Name:___________________

Date:____________

AncientGreeceDBQ
Directions:
Thistaskisdesignedtotestyourabilitytoworkwiththeinformation
providedbyvarioustypesofdocuments.Lookateachdocumentand
answerthequestionorquestionsaftereachdocument.Useyour
answerstothequestionstohelpyouwriteyouressay.

HistoricalContext:

AncientGreecewasrichincultureandideas.Manyoftheideasweuse
todaycamefromthisancientcivilization.Thisancientsocietywas
advancedinformsofarchitecture,government,andentertainment.
TheinfluenceoftheancientGreekscanbeseeninourlivestoday.

Task:
*ForPartA,readeachdocumentcarefullyandanswerthequestionor
questionsaftereachdocument.Completeallsixdocumentsandwrite
incompletesentences.ThenreadthedirectionsforPartBandwrite
youressay.

*ForPartB,useyouranswersfromPartA,informationfromthe
documents,andyourknowledgeofsocialstudiestowriteawell
organizedessay.Intheessayyoushould:

Describehowthecontributionsoftheancient
Greeksshapedfuturecivilizations.


Document1:GoldenAgeofAthens

The Golden Age of Athens was a time of prosperity and growth. Silver mined by
slaves and trade allowed this civilization to flourish. Athenians were well known
for their achievements in the arts, philosophy, architecture, literature, and
democracy. Pericles was the most powerful man in Athens for about 30 years.
He supported democracy and created a strong foundation for Athens. Thirty
years prior, Athens was destroyed from Persian invaders. Pericles was the
mastermind behind the building of the Parthenon. This was a temple built in
honor of the goddess, Athena.

1.)

Describe how Pericles helped to strengthen Athens during the Golden

Age.

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Document2:Socrates

Socrates(470399BC)wrotenothing,yetwasreveredbytheGreeksforhisdepthofknowledgeand
wisdom.Heisknownprimarilyfortwothings.First,heclaimedthathisinsightsstemmedfromhis
recognitionthathereallydidnotknowverymuchatall.Second,heengagedinamethodofinquiry
(nowknownastheSocraticmethod)thatinvolvesaskingandansweringquestionstoarriveatadeeper
understandingofanissue. http://www.hsc.edu/Academics/Academic-Majors/Philosophy/Philosophy-at-H-SC/School-atAthens/Socrates.html

Icannotteachanybodyanything.Icanonlymakethemthink.
Wonderisthebeginningofwisdom.
Tofindyourself,thinkforyourself.

..Socrates

Socrates

1.)

Socrates was one of the greatest thinkers of ancient times. Based on

the information above, provide two examples of how his philosophy
shaped the lives of others.

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Document3:Olympics

Modern O lympic G ames

A ncient Olympic Games

*People are unwilling to stop the wars for the purpose of a peaceful
and friendly competition.

*Ancient Greeks stopped their wars to hold the Olympic Games.

*All nations are encouraged to compete. A person of any race, religion

*The Olympics were only open to Greek citizens and athletes
or nationality may enter, if his/her country has a National Olympic
from other Mediterranean countries.
Committee that is recognized by the IOC.
*Women were not allowed to take part in the Olympic Games for
many years.
*Events for women have become a major interest in modern Olympics
and receive honors equal to those received by the males.

*Present Olympic contests: bicycle, canoe, yacht racing, soccer,

basketball, judo, rifle shooting and water polo, were unknown in
ancient times. The modern pentathlon tests a persons' ability in,
swimming, cross-country, fencing, horse - show jumping and target
pistol shooting.

*Sportsmanship was key and Olympic winners were well

respected.

*Footraces, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, boxing,

wrestling and other sports were carried over from the original
Olympic Games.

http://library.thinkquest.org/27850/library/history/comparison_modern_ancient.shtml

1.) Describe how the ancient Olympics influenced the modern Olympics. Provide at
least three details.

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2.) Based on the document above, provide two details describing the differences
between the ancient and modern Olympics.

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Document4:Democracy
BelowarequotesfromtheAthenianleader,Pericles.Readthequotesandanswerthequestionsthat
follow.

