation, making it possible for King Phillip from Macedonia to conquer the entire Greek territory.
Historians cite many reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire, and the common thread that runs through most of these is the fact that after 500 years the Roman Empire was so large that it became more and more difficult and expensive to manage and control. At its height, the empire spread from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Euphrates River in the East. Ruling a vast territory like this became a administrative and logistical nightmare which, in turn, led to military overspending. It also made Rome vulnerable to attacks from others such as a number of Germanic tribes, including the Huns. Emperor Diocletian tried to make governing the empire more manageable by splitting it into two, but ultimately that also contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire as more was done to protect the East than the West. The Roman Emperors were also dealing with internal issues within Rome, including economic troubles such as overspending and inflation, over-reliance on slavery, government corruption and political instability, growing disagreements between the patricians and plebians (common people) and the rise of Christianity (leading to a loss of traditional Roman values and clashes about religious leadership).
Understanding the reasons for the decline of both empires is important, because mistakes were made, and when people do not learn from these mistakes, they are doomed to repeat those mistakes. For example,is the USA following in the footsteps of Rome? Some would argue that the USA faces many of the same issues the Roman Empire did, fighting their enemies on too many fronts, corruption within the government and economic problems as a result of overspending!
This question is a "thinking question", and will require you to have a good overview of the history of both empires.
- Battles between Athens and Sparta: pp. 127 - 131
- Persian Wars: pp. 131 - 133
- Peloponnesian Wars: pp. 137 - 138
- Philip of Macedonia Conquers Greece: pp. 142 - 143
- Rome - Early Republic: pp. 156 - 157
- Rise of Christianity: pp. 168 - 172
- Fall of the Roman Empire: pp. 173 - 177
During Ancient times Greek was not a united country, but rather a collection of separate city-states where Greek-speaking people lived. Different city-states had different forms of government, e.g. monarchies, oligarchies such as Sparta, and democracies such as Athens. At various times throughout history these city-states would fight together in wars against other countries, e.g. the Persian wars. However, divisions sometimes led to poor communication between the various city-states, making it more difficult to win against the well organized army of the Persian Empire. After the Persian war Athens flourished, which ultimately led to resentment from other city-states such as Sparta. Consequently war broke out between the city-states. This war, known as the Peloponnesian War, led to much destruction on either side, and ultimately weakened the entire nation, making it possible for King Phillip from Macedonia to conquer the entire Greek territory.
Historians cite many reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire, and the common thread that runs through most of these is the fact that after 500 years the Roman Empire was so large that it became more and more difficult and expensive to manage and control. At its height, the empire spread from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Euphrates River in the East. Ruling a vast territory like this became a administrative and logistical nightmare which, in turn, led to military overspending. It also made Rome vulnerable to attacks from others such as a number of Germanic tribes, including the Huns. Emperor Diocletian tried to make governing the empire more manageable by splitting it into two, but ultimately that also contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire as more was done to protect the East than the West. The Roman Emperors were also dealing with internal issues within Rome, including economic troubles such as overspending and inflation, over-reliance on slavery, government corruption and political instability, growing disagreements between the patricians and plebians (common people) and the rise of Christianity (leading to a loss of traditional Roman values and clashes about religious leadership).
Understanding the reasons for the decline of both empires is important, because mistakes were made, and when people do not learn from these mistakes, they are doomed to repeat those mistakes. For example,is the USA following in the footsteps of Rome? Some would argue that the USA faces many of the same issues the Roman Empire did, fighting their enemies on too many fronts, corruption within the government and economic problems as a result of overspending!
5. Sequence the political changes in Greece and Rome and the reasons why they impacted the Greek and Roman civilizations.
This question requires you to provide an overview of the main events that occurred in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It may be best to try and answer this question by creating a timeline.
This question requires you to provide an overview of the main events that occurred in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It may be best to try and answer this question by creating a timeline.
6. How have the Greeks and Romans influenced Western society in modern times. Include aspects such as language, architecture, government, law and technology in your discussion.
The answer to this question also explains why we study the the Greek and Roman civilizations; in fact - the temptation here would be to write too much! Ancient Greek was the birthplace of Western civilization, and influenced us with their ideas about government, science, philosophy, language, architecture and other arts, including literature. Roman civilization was in many respects based on Greek civilization, especially when it came to arts and literature, but they also left a rich legacy with regard to engineering, architecture and law.
Here are some topics to think about and include in your answer:
Greek Civilization
Roman Civilization
The answer to this question also explains why we study the the Greek and Roman civilizations; in fact - the temptation here would be to write too much! Ancient Greek was the birthplace of Western civilization, and influenced us with their ideas about government, science, philosophy, language, architecture and other arts, including literature. Roman civilization was in many respects based on Greek civilization, especially when it came to arts and literature, but they also left a rich legacy with regard to engineering, architecture and law.
Here are some topics to think about and include in your answer:
Greek Civilization
- Literature such as the Epics of Homer and Greek Mythology: pp. 125 - 126
- Political philosophies, especially democracy: p. 128
- Olympic Games: p. 130
- Greek Art and Architecture: pp. 135 - 136; pp. 140 - 141
- Greek Drama: p. 136
- Philosophy and Art: pp. 138 - 139; p. 149
- Science and Technology: pp. 147 - 148
Roman Civilization
- Rome and the Roots of Western Civilization: pp. 178 - 183