*Notes on Chapter 5*

Ancient Macedonia

Today in class we took the Chapter 4 Test. I actually found it pretty easy, and didn't really need to use my blog to look up some of my notes to help me. I also didn't need to use the entire class period to take the test,  which left me with some time to read Chapter 5. My notes are below.

Definition of Hellenistic: Hellenistic refers to the time period in Greek history in which many of the civilizations and territories around the Mediterranean were internationally connected and were influenced under Greek rule.



There are a number of reasons why Athens lost the Peloponnesian War against their rival Sparta. First of all, the ruler of Athens at the time, Pericles, was eager to start a war with Sparta and to vanquish their enemy as quickly as possible, but didn't take the time to strategically plan how they would destroy them. Athens jumped at the opportunity to start a war with Sparta, but didn't have a good plan before they did.
Another major factor resulting in Athens defeat was the Plaque that wreaked havoc upon the streets. When the people abandoned the city during the war, they took refuge behind the massive walls that protected the nearby harbor of Piraeus. Athens plan was to bring in food and supplies through ships, but the ships happened to bring something else with them into the city. They ships had accidentally brought the Plaque with them, and the disease spread like wildfire. Before long, one-third of the population had died, including Pericles. The disease only made it easier for the Spartans to take control of Athens and soon the surrounding area. One last factor amounting to Athens defeat was their incapability to fight in land. Athens had an enormous navy, but was limited to fighting on land. On the contrary, Sparta was better on land than at sea. This made it difficult for either side to gain an advantage over the other, and each side never got any closer to victory. In conclusion, Athens had it very difficult in the wartime.

In 359 B.C., King Phillip II became the ruler of Macedonia. He was a ruler who had a bright future for Macedonia, and he was determined to conquer the city-states, and use their power to destroy their rival, Persia.