Classical Persia, Greece and Rome What was classical about the Classical Civilizations?

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Classical Persia, Greece and RomeWhat was
classical about the Classical Civilizations?

• AP World History Week 5

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Geography and the linked Civilizations

• Persia, then Greece, then Rome
• Trade
• Diffusion
• Government
• Politics
• Military
• Culture
• Geography determined style of civilization
• Persia
• Greece
• Rome

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Discussion Questions

• How similar were these five civilizations?
• Where would you rather have lived?