Classical Persia, Greece & Rome

Classical Persia, Greece and Rome

What was classical about the Classical Civilizations? AP World History Week 5 Richard Smart Oakland Mills High School

Geography and the “linked” Civilizations…   

Persia, then Greece, then Rome Trade Diffusion    

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Government Politics Military Culture

Geography determined style of civilization   

Persia Greece Rome

Political Developments Expanding  Cyrus the Great  Alexander the Great  Roman Empire Changing Government  Monarchy  Tyranny  Democracy  Republic  Empire

Codifying  Common language  Roads  Governors  Roman Law  Coins/Taxation Urbanizing  Greek Poleis  Roman Colonies  City of Rome

Social and Gender Systems Social  Patriarchal  Significant number of slaves  Even justified by Aristotle  Land owning families held power

Gender  Patriarchal  Women could own property in Greece and Rome.  Subordinate in law

Trade and Economics Intra-Societal Trade  Roads  Spread of iron technology  Olives, wheat and wine in Mediterranean  Decrease in banditry Inter-societal trade  Silk Roads

The Arts, Science, and Technology Arts  Greek philosophy  Drama  Architecture/Sculpture  Public entertainment - stadia Science  Geometry  Pythagorean Theorem  Anatomy and Physiology Technology  Bridges, aqueducts, roads.

Discussion Questions

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How similar were these five civilizations?

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Where would you rather have lived?