1. Unit 1: Lesson 2 Early Greece
Lesson Objective: 10.1.2
10.1.2: Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in
Christianity to the development of Western political thought. Trace the development of the Western political ideas of
the rule of law and illegitimacy of tyranny, using selections from Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics.
Lesson Introduction:
Much of what we know today of political systems, including many Democratic principles, western culture,
architecture, philosophy and even the cultural blending of many nations, can be traced back to the land of
ancient Greece. As you read through this chapter about the beginnings of Greek history, you will discover the
interactions between the Mycenaeans, Minoans and early Dorian civilizations and the classical heritage they
planted. Many of our current political systems, including democracy, aristocracy, and oligarchy, can be traced
to the early forms of government established by the Greek city-states.
During the Golden Age of Greece, Greek culture was glorified through their art, architecture, philosophy and
drama. Sporting events like the Olympics were established by early Greeks. The spreading of Greek
Hellenistic culture was furthered by the rule of Alexander the Great’s expansion throughout the known world.
Despite the relatively small size of Greece’s geography, Greece’s impact on the world is anything but.
In this lesson, the student should focus on the effects that tyranny had on early Greek history. The student will
also consider the legacy and effect Alexander the Great had on spreading culture around the western world.
Key Terms/Concepts: Direct democracy, classical art, tragedy, comedy, Peloponnesian War, philosopher,
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Philip II, Macedonia, Alexander the Great, Darius III, Persian Empire, Alexander’s
Legacy
Reading Assignment:
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Textbook: Chapter 5, Sections 3-4
Research: Explore the information, pictures and videos about the following Greek philosophers:
○ Plato: http://www.history.com/topics/plato
○ Aristotle: http://www.history.com/topics/aristotle
Self-check Questions:

2. 1. Which philosopher was condemned to death for “corrupting the youth of Athens” and “neglecting
the city’s gods?”
A. Plato
B. Pericles
C. Socrates
D. Sophocles
2. Greek art of the time, also called “classical art,” exhibits all of the following:
A. Balance
B. Proportion
C. Order
D. Emotion
3. Which Greek philosopher asked a series of leading questions to show that people hold many
contradictory opinions. This method of questioning and answering was later named after this
philosopher.
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Alexander the Great
D. Aristotle
4. Which Greek philosopher founded a school called the Academy that lasted for roughly 900 years. He
was a student of Socrates and was quoted as saying, “Philosophy begins in wonder.”
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Alexander the Great
D. Aristotle
5. This student rained at Plato’s Academy, and was known for questioning the nature of the world and
human belief.
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Alexander the Great
D. Aristotle
Application Assignment:
See “Unit 2” for assignment.
Speedback Questions:
1.What are philosophers?
a. “Religious leaders”
b.“Military Giants”
c. “Law Writers”
d. “Lovers of Wisdom”
2. Why is it important that Alexander the Great was a student of Aristotle?
A. Aristotle taught Alexander all that was known in the Greek world then
B. Aristotle taught Alexander how to fight by Greek methods

3. C. Aristotle taught Alexander the philosophy of stoicism
D. Aristotle taught Alexander classical strategies to defeat the Persians
Final Exam Questions:
1. Greek philosophers based their thinkers on the following assumptions:
I. The universe (land, sea, sky) is put together logic and reason
II. People can understand these laws through logic and reason
III. All people are natural evil and thus should be punished when their naturally side takes
over
A. I and II
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. All of the above apply
2. The United States’ democracy and Athenian democracy share which common belief?
A. All citizens are males
B. Leaders are chosen by election
C. Three branches of government
D. All of the above were shared between the United States and Athenian democracy
© 2013 Cassidy Baker