Ancient Greece

Geography

• Mountainous Peninsula– Over 300

islands – Around 170 are

inhabited today– Surrounded by

the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas

The Sea

• Shaped Greek civilization– Never further than 85

miles from the coast

• Greeks became skilled sailors– Used the sea as we use

highways– Linked them with other

societies– Trade became important

• Greece lacked natural resources

The Land

• Rugged– Mountain chains divided Greece into

different regions• Because of this, Greece was difficult to

unite• As a result…

• Independent city-states developed like:–Athens and Sparta–Different governments developed to

manage those city-states

Types of Governments found in ancient Greece

Monarchy

The ruling power is in the hands of a single person.

• Leader— “The King”– Lived in a palace in the capital– Made laws for the city-state– Pledged protection to his subjects (people)– Inherited power from his father

• The King’s Subjects– Paid taxes to the king– Followed the king’s laws

Oligarchymost common type of ancient Greek government

The ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders.

• The Leaders…Oligarchs– A few selected, wealthy individuals– Led luxurious lives– Enforced their rule with military support– Had more privileges than the citizens

• The Citizens– Were protected by the Oligarchs– Gave up their political rights

• Had no say in government

Tyranny

The ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control…takes power for themselves.

• Ruler— “Tyrant”– Usually a military officer-– Backed by the middle class who wanted as much power as the

wealthy aristocrats– Reformed laws– Aided the poor– Gave other citizens a voice in government– Later on…grew greedy and ruled harshly

• The Citizens– Initially received more rights– Later on…rights were restricted

Democracy

The ruling power is in the hands of all the people.

• Developed in the city-state of AthensThe Assembly• Open to all 30,000 Athenian citizens

– Made laws for AthensCouncil of 500• Responsible for the day-to-day running of Athens• Enforced the Assembly’s laws

All government workers were paid for their services.