Greece Chapter Flashcards
What were the Greeks like?
They were seafaring people, independent
Politically involved
Geography of Greece
The ocean was essential (many harbors)
Colonization was by sea
Small areas to grow crops
protected/isolated by mountains
Minoan Crete-
Early Greeks Rich, prosperous culture Traded with Egyptians Bronze Age Language has never been translated Reached height at 2000 B.C. King of Crete- where "Midas" comes from
Sir Arthur Evans
English archaeologist who discovered huge palaces
What was one of the palaces that Sir Arthur Evans discovered?
Palace Complex at Knosses
1450 B.C.
Literal collapse of minoan crete
Mycenae
On mainland of Greece, first Greek state
Warriors (Spartans/Athenians)
Flourished in 1600 and 1100 B.C., height at 1400-1200 B.C.
Numerous powerful kings
Henrich Schliemann
German archaeologist who excavated Mycenae
Linear B
Early form of Greek script
Social Structure of Mycenae
King
Armies/Priest
Merchants, artistans, etc.
Slaves (treated well)
King Agamemnon
Grave-gold mask (not the king’s)
Led the Greeks to attack Troy
Trojan War
Over the wife of king’s brother (King of Sparta)
Sparked by Paris, prince of Troy by kidnapping Helen
Dark Ages
1100-750 B.C.
Most information comes from Homer’s stories
Population and food decreased, people migrated
Adopted Phoenician alphabet
Based on agriculture
Trade increased
Homer
Poems Greek outlet Social conditions of Dark Ages Lessons: gods are strong, men fade away, violence leads to disaster During 8th Century
Iliad
Homer’s
Over the Trojan war (Achilles)
Became the textbook for education
Odyssey
Homer’s
Odysseus’ adventures over the fall of Troy
virtue > vice
Trojan War occurred…
13th Century
Polis
Greek City state
Encompassed a town or city and its surrounding area
Place to assemble for activities
Town/village/city and the countryside
Varied in size
Men had political rights, while women, children, and non citizens did not
Agora
For assemblies and the market
Hoplites
Heavily armed infantry men who wore bronze/leather helmets, breastplates, and greaves
Operated in a unit (phalanx), important to keep order
Safety depended on discipline
Consisted of aristocrats and Farmers
Greeks carried what type of shield, while the Trojans carried?
Greeks-rounded
Trojans-square
Colonization and Trade
Moved out because of food
Colonies were established in various places
Diffusion- greater sense of Greek identity
traded with others for food
Tyrant
Rulers who took control (not always bad leaders)
Seizes power by force, not subject to law
Supported by new rich and poor peasants (opposed political power by aristocrats)
Power went to the wealthy
During the 7th-6th Century
Helped with development
Location of Sparta
Peloponnesus
Sparta
Examined children (whether they are worthy to live)
Emphasized conformity, order
Large number of slaves (helots) who were bound to the land
Boys trained and remained in the army until 60
Women lived separately and exercised
Social structure was rigid
Spartan citizens owned land worked by helots
Athens
Stressed individual freedom
Early rule went from monarchy to aristocrats
Wealth qualified people for office
Most males were allowed to vote
Any male citizen could bring a charge to court
Women’s role was subservient (housekeeping)
Several tyrants became popular
Aided trade
Solon
Tyrant Turmoil led to his leadership 494 B.C. Canceled all debts, outlawed loans, and freed slaves in debt On peninsula of Attica