During the dark age the Greeks were made up of many separate groups who lived in independent societies called city-states. The two most famous city-states were Athens and Sparta. By the end of the dark age, both had transitioned from monarchies to another type of government.
In Athens a noble, named Solon, wrote new laws allowing the lower classes to participate in government. The men who rose to power were called tyrants. Some ruled poorly, but others brought improvements, eventually leading to the first democracy.
Unlike Athens, Sparta was an oligarchy. They made no advances in art or literature, but instead focused intently on creating a strong army.
In class activities:
- Looked at historic architecture and artwork from Ancient Greece
- Discussed the lifestyle of people in Sparta & Athens
- Conducted our own lighthearted debate
- Learned about democracy and cast our votes
- Decorated funeral urns (Trailblazers only, Explorers will do this project next week)
- Mapped locations of Ancient Greek city-states
Optional lesson extension activities:
- Look at a newspaper together or watch clips from a previous debate and discuss similarities between our electoral system and the Ancient Greeks
- Learn more about Greek pottery
- Play and learn about ancient Greece with online activities
Assignment:
- Read history cards NT12-16
- Practice your timeline
