Page 66 - Key to Social Studies 4
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Ancient Greek History
Ancient Greek civilization shaped the Athens is the place where democracy
foundation of many western cultures. was born and is one of the oldest cities,
It was located in southeastern Europe along with 3,400 years of recorded history.
the bank of the Mediterranean Sea, where
Alexander the Great
its geography and location helped the
development of this important civilization. Under the rule of Alexander the Great,
The region of the Mediterranean, where the ancient Greece governed most of
Greeks initially settled and formed their Europe and western Asia. Alexander
city-states, is known as the Aegean Sea. used his military experience to conquer,
Around 80% of Greek land is mountainous. or control, other areas. He expanded the
These mountains formed natural barriers Greek empire by winning many wars.
between its city-states. Alexander controlled one of the largest
empires that ever developed. He had a
Athens and Sparta great deal of power but he also had to
Athens and Sparta were the two main control thousands of soldiers far from
city-states that ruled ancient Greece. Greece. After many years, his soldiers
Sometimes they were rivals and fought demanded they return to their homes
with each other. Other times they were to be with their families. Alexander
united to protect Greece from di erent decided that the soldiers could return
threats. to be good citizens at home.
The way of life in these two urban Alexander the Great
communities was altogether di erent.
Sparta was completely centered around
war and how to battle, or ght, while
Athens concentrated on expressions of the
arts and learning.
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