Ancient Greece and Rome in European History Lesson

Lesson Overview

• How Did Ancient Greece Shape European Civilization?
• Timeline of Ancient Greece
• How Did Rome Evolve from a Republic to an Empire?
• Timeline of Ancient Rome

This lesson explores the profound influence of Ancient Greece and Rome on European history, shaping governance, law, philosophy, and culture. You will examine how Greek democracy and Roman republicanism laid the foundation for modern political systems. The lesson will also highlight military conquests, technological innovations, and artistic achievements that shaped Europe's development.

How Did Ancient Greece Shape European Civilization?

Greek City-States and the Birth of Democracy (c. 800–500 BCE)

Ancient Greece was composed of independent city-states (poleis) like Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, each with distinct cultures and governments.

• Athens pioneered democracy, allowing male citizens to vote on laws.
• Sparta was a military oligarchy, where boys trained for war from a young age.
• The acropolis functioned as a political and religious hub, while the agora was a center for commerce and public debate.

The Golden Age of Greece (c. 500–400 BCE)

• Greek city-states united against Persian invasions, securing victories at Marathon (490 BCE) and Salamis (480 BCE).
• Athens led a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing, promoting democracy and the arts.
• Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundation for Western philosophy.
• Greek architecture emphasized balance and harmony, as seen in the Parthenon.

The Peloponnesian War and the Decline of Greece (431–404 BCE)

• The war between Athens and Sparta ended in Athens' defeat, weakening all Greek city-states.
• The conflict left Greece vulnerable to external invasions, leading to its decline.

How Did Alexander the Great Expand Greek Influence? (c. 336–150 BCE)

• Alexander of Macedon conquered the Persian Empire, Egypt, and parts of India.
• The Hellenistic Era blended Greek and local traditions, spreading Greek culture globally.
• Alexandria became a center of learning, housing the greatest library of the ancient world.

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Timeline of Ancient Greece

Here is the timeline of ancient Greece: 

How Did Rome Evolve from a Republic to an Empire?

The Roman Republic and Its Expansion (509–27 BCE)

• Romans overthrew the Etruscans and established a republic, where citizens elected leaders.
• Tribunes protected plebeians' rights, ensuring fairness in governance.
• Rome expanded through conquests, defeating Carthage in the Punic Wars (264–146 BCE).
• Civil wars and ambitious generals weakened the Republic's stability.

Why Did the Roman Republic Collapse? (44 BCE)

• Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE was driven by fears of his growing power.
• His death triggered a civil war, leading to Octavian (Augustus) becoming the first emperor.

The Roman Empire and the Pax Romana (27 BCE–476 CE)

• Augustus established the Roman Empire, marking an era of political stability.
• The Pax Romana (27 BCE–180 CE) was 200 years of peace and expansion.
• Rome built aqueducts, roads, and the Colosseum, showcasing advanced engineering.
• The Roman legal system influenced modern laws, including "innocent until proven guilty."

How Did Christianity and Internal Struggles Lead to Rome's Fall? (313–476 CE)

• Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 CE (Edict of Milan).
• Rome split into Eastern and Western halves to improve governance.
• Germanic invasions and economic decline led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.

Timeline of Ancient Rome

Here is the timeline of ancient Rome: 

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The history of ancient Greece