The Greek Gazette

Editor: Hank Ingham

555 BC
Civilization Arises
C. 2000 BC in far apart islands, a great civilization begins! Centered around the Aegean sea
in small isolated regions, King Minos starts the civilization on Crete in the Minoan Age. Before long
this civilization begins building giant buildings with advanced plumbing. Then artisans begin creating
artwork unsurpassed in any part of the world. Soon after, c. 1900 BC, the Mycenaeans develop on the
Peloponnesian peninsula. They build impressive ships and rule the oceans. Unfortunately, a Dark Age
begins c. 1100 BC. Few good things occur in this time except for Homer writing The Odyssey.
Persian War
460-429 BC Athens destroyed! Citizens narrowly escape! Athens and Sparta are both threat-
ened, so make an alliance. Eventually, the Persians are defeated. The Athenians are able to return. Peri-
cles, a good politician, is elected 1 of the 10 generals in the democracy when he returned. Even though
terms are 1 year long, he manages to get reelected many times. He wants to create beautiful buildings,
help everyone be involved in the government, and build new defenses. Although Athens is very beauti-
ful after it is rebuilt and its Delian League includes many cities, this golden age is not to last. A plague
comes, and 25% of people die, including Pericles. It isnt long before Greeks face off Greeks.
Peloponnesian War
When Athens is rebuilt, Sparta feels threatened by its power! Sparta tells Athens that if it does
not release control of all the cities in their League, then they will make war. When Athens refuses, the
Peloponnesian War begins. Athens has solid fortifications and a strong navy, but Sparta has a strong
army. Losing so many people to the plague does not help Athens. Eventually, Athens runs out of food
and is forced to surrender. The philosopher Socrates lives in this time. He asks many questions about
the government and his world. He is put to death for this criticism.
Rise of City States
Sparta, run by the Dorian invaders who also took over the Myceneaens, is very war-like and
uses its large army that consists of all men to make people serve! Because of their army, the Spartans
have no walls. Only male landowners over the age of 30 are considered citizens. There are 2 kings, 1
from each of the 2 tribes of Dorians. There are also 30 men over 60 years old elected to the senate, and 5
ephors, or elected officials. Some families are powerful because they controlled the senators and ephors.
The economy is simplistic. Now people call a life without luxuries a Spartan Lifestyle. Occasionally
Athens and Sparta create an alliance, often against the Persians. Athens, originally a monarchy, becomes
an oligarchy during the Dark Age, and then becomes a democracy after a few rebellions, one of which is
against Hippias. However, only men over the age of 18 can become citizens. Farming is the base of the
economy. Barter is eventually replaced by coins, but because rich families have to finance the govern-
ment they do not stay rich for long. Athens has the Olympics, a giant sports tournament to honor the
gods. It is named after the home of the gods, Mount Olympus. They sacrifice animals and build temples
to honor the gods as well. Dramas, comedies and tragedies, also honor the gods.
Alexander the Great
In the time after the Peloponnesian War, many city-states try to conquer each other! Under
King Philip, Macedonia creates a powerful army that allows it to form an empire. Macedonia conquers
Greece in 338 BC and fights against Persia. At only 20 years of age, Philips son Alexander becomes
king in 336 BC when Philip is assassinated. Alexander is taught by Aristotle, who was a student of Pla-
to, who was a student of Socrates. In 334 BC Alexander conquers Egypt and creates the first Alexandria
city, wins the Persian capital, and travels all the way to the Hyphasis River. Unfortunately, he dies from
a fever in Babylon and his generals take over and fighting begins.
Odysseus
Alexander
Pericles
Socrates
Hippias