Glencoe World History: Modern Times, California Edition

Chapter 1: The Legacy of the Ancient World

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"Greek City-States"

Introduction
In this chapter students have learned about the first civilizations and discovered how moral and ethical principles influenced the development of political thought. As students learned, the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta became model governments for their region, and later, the western world. In this activity, students will tour the city-state of Athens through a collection of photography and short essays.

Destination Title: The Ancient City of Athens

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Lesson Description
Students will experience the city-state of ancient Athens through a collection of photography and short essays. They will learn about the history of the agora and the acropolis. After visiting the site, students will answer four questions. They will apply what they've learned by comparing and contrasting Greek architecture to buildings in their own town.

Instructional Objectives
  1. Students will describe the agora and acropolis of the ancient city-state of Athens, listing their purposes.
  2. Students will review Greek architecture through photography, comparing and contrasting the architecture of the ancient Greeks to buildings in their own town.

Student Web Activity Answers

  1. The agora was the market place and civic center. People gathered at the agora to buy and sell items and to meet to discuss politics and other issues.
  2. The Acropolis was captured and destroyed by the Persians in 480 B.C.
  3. Pericles
  4. By the first century, the Greek Agora had become more of an archaeological park, while the Roman agora took over as the commercial center of Athens.
  5. Answers will vary, but should attempt to illustrate an understanding of the principles of harmony and proportion.
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