Intro to Ancient Greece

Unit 1 – Introduction to Ancient Greece

Unit 2 – Minoan and Mycenaean Greece

Unit 3 – Dark Ages and Archaic Greece

Unit 4 – Greek Mythology and Religion

Unit 5 – Classical Greece: Athens and Sparta

Unit 6 – Classical Greece: Culture & Society

Unit 7 – Classical Greece: Philosophy & Science

Unit 8 – The Peloponnesian War's Impact

Unit 9 – Philip II and Alexander of Macedon

Unit 10 – The Hellenistic Period

Unit 11 – Ancient Greek Literature

Unit 12 – Ancient Greece's Enduring Legacy

## What do you learn in Introduction to Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece from 800-30 BCE is the main focus. You'll explore Greek city-states, mythology, philosophy, art, and literature. Key figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are covered. The class also dives into major events like the Persian Wars and the rise of Alexander the Great. You'll analyze how ancient Greek culture influenced Western civilization.

## Is Introduction to Ancient Greece hard?

It's not the toughest history class, but it's no walk in the park either. There's a lot of names, dates, and events to remember, which can be overwhelming. The philosophical concepts can be pretty mind-bending too. But if you're into mythology or ancient cultures, you'll probably find it more engaging than difficult. Most students say it's moderately challenging but totally doable with some effort.

## Tips for taking Introduction to Ancient Greece in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of major events to visualize the chronology
3. Make flashcards for key figures, gods, and philosophical concepts
4. Watch "Clash of the Titans" or "Troy" for a fun (if not entirely accurate) intro to Greek mythology
5. Read "The Iliad" or "The Odyssey" to get a feel for ancient Greek literature
6. Use mnemonic devices to remember Greek philosophers (e.g., "Socrates, Plato, Aristotle" = "SPA")
7. Join a study group to discuss and debate philosophical ideas
8. Check out the podcast "The History of Ancient Greece" for extra context

## Common pre-requisites for Introduction to Ancient Greece

1. World History I: Covers major civilizations and events from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Provides a solid foundation for understanding ancient cultures.

2. Introduction to Western Civilization: Explores the development of Western society from ancient times to the present. Offers context for Greece's role in shaping Western thought and culture.

## Classes similar to Introduction to Ancient Greece

1. Introduction to Ancient Rome: Explores the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, its culture, politics, and lasting impact. Pairs well with Ancient Greece for a comprehensive view of classical antiquity.

2. Classical Mythology: Dives deep into Greek and Roman myths, their cultural significance, and interpretations. Great for understanding the religious and literary aspects of ancient Greek society.

3. History of Western Philosophy: Traces philosophical thought from ancient Greece to modern times. Expands on the ideas of Greek philosophers introduced in the Ancient Greece course.

4. Art History: Ancient to Medieval: Examines art and architecture from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. Includes significant coverage of ancient Greek art and its influence.

## Majors related to Introduction to Ancient Greece

1. Classical Studies: Focuses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain a deep understanding of the classical world and its enduring influence.

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

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

4. Art History: Studies the development of visual arts throughout history. Ancient Greek art and architecture play a significant role in understanding the evolution of Western artistic traditions.

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

1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of artifacts and artworks. Curators specializing in ancient Greek artifacts might work on exhibitions, research, and preservation of ancient treasures.

2. Archaeologist: Excavates and studies physical remains of past human cultures. An archaeologist focusing on ancient Greece might work on dig sites in Greece or analyze artifacts in labs.

3. Teacher or Professor: Educates students about history, culture, and literature. A teacher with expertise in ancient Greece could work in high schools or universities, sharing their knowledge of this fascinating civilization.

4. Historical Consultant: Provides expert advice for films, TV shows, or books set in historical periods. A consultant specializing in ancient Greece might help ensure accuracy in depictions of Greek life, customs, and events.

## Introduction to Ancient Greece FAQs

1. Do I need to know Greek to take this class? Nope, the course is taught in English. You might learn a few Greek terms, but fluency isn't required.

2. Is there a lot of reading involved? There's a fair amount, mostly primary sources and some textbook chapters. It's manageable if you stay on top of it.

3. Are there any field trips? Some professors organize trips to local museums with Greek collections. It depends on your school and instructor.

4. How much does this class focus on mythology? While mythology is covered, it's not the main focus. You'll spend more time on history, politics, and culture.

History

Ancient Studies

1.1 Overview of Ancient Greek Civilization

1.3 Chronology and Periodization of Ancient Greece

1.2 Geography and Climate of Ancient Greece

2.1 Minoan Civilization: Culture, Art, and Architecture

2.2 Mycenaean Civilization: Culture, Art, and Architecture

2.3 The Bronze Age Collapse and its Aftermath

3.1 The Dark Ages and the Emergence of the Polis

3.3 Colonization and Expansion in the Archaic Period

3.2 The Rise of Sparta and Athens

3.4 Archaic Art and Architecture

4.1 The Olympian Gods and Goddesses

4.2 Heroes and Heroic Myths

4.3 Mystery Cults and Religious Festivals

4.4 The Oracle of Delphi and its Influence

5.3 The Persian Wars and their Impact

5.4 The Delian League and Athenian Imperialism

5.1 The Rise of Athens and the Birth of Democracy

5.2 Sparta: Society, Government, and Military

6.1 Classical Greek Art and Architecture

6.2 Greek Theater: Tragedy and Comedy

6.3 The Symposium and Greek Social Life

6.4 Women in Ancient Greek Society

7.1 The Pre-Socratic Philosophers

7.2 Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

7.3 Greek Mathematics and Geometry

7.4 Greek Medicine and the Hippocratic Oath

8.1 Causes and Course of the Peloponnesian War

8.2 The Decline of Athens and the Rise of Sparta

8.3 The Theban Hegemony and the Sacred Band

8.4 The Fourth Century BCE: Political and Social Changes

9.1 The Rise of Macedon under Philip II

9.2 Alexander the Great: Conquests and Empire

9.3 The Hellenistic World after Alexander

9.4 Hellenistic Art, Architecture, and Science

10.1 The Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt

10.2 The Seleucid Empire in Asia

10.3 The Antigonid Dynasty in Macedon

10.4 The Hellenistic Kingdoms and Rome

11.1 Homer and the Epic Tradition

11.2 Lyric Poetry: Sappho, Pindar, and Others

11.4 Greek Oratory and Rhetoric

11.3 Greek Historiography: Herodotus and Thucydides

12.1 The Influence of Ancient Greece on Roman Culture

12.2 The Rediscovery of Ancient Greece in the Renaissance

12.3 Ancient Greek Influences on Modern Western Civilization

12.4 Studying and Interpreting Ancient Greece Today

Browse all Intro to Ancient Greece Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next