PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Geography divided people. This led them to develop different cultures.
The Ancient Greeks all spoke the same language, but each city-state had different laws, armies, monetary systems, and forms of government.
In the beginning, kings were chosen by the people, but eventually power was passed down to the king's children.
Powers of the King
- Made laws
- Acted as judges
- Conducted religious ceremonies
- Led the army
- Used soldiers to enforce the laws
Kings had a council of aristocrats to advise them.
(an aristocrat is a wealthy landowner)
The aristocrats were the only people who had the money for horses and armor, and soon realized they were stronger than the king.
Oligarchy was rule by the aristocrats (and a few wealthy merchants.)
Aristocrats lived comfortable lives. They hunted and raced chariots.
They hired slaves and musicians to entertain them while they drank wine.
Meanwhile, the poor worked in the field and paid high taxes.Sometimes the poor were forced into slavery if they could not pay their debts.
Eventually, the poor began to hate the aristocrats, and supported leaders who promised to overthrow the oligarchy.
A tyrant is someone who seizes power illegally
A tyrant cannot claim legal right to rule
A tyrant usually does not pass power down to his offspring.