Wecultivaterefinementwithoutextravaganceand
Whatyouleavebehindisnotwhat

knowledgewithouteffeminacy;wealthweemploymore
isengravedonstonemonuments,

forusethanforshow,andplacetherealdisgraceof
butwhatiswovenintothelivesof

povertynotinowningtothefactbutindecliningthe
others.
struggleagainstit.Ourpublicmenhave,besidespolitics,
theirprivateaffairstoattendto,andourordinary
citizens,thoughoccupiedwiththepursuitsofindustry,
arestillfairjudgesofpublicmatters;for,unlikeany
Justbecauseyoudonottakean
othernation,regardinghimwhotakesnopartinthese
interestinpoliticsdoesn'tmean
dutiesnotasunambitiousbutasuseless,weAthenians
politicswon'ttakeaninterestin
areabletojudgeatalleventsifwecannotoriginate,and
you.
insteadoflookingondiscussionasastumblingblockin
thewayofaction,wethinkitanindispensable
preliminarytoanywiseactionatall..Pericles
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/pericles-funeralspeech.asp\

1.) Based on the quotes above, describe Pericles influence on the citizens of
Athens.

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2.) Hewhotakesnopartintheseduties(government)notasunambitiousbutas

useless.WhatisPericlesstatingaboutanAthenianmanwhodoesnottakepart
inthegovernment?

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Document5:Architecture
Greek life was dominated by religion and so it is not surprising that the temples of
ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful. They also had a political
purpose as they were often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or offer
thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war.
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/

Parthenon(Athens,Greece)

LincolnMemorial(WashingtonD.C.)

anancienttheater(Greece)

JonesBeachTheater(LongIsland,NY)

1.) Based on your knowledge of ancient Greek architecture and the pictures above,
explain how the Greeks influenced modern day architecture.

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2.) Describe how the Greeks used their famous architecture. What types of
buildings and structures did they create and how did they use them?

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Document6:Mythology

Zeus

Greekmythologyhelpedthe
Greeksunderstandnatureand
theworldaroundthem.Many
oftheoriginalmythsderived
fromoraltraditions.These
mythologicalstoriesprovided
explanationsofevents,which
includedtalesofhyperbole
aboutcreatureswith
supernaturalpowersthat
controlledhumanlife.

Zeuswasthegodoftheskyandrulerof
theOlympiangods.Zeusoverthewhis
FatherCronus.Hethendrewlotswithhis
brothersPoseidonandHades.Zeuswon
thedrawandbecamethesupremerulerof
thegods.Heislordofthesky,theraingod.
Hisweaponisathunderboltwhichhehurls
atthosewhodispleasehim.Heismarried
toHerabut,isfamousforhismanyaffairs.
Heisalsoknowntopunishthosethatlieor
breakoaths.Hewastheraingod,andthe
cloudgatherer,whowieldedtheterrible
thunderbolt.Hisbreastplatewastheaegis,
hisbirdtheeagle,histreetheoak.Heis
representedasthegodofjusticeand
mercy,theprotectoroftheweak,andthe
punisherofthewicked.

http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Zeus/zeus.html

1.) Using the information above, explain how the Greeks explained natural events.

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2.) Explain why ancient Greeks might be fearful of a god like Zeus?

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Graphic Organizer for DBQ on Ancient Greece

Document:

Inside Knowledge
(information from DBQ)

Outside Knowledge
(prior knowledge)

Ancient Greece DBQ

Using the documents and your knowledge of social studies, write a well-organized essay about the
following:

DescribehowthecontributionsoftheancientGreeks
shapedfuturecivilizations.
Historical Background:
Ancient Greece was rich in culture and ideas. Many of the ideas we use today came from this
civilization. From architecture to government to entertainment, the influence of the ancient
Greeks can be seen in our lives today.

In your essay, remember to:

Discuss Greek contributions in the areas of government, philosophy, mythology,
architecture, or entertainment (must include THREE contributions and describe how each
contribution affected ancient Greece and shaped future societies).
Define your essay with a thesis statement. * see below for definition of thesis statement*
Show how these contributions carry over to today.
Include an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Include details, examples, or reasons to develop your ideas.
Use information from the documents in your answer (must include three documents about
Greece).
Check the rubric for expectations.
Type your essay

Helpful Hints:
*Use your graphic organizer for the documents.
*Use the graphic organizer for writing the essay.
*Edit your work.
*Use the documents to feed the essay however, do not forget outside information!!
*Use transition words and make sure your essay flows.

