Classical Civilizations

Students will be able to:

• Explore the early civilization of the Minoans

• Compare & contrast the Minoans & Mycenaeans

• Identify the geographic and climatic challenges for the Ancient Greeks

• Recognize the impact of sea trade on the development of  Greek city-states

• Compare and contrast Athens and Sparta. 

• Evaluate the causes and outcomes of the Persian & Peloponnesian Wars

• Analyze The Golden Age of Greece including:

  • achievements

  • culture

  • daily life

  • Government - direct democracy

• Assess the spread of Greek culture through conquest

  • Alexander the Great

• Reflect on the impact of Greek civilization on today’s society

  • democracy

  • architecture

  • ancient mythology

  • philosophy

Students will be able to:

• Locate and describe the benefits of the geography of the Italian peninsula

• Understand the origins of Rome & the impact of the Etruscans

• Define and explain Republican Government

  • Understand how and why the Roman Republic developed

  • Evaluate the causes of the Punic Wars

  • Understand how and why the Roman Empire evolved

  • Analyze Julius Caesar’s and Caesar Augustus’s role in the foundation of the Empire

• How did Roman Society & culture develop? Define & describe:

  • class divisions - plebeians vs. patricians

  • economy - trade & taxes

  • popular entertainment - gladiatorial games

  • art & literature - Greek influences, Humanism

  • science and engineering - roads, concrete, aqueducts

  • major beliefs and spread of Christianity - Ancestor worship, mythology, Jesus Christ 

• Evaluate the causes for the Decline of the Roman Empire

• Evaluate their group’s civilization in relationship to Ancient Greece & Rome (consider government, social structure, & religious beliefs)