Why did Greek city-states fall apart?

Why did Greek city-states fall apart?

Constant war divided the Greek city-states into shifting alliances; it was also very costly to all the citizens. Eventually the Empire became a dictatorship and the people were less involved in government. There was increasing tension and conflict between the ruling aristocracy and the poorer classes.

What did the independent city-states of ancient Greece have in common?

Though the Greek city-states were fiercely independent, these city states did have many things in common. They worshipped the same gods, they spoke the same language, and they had the same cultural background. And in times of foreign invasion (such as the Persian wars), they would band together to fight a common foe.

What isolated Greek city-states from each other?

Because of natural barriers like mountains and seas, many communities in Ancient Greece were isolated and developed independently of each other. These communities were called city-states. Each city-state had its own government, laws, money, and surrounding territory called a hinterland.

When did Greek city-states develop?

Greece’s archaic period occurred between 800 BC and 480 BC and came after what is known as Greece’s dark ages. It is during this time when the city-states truly emerged.

What did Greek city-states not have in common?

All Greek city-states used the same language, honored the same ancient heroes, participated in common festivals, prayed to the same gods. The Greek city-states never united under one government system because they have different social and political identities.

Why did Greek colonize other lands?

The Greeks began founding colonies as far back as 900 to 700 B.C.E. These colonies were founded to provide a release for Greek overpopulation, land hunger, and political unrest. Iron tools and new farming techniques allowed the Greeks to farm larger pieces of land.

How did the city-state of Sparta differ from other city-states in Greece?

Each city-state ruled itself. They differed greatly from the each other in governing philosophies and interests. For example, Sparta was ruled by two kings and a council of elders. It emphasized maintaining a strong military, while Athens valued education and art.

What did Athenians learn in school?

Children were trained in music, art, literature, science, math, and politics. In Athens, for example, boys were taught at home until they were about six years old. Then boys went to school, where they learned to read and write. They learned to play a musical instrument, usually the flute or the lyre.

Why did Greece have so many city states?

Greek city-states likely developed because of the physical geography of the Mediterranean region. The landscape features rocky, mountainous land and many islands. These physical barriers caused population centers to be relatively isolated from each other.

How did the people of ancient Greece know each other?

The Greek city-states did know each other. They fought with each other, and teamed up against a common enemy with each other. They challenged each other to competitions. People were free to visit or even move to a different city-state if they wished. But each city-state was independent. Each developed its own government. Some were ruled by kings.

What was the name of the Greek city for kids?

Ancient Greek City-States for Kids. There was however Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Megara and hundreds of other Greek city-states, each with its own personality and its own way of doing things. So, they would say they were from Athens, or Sparta, or Corinth, or Argos. The Greeks were very proud of their city-state.

When do we refer to the Greeks as the Greeks?

When we refer to “the Greeks”, we are being very general. To be more accurate, we would have to say Athens did this, and Sparta did that, or Athens and Sparta did this or that, or all the Greek city-states got together and did this or that. It’s just too cumbersome. So we often simply say “The Greeks”. That can be misleading.