Ancient Greece

Unit 1 – Introduction to Ancient Greece

Unit 2 – Early Greek Civilizations

Unit 3 – The Dark Ages and the Archaic Period

Unit 4 – Sparta and Athens

Unit 5 – The Persian Wars

Unit 6 – The Golden Age of Athens

Unit 7 – The Peloponnesian War

Unit 8 – The Fourth Century BCE

Unit 9 – Alexander the Great & Hellenistic Era

Unit 10 – Society and Culture in Ancient Greece

Unit 11 – Religion and Mythology

Unit 12 – Ancient Greek Warfare

Unit 13 – Economy and Trade

Unit 14 – The Legacy of Ancient Greece

## What do you learn in Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece covers the rise and fall of Greek civilization from the Bronze Age to the Roman conquest. You'll explore major city-states like Athens and Sparta, key historical figures, and influential philosophical ideas. The course dives into Greek art, literature, mythology, and their lasting impact on Western culture. You'll also examine political systems, warfare, and daily life in ancient Greek society.

## Is Ancient Greece hard?

Ancient Greece isn't typically considered one of the tougher history courses, but it does require a fair amount of reading and memorization. The biggest challenge is keeping track of all the names, dates, and events. Some students find the philosophical concepts a bit tricky to grasp at first. But if you're into mythology or ancient cultures, you'll probably find it pretty engaging and not too bad overall.

## Tips for taking Ancient Greece in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the chronology of events and civilizations
3. Watch "Clash of the Gods" documentary series for a fun way to learn Greek mythology
4. Read Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" to get a feel for ancient Greek literature
5. Use mnemonic devices to remember key figures (e.g., "SPAP" for Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras)
6. Check out the movie "300" for a dramatized look at the Battle of Thermopylae
7. Join a study group to discuss complex philosophical concepts
8. Visit a local museum with Greek artifacts if possible

## Common pre-requisites for Ancient Greece

World History I: This course provides a broad overview of human history from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. It sets the stage for understanding ancient civilizations in a global context.

Western Civilization I: This class focuses on the development of Western society from ancient times to the Renaissance. It offers a solid foundation for diving deeper into specific ancient cultures like Greece.

## Classes similar to Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome: Explores the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, its political systems, and cultural achievements. You'll learn about famous emperors, Roman law, and daily life in the eternal city.

Classical Mythology: Delves into the stories, gods, and heroes of Greek and Roman myths. You'll analyze their cultural significance and influence on literature and art throughout history.

Greek and Roman Art: Examines the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. You'll study architecture, sculpture, pottery, and painting from these influential civilizations.

History of Philosophy: Traces the development of philosophical thought from ancient times to the present. A significant portion focuses on Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

## Majors related to Ancient Greece

Classics: Focuses on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain a deep understanding of the classical world and its enduring influence.

History: Examines human societies and events across time and place. Ancient Greece is often a key component in understanding the development of Western civilization.

Art History: Studies the evolution of visual arts throughout human history. Greek art and architecture play a crucial role in understanding classical and later Western artistic traditions.

Philosophy: Explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and the nature of reality. Ancient Greek philosophers laid the foundation for much of Western philosophical thought.

## What can you do with a degree in Ancient Greece?

Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical artifacts and artworks. Curators specializing in ancient Greece might work with Greek pottery, sculptures, or other antiquities.

Archaeologist: Excavates and studies physical remains of past human cultures. An archaeologist focusing on ancient Greece might work on sites like Athens, Delphi, or Olympia.

Teacher/Professor: Educates students about ancient Greek history, culture, and language. This could be at the high school level or in higher education, depending on your degree.

Historical Consultant: Provides expert knowledge for films, TV shows, or video games set in ancient Greece. They ensure historical accuracy in costumes, set designs, and storylines.

## Ancient Greece FAQs

How much Greek language do I need to know? Most Ancient Greece courses don't require knowledge of Greek, but learning some basic terms can be helpful. Some upper-level courses might involve reading Greek texts in translation.

Are there any field trips or study abroad opportunities? Many colleges offer study abroad programs to Greece or field trips to museums with Greek collections. Check with your professor or department for specific opportunities.

How does this course relate to modern politics? Ancient Greek political systems, especially Athenian democracy, have significantly influenced modern Western governments. You'll draw many parallels between ancient and contemporary political issues.

History

Ancient Studies

1.1 Geography and Climate of Ancient Greece

1.2 Chronology and Periodization of Ancient Greek History

1.3 Sources for the Study of Ancient Greece

2.1 Minoan Civilization

2.2 Mycenaean Civilization

2.3 The Bronze Age Collapse and its Aftermath

3.1 The Greek Dark Ages

3.4 Tyranny and the Evolution of Government

3.2 The Rise of the Polis

3.3 Colonization and Expansion

4.1 Sparta: Society, Government, and Military

4.2 Athens: The Rise of Democracy

4.3 Athenian Culture and Society

4.4 Sparta and Athens: Contrasts and Conflicts

5.1 The Ionian Revolt

5.2 The First Persian Invasion

5.3 The Second Persian Invasion

5.4 Consequences of the Persian Wars

6.1 The Delian League and Athenian Imperialism

6.2 Pericles and Athenian Democracy

6.3 Art and Architecture in Classical Athens

6.4 Literature and Philosophy in Classical Athens

7.2 The Archidamian War

7.3 The Sicilian Expedition

7.4 The Decelean War and the Fall of Athens

7.1 Causes of the Peloponnesian War

8.1 Spartan Hegemony and the Corinthian War

8.2 The Rise of Thebes

8.3 The Second Athenian Confederacy

8.4 Philip II of Macedon and the Rise of Macedon

9.2 The Hellenistic Kingdoms

9.3 Hellenistic Art and Architecture

9.4 Science and Technology in the Hellenistic Period

9.1 The Conquests of Alexander the Great

10.1 Social Structure and Daily Life

10.2 Women in Ancient Greece

10.3 Slavery in Ancient Greece

10.4 Education and Literacy

11.1 The Greek Pantheon

11.3 Religious Festivals and Rituals

11.4 Mystery Cults and Philosophical Schools

11.2 Myths and Legends

12.1 Hoplite Warfare and Tactics

12.2 Naval Warfare and Technology

12.4 Siege Warfare and Fortifications

12.3 Mercenaries and Professional Soldiers

13.1 Agriculture and Land Ownership

13.2 Crafts and Manufacturing

13.3 Trade and Commerce

13.4 Coinage and Banking

14.1 Ancient Greece and Western Civilization

14.2 Greek Influence on Roman Culture

14.3 The Rediscovery of Ancient Greece in the Renaissance

14.4 Modern Perspectives on Ancient Greece

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