Democracy and Conflict in Ancient Greece
In Democracy and Conflict in Ancient Greece, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains the duality of ancient Greece. Advances in philosophy, democracy, and the arts coexisted with political discord, social unrest, and violent power struggles. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: What did the classic Greeks mean by “To Hellenikon” or Greekness?
A: The term "To Hellenikon" (Greekness) referred to the shared traits among Ancient Greeks, including their common language, religion, customs, and blood ties.
Q: What happened as Greeks tried to create the ideal society?
A: Efforts to create the "ideal society" often led to opposition and violence.
Q: What happened in the city of Argos? Was it an isolated incident?
A: In 370BC, a democratic mob in Argos massacred 1,200 opponents without trial and later killed their own leaders. This was notorious but not unique, as similar cycles of violence and civil wars plagued Greek cities.
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