Chapter Nine Lesson Two

1
Chapter Nine Lesson Two

• The Greek City-State

2
The Power of Greek Myths and Legends

• Trojan War-fought between the Greeks and people
  of Troy
• Gods and Goddesses helped both sides
• Myth- traditional stories that may include Gods
  and Goddesses and that often try to explain
  events.
• Look at Greek myth on page 253 (third paragraph)

3
The Power of Greek Myths and Legends

• Homer-blind poet
• 2 poems-Odyssey and Iliad
• Iliad tells about the war
• Odyssey-Odysseus whos ship was blown off course
  by the Gods that he angered
• Oral Tradition-passed down by word of mouth from
  person to person.

4
The Gods of Mount Olympus

• Mount Olympus- believed to be where most Gods
  lived.
• Gods were just like humans except that they were
  immortal (able to live forever) and had special
  powers
• Athletic Events were held to honor them.
• Olympic Games-contests to honor Zeus (the king of
  the Gods)
• Held every four years in Olympia

5
Democracy Begins in Greece

• Different types of government
• Kings ruled
• Aristocracy- members of wealthy, privileged
  families ruled
• Democracy-government by the people
• Demos-common people in Greek
• Kratos- rules
• Athens- all citizens over 18 would gather in an
  assembly

6
Democracy Begins in Greece

• Athens- all citizens over 18 would gather in an
  assembly
• Grew too large so 500 people were selected to
  meet.
• Members were chosen by selecting sticks
• Greek Democracy different from today-slaves,
  women and workers born outside of Athens were not
  citizens and not allowed to vote, own property,
  or testify in court.

7
Rivals-Athens and Sparta

• Citizens-expected to defend their city-state
• Served on juries and participated in in political
  debates
• Pericles- one of the greatest leaders in Athens
  (see page 256 for responsibilities of citizens)

8
Rivals-Athens and Sparta

• Sparta-strictly ruled military states
• Invaded neighboring city-states-took over land
  and forced people to become helots (slaves)
• Life centered around army
• Government examined newborns and only healthy
  infants were allowed to live
• Spartan boys sent to military camp at age 7
• They trained for their lifetime in the army
• Given little food or clothing and were
• expected to steal.

9
Women in Sparta

• Women expected to be strong and responsible.
• They ran, wrestled, and played other sports
• Had more rights than in other Greek city-states
• Could own their own property and express opinions
  on important issues.
• Women spent most of their time together because
  the men were always away with the army