VOCABULARY:
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civilization = a group of people who come together to share their culture, to develop and use written language to make advances in the arts and sciences, and to form a government
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ancient = things that happened long ago in the past
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population = the number of people living in a community
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transportation = a way of moving people and things from one place to another
GEOGRAPHY:
Greece is a land bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.
It is located on the continent of Europe.
Greece is a peninsula (land surrounded by water on 3 sides).
GOVERNMENT:
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Ancient Greece had the very 1st democracy (government by the people).
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It is known as "the birthplace of democracy".
AGRICULTURE:
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The Ancient Greeks had limited, rich soil.
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They had to learn to farm on hillsides.
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They were able to grow grapes and olives really well.
ARCHITECTURE:
The most famous building in all of Ancient Greece was the Parthenon. It was built to honor Athena, Zeus’ daughter.
The Ancient Greeks became famous and are remembered for using columns in their buildings.
ADAPTATIONS:
The Ancient Greeks lived in communities called "city-states".
They had to learn to farm on hillsides.
They traded with other countries for what they needed on the Mediterranean Sea.
MUSIC & ART IN GREECE:
The Greeks made pottery, sculpture, and architecture.
Much of what we know about the Ancient Greeks has come from studying the pictures and drawings on the outside of the pottery.
Greeks loved to watch both comedy and tragedy plays held outside in amphitheaters.
RELIGION:
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The Ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses.
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They believed that Zeus was the father or leader of the gods and goddesses.
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Athena was Zeus’ daughter.
SPORTS:
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The Olympic Games were 1st held in Ancient Greece. They were held every 4 years in honor of Zeus, and were dedicated to their gods and goddesses. Only men could participate.
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The prize for winning an Olympic Game was a wreath of olive leaves.
ROLES OF MEN, WOMEN, and CHILDREN:
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Men were farmers, ship builders and traders.
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Only men were citizens and could vote.
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Women were the caretakers of children and their place was in the home.
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Only boys were educated.
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Girls were taught handicrafts and household chores by their mothers.
ECONOMIC SPECIALIZATIONS OF GREECE:
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The Ancient Greeks were experts at growing grapes and olives, making pottery, and ship building.
ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE:
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The Greeks depended on Rome, Egypt and other nearby countries to get the things they needed.
CONTRIBUTIONS:
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We still use arches like those in the Roman Coliseum and aqueducts. The Romans discovered that columns strengthened their buildings.
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Our government today in the United States of America is based on democratic ideas that were developed long ago in Ancient Greece.
3. There are 2 types of democracy:
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Direct democracy = a government in which people each vote to make their own rules and laws
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Representative democracy = a government in which people vote for or elect a representative or group of representatives to make rules and laws for everyone.
3. The Ancient Greeks started the very 1st Olympic Games.
Check out
these other cool
sites on Ancient Greece:
*Information from the Grades K-3 History & Social Science Curriculum Frameworks (Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Education: Richmond, Virginia)
