🏛️Greek and Roman Cities Unit 2 – Greek Cities: Origins and Development

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Polis (city-state) autonomous political unit consisting of a city and its surrounding territory
• Acropolis fortified citadel located on a hill, often containing important religious and civic buildings
• Agora central public space used for assemblies, markets, and social gatherings
  • Stoa covered walkway or portico surrounding the agora, used for commerce and public gatherings
• Hippodamian plan grid-like urban layout with rectangular city blocks and wide, straight streets
• Metropolis "mother city" from which colonies were established
• Synoecism process of merging smaller settlements into a single city-state
• Tyranny form of government in which an individual seized power, often with popular support
• Oligarchy government ruled by a small group of wealthy or influential citizens

Origins of Greek Cities

• Early Greek settlements emerged during the Bronze Age (3000-1100 BCE) as small, scattered villages
• Mycenaean civilization (1600-1100 BCE) first major urban centers in Greece (Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos)
  • Decline of Mycenaean civilization led to a period of reduced urban development (Dark Ages, 1100-800 BCE)
• Synoecism smaller settlements merging into larger city-states during the Archaic period (800-480 BCE)
• Colonization Greek city-states established colonies throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions (750-550 BCE)
  • Colonies maintained cultural and economic ties with their metropolis
• Development of the polis city-states became the dominant form of political organization in ancient Greece
• Topography and resources location and natural features influenced the growth and character of Greek cities
  • Coastal cities (Athens, Corinth) focused on maritime trade
  • Inland cities (Sparta, Thebes) relied on agriculture and land-based power

Urban Planning and Layout

• Hippodamian plan grid-like layout with rectangular city blocks and wide, straight streets
  • Named after Hippodamus of Miletus, who popularized this urban design in the 5th century BCE
  • Facilitated efficient circulation, defense, and organization of the city
• Acropolis fortified citadel located on a hill, serving as the religious and administrative center
  • Contained important temples, treasuries, and public buildings
• Agora central public space used for assemblies, markets, and social gatherings
  • Surrounded by stoas (covered walkways) and public buildings
• Residential areas houses organized in blocks, often with narrow, winding streets
• City walls fortifications protecting the city from external threats
  • Monumental gates (Dipylon Gate in Athens) served as main entrances to the city
• Harbor facilities many coastal cities had specialized port areas for trade and naval activities (Piraeus in Athens)

Major Greek City-States

• Athens largest and most influential city-state in ancient Greece
  • Known for its cultural achievements, democracy, and maritime power
  • Acropolis with iconic buildings (Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion)
• Sparta militaristic city-state in the Peloponnese
  • Unique social and political system focused on military training and discipline
  • Relatively modest urban development compared to other city-states
• Corinth prosperous city-state known for its strategic location and thriving commerce
  • Controlled the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow land bridge connecting the Peloponnese to the mainland
• Thebes major city-state in central Greece (Boeotia)
  • Rival to Athens and Sparta, known for its strong military and influential Sacred Band
• Argos ancient city-state in the Peloponnese with a rich mythological heritage
  • Associated with the legendary hero Perseus and the goddess Hera
• Delphi pan-Hellenic sanctuary and oracle of Apollo, attracting visitors from throughout the Greek world

Architecture and Public Spaces

• Temples religious buildings dedicated to specific deities
  • Parthenon in Athens, dedicated to Athena, is a prime example of Doric architecture
  • Other notable temples include the Temple of Hephaestus (Athens) and the Temple of Apollo (Corinth)
• Theaters semicircular structures used for dramatic performances and public gatherings
  • Theater of Dionysus in Athens, considered the birthplace of Greek tragedy
• Stoas covered walkways surrounding the agora, used for commerce and social interaction
  • Stoa of Attalos in Athens, a reconstructed example of a Hellenistic stoa
• Gymnasia public spaces for physical training, education, and social gatherings
  • Academy and Lyceum in Athens, associated with famous philosophers (Plato and Aristotle)
• Stadiums elongated U-shaped structures used for athletic competitions and festivals
  • Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, host of the Panathenaic Games
• Bouleuteria council chambers where the city council (boule) met to discuss political matters
  • Old Bouleuterion in Athens, located on the west side of the Agora

