Chapter 4Classical Greece and Rome
OverviewThese civilizations did not dominate the
classical period China and India rival them in terms of their effect
on world history
C. 800 through 476 CE
Institutions and values that reverberated throughout Europe and its colonies
Greek and Roman political, social, and economic institutions have some similarities, but many unique aspects
The First Persian Empire (c. 550-330 BCE)
The Persian Tradition Cyrus the Great
550 BCE Freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity
Influenced in some degree Greece and Rome
Absorbed some attributes of early Mesopotamian societies
Zoroastrianism
Advance halted by Greece (300 Spartans) Xerxes
Toppled by Alexander Darius III
Replaced by Sassanid Empire during the time of Imperial Rome
Patterns in Greek History Crete
Influenced by Egyptian culture and art, 2000 BCE
Mycenae Southern Greek kingdom, 1400 BCE
Rise of the Greek polis: 800 to 600 BCE High point under Athenian Pericles
Direct democracy by citizens Role of geography Common cultural forms and written language The Olympics
Defeat of the Persian invasion, 500 to 449 BCE
Peloponnesian Wars, 431 to 440 BCE
Rise of Macedon
Greece during the Peloponnesian War
Alexander the GreatAlexander united Greece and
Persia
Died at 33 in Babylon Empire split among his generals
Hellenism The spread of Greek philosophy,
art, and architecture throughout the Middle East
Alexander’s Empire
Rome’s Rise As Hellenism declined, Rome ascended to power
753 BCE Rome founded as a monarchy
Conquered and/or assimilated nearby territories
509 BCE Republic founded
Militaristic culture Punic Wars, 264 to 146 BCE Rome became the strongest power in the
Mediterranean region
Caesar and Empire Marian military reforms
Soldiers more loyal to generals than to the state
The poor became a greater voice in politics
Caesar emerged victorious after conquering Gaul then decades of civil war Assassinated in 44 BCE Adopted Octavian posthumously
Octavian emerged victorious after more civil war in 27 BCE Established the basics for centuries of Imperial
rule Pax Romana
Closed the doors of the Temple of Janus Through the reign of Marcus Aurelius, 180 CE
Roman Empire
Fall Western Roman Empire “conquered” in 476 CE
Economic deterioration Non-Romans in the army Constant invasions
Borders were too extensive No more land to distribute to veterans Christianity Social mobility
Constantine had moved the capital to Byzantium
Greek and Roman Politics Favored aristocratic rule with elements of
democracy “Citizens” were the minority
The important role of politics is similar to Confucianism Less cohesive than China; smaller bureaucracy
Numerous types of political systems is reflective of Classical India
Classical Mediterranean politics stressed duties of the citizen, ethics, and skills such as oratory
Government allowed the practice of numerous religious faiths as long as loyalty to the state was first
Women had no right of political participation As mothers or wives, some did have influence
Bread and circuses
Political legacies: intense loyalty to the state, preference for aristocratic rule, distaste for monarchy, and the development of a uniform set of legal principles to unite many lands, property law
Religion Greeks and Romans did not create a significant
world religion Complex set of deities regulated human life
Along with India, reflected the common heritage of Indo-European invaders
Practical approach Lessons that illustrated human passions and flaws Modeled few ethical behaviors
The appeal of Christianity Lack of spiritual passion did not satisfy workers,
peasants, and slaves Paganism lacked ethical codes Greek/Roman philosophy highly influenced
Christianity Moral independence, moderation, personal bravery
Culture Philosophy played a large role, especially
among aristocracy Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, etc.
Allegory of the cave Taught the importance of moderation and
balance
Socrates Taught to question conventional wisdom with
logical
Science Geometry, anatomy, engineering
Aqueducts, roads, grand structures
Art Sculpture, architecture, plays, The Iliad, The
Odyssey, The Aeneid
Architecture Doric, Ionic, Corinthian orders The arch Practicality
Economics and Society Most Greeks and Romans were subsistence farmers
Commercial agriculture fueled empire building Large landlords imposed heavy fees/burdens on their farmers Farmers depended on their landlords for protection Olives and grapes became the predominant crops in Italy and Greece
The requirements for these crops allowed landlords even more power
Extensive trade Merchant class made up the second highest social order in Rome
Romans were masters of engineering
Slavery was pervasive
Family was a tight social structure Men in clear control Women better off than in China
Comparison of the Three Classical Civilizations Similarities:
Empire development Agriculture economy Each supported scientific developments Clear social strata
Elites were far separated from the masses
Differences: Social mobility
Least: India; Most: Rome Mediterranean society focused on civic duty Indian society focused on good behavior leading to better
reincarnation Chinese society focused promoted obedience and self-restraint Indian and Chinese culture structures survived longer because
of Christianity’s absence
Greater ConnectionGreeks established a widespread colonial and
trading network Peaked with Alexander, declined rapidly
Romans were much more aware of a greater world Chinese goods traded in Rome Romans only interested in material goods, not
Chinese technology or governance