WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS 1

CLASSICAL GREECE — INTRODUCTORY ASSIGNMENT

Please read page 80 and the concluding paragraph on p. 81 in the excerpts from A History of Western
Society by McKAY, Buckler, Hill. Please answer the following questions accurately.

1. Why is the Greek period from 500 - 338 BC called “the CLASSICAL Period” ?

2. Which great empire invaded the Greek world at the beginning of this period, and who was the famous
emperor who led this massive invasion force ?

3. Which Greek city provided the overall leadership of the Greek defense ?

4. Who was the leader of Athens at this time, and which part of the Greek defense did the Athenians
lead?

5. The first major battle occurred at which mountain pass, and who won this encounter ?

6. The enemy navy was met by which city, and who won this encounter ? Why was this victory
surprising ?

7. The last major battle was where ?

8. Who won this war, why was this victory surprising, and what may have made this victory possible ?

9. What did this victory mean for “the heritage of the West” ?