What is a thesis statement?

*Thesis statements serve research papers in one complete sentence or thought. In doing so, they
tell the reader what your paper is about.
*Thesis statements establish the point of view the writer is taking, and the focus of the paper.
The thesis statement is located in the introduction paragraph.
*Lastly, these statements set the mood for the paper, and they prepare the reader for facts and
details which you will provide as evidence for your thesis.

Few guidelines for a thesis:

*The thesis statement can change within the essay.
*Thesis statement does not have to be long or complicated.
*The thesis statement must be supported by using details in your paper.
*A thesis statement that is too general serves no purpose. The statement must be specific.

Thesis Examples:
Too General:
The ancient Greeks were an advanced culture.
Revised:
The many advances in government, architecture, and philosophy empowered the ancient Greeks
while influencing future civilizations.
*The revised statement shows the reader how the essay is organized.
*The revised statement also provides the reader with a specific idea of what the paper is about.

Citing Documents:
According to document ____, it states that Pericles supported democracy.
During the ancient Olympics, winners would be crowned with an olive wreath, as stated in
document ______.
Columns were used in creating strong structures. (document ____).

Planning Page
In the essay, I must select three contributions / achievements from the ancient Greeks that
helped to shape future civilizations. The three contributions that I am selecting for my essay
are..

Contribution:

Contribution:
_____________
Document _____

Contribution:
_____________
Document _____

Contribution:
_____________
Document _____

Inside Knowledge
(information from
document)

Outside Knowledge
(prior knowledge)

** This is a sample form to guide you through the DBQ process. You should be

ADDITIONAL information

Introduction (should contain

including

to make your essay more complete and thorough.

minimum of 4

sentences)

(Briefly describe how the contributions made by the ancient Greeks contributed to society
today.)
Reminder: Do NOT go into too much detail that is what the body of the paragraph is for.
Sum up the historical background in your own words / Thesis Statement: (see attached
sheet for more about thesis)
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

** Do you have a minimum of four sentences?

**Did you use information to state how ancient Greece helped to shape future societies?

Body Paragraph #1:

In this paragraph, select one contribution that was mentioned in the DBQ packet and go into
detail on how that contribution shaped future civilizations. Be sure to include information about
ancient GREECE.
Be sure to include what document you are using
(according to document _ or place which
document you are using in parentheses.. (document _), etc..
Topic sentence: (mention ancient Greece)
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Here you are telling about one contribution from the DBQ about ancient Greece and how it
helped society today based on a document..
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Another reason that this document proves that it led to help society today:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
My outside knowledge:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Tie it up sentence:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph #2:

In this paragraph, select a different contribution that was mentioned in the DBQ packet and go
into detail on how that contribution shaped future civilizations. Be sure to include information
about ancient GREECE.
Be sure to include what document you are using
(according to document _ or place which
document you are using in parentheses.. (document _), etc..
Topic sentence: (mention ancient Greece)
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Here you are telling about a different contribution from the DBQ about ancient Greece and how
it helped society today based on a document..
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Another reason that this document proves that it led to help society today:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
My outside knowledge:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Tie it up sentence:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph #3:

In this paragraph, select a different contribution that was mentioned in the DBQ packet and go
into detail on how that contribution shaped future civilizations. Be sure to include information
about ancient GREECE.
Be sure to include what document you are using
(according to document _ or place which
document you are using in parentheses.. (document _), etc..
Topic sentence: (mention ancient Greece)
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Here you are telling about a different contribution from the DBQ about ancient Greece and how
it helped society today based on a document..
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Another reason that this document proves that it led to help society today:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
My outside knowledge:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Tie it up sentence:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion
Restate your thesis / reasons for selecting these contributions:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Two main ideas from the body paragraphs:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Tie it up sentence:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

***When citing documents in your body paragraphs

did you vary your sentence style?***
Citing Documents (examples):
According to document ____, it states that Pericles supported democracy.
During the ancient Olympics, winners would be crowned with an olive wreath, as stated in
document ______.
Columns were used in creating strong structures. (document ____).