Social and Political Structure

• Citizenship reserved for free adult males who met certain qualifications (birth, property ownership)
  • Women, slaves, and foreigners (metics) were excluded from citizenship rights
• Democracy system of government in which citizens participated directly in decision-making (Athens)
  • Ecclesia (assembly) open to all male citizens, voted on laws and policies
  • Boule (council) of 500 citizens, prepared agenda for the assembly and oversaw daily governance
• Oligarchy government ruled by a small group of wealthy or influential citizens (Sparta, Corinth)
  • Gerousia (council of elders) in Sparta, composed of 28 men over 60 and the two kings
• Social classes included citizens, metics (resident foreigners), and slaves
  • Slaves played a significant role in the economy, working in households, agriculture, and industry
• Education varied among city-states, but generally focused on preparing young men for citizenship
  • Athens emphasized a well-rounded education (gymnastics, music, literature, philosophy)
  • Sparta focused on military training and discipline (agoge system)

Economic Functions

• Agriculture foundation of the ancient Greek economy
  • Main crops included wheat, barley, olives, and grapes
  • Land ownership was a key determinant of wealth and social status
• Trade and commerce city-states engaged in extensive maritime trade throughout the Mediterranean
  • Exported goods such as olive oil, wine, pottery, and textiles
  • Imported raw materials (timber, metals) and luxury items (silk, spices)
• Crafts and manufacturing production of pottery, metalwork, textiles, and other goods
  • Workshops (ergasteria) located in or near the agora
  • Skilled artisans included potters, sculptors, and blacksmiths
• Coinage introduction of standardized silver coins facilitated trade and economic transactions
  • Athenian "owl" coins, featuring Athena and her sacred animal, were widely used and respected
• Taxation and public finance city-states levied taxes on citizens and metics to fund public works and military campaigns
  • Liturgies system in Athens, where wealthy citizens sponsored public festivals and naval expeditions

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Pantheon of gods and goddesses each city-state had its own patron deity (Athena for Athens, Apollo for Delphi)
  • Mythology and religious beliefs were deeply intertwined with daily life and civic identity
• Festivals and rituals city-states held numerous religious festivals throughout the year
  • Panathenaea in Athens, honoring Athena with processions, sacrifices, and competitions
  • City Dionysia in Athens, featuring dramatic performances in honor of Dionysus
• Oracles and sanctuaries city-states consulted oracles for guidance and established pan-Hellenic sanctuaries
  • Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, famous for its enigmatic prophecies
  • Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia, site of the Olympic Games
• Philosophical schools and intellectual life cities attracted scholars and fostered philosophical discourse
  • Platonic Academy in Athens, founded by Plato in the 4th century BCE
  • Aristotle's Lyceum in Athens, a center of scientific and philosophical study
• Artistic achievements cities commissioned and displayed works of art, architecture, and literature
  • Sculptures (Phidias' statue of Athena Parthenos)
  • Plays (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides)

Legacy and Influence

• Hellenistic period (323-31 BCE) spread of Greek culture and urbanism through Alexander the Great's conquests
  • New cities founded (Alexandria in Egypt, Antioch in Syria) based on Greek urban planning principles
• Roman adoption and adaptation of Greek urban planning, architecture, and culture
  • Vitruvius' De architectura, a treatise on architecture heavily influenced by Greek ideas
  • Roman cities (Pompeii, Ostia) incorporated Greek elements such as the agora (forum) and temples
• Renaissance and Neoclassical revivals renewed interest in ancient Greek architecture and urban design
  • Palladian architecture, inspired by the works of Andrea Palladio, who studied ancient Greek and Roman buildings
  • Neoclassical architecture in Europe and America (British Museum, US Capitol Building) drew on Greek forms and motifs
• Modern urban planning and architecture continued influence of Greek ideas on grid layouts, public spaces, and civic buildings
  • Le Corbusier's Ville Radieuse (Radiant City) concept, emphasizing geometric order and efficiency
  • New Urbanism movement, promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong sense of community
• Enduring cultural impact ancient Greek literature, philosophy, and art continue to shape Western thought and creativity
  • Greek mythology and epic poetry (Homer's Iliad and Odyssey) remain widely studied and adapted
  • Greek philosophical ideas (Socratic method, Platonic idealism, Aristotelian logic) form the basis of Western philosophy