Unit 2: Terms Flashcards
What does agathos mean in Homeric society?
Agathos meant a noble or virtuous man, defined by bravery, skill in battle, and loyalty to comrades. It contrasted with kakos, meaning cowardly or dishonorable. Personal honor and excellence (areté) were key to being agathos.
What is the meaning of basileus?
Basileus originally meant ‘king’ in Mycenaean times and later referred to local chieftains during the Greek Dark Age. In Classical Greece, it signified leadership, varying from warrior leaders to religious figures.
What characterized the Greek Dark Age?
The Greek Dark Age (c. 1100–750 BCE) was marked by population decline, loss of writing, and reduced trade. Society became more localized, with knowledge preserved through oral tradition.
What was the significance of Greek pottery?
Greek pottery was essential for daily life and trade, evolving from geometric designs to black- and red-figure techniques. It depicted mythology, daily life, and warfare, helping archaeologists date sites and understand ancient Greek culture.
What was the Greek renaissance?
The Greek renaissance (c. 800–700 BCE) was a cultural revival marked by renewed trade, colonization, and the adoption of the Phoenician alphabet. It laid the foundation for Classical Greek civilization.
What are the Homeric epics?
The Iliad and The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, are epic poems that shaped Greek identity, preserving myths, history, and values like honor and loyalty. They were passed down orally before being written.
Who were the Minoans?
The Minoans were a Bronze Age civilization on Crete (c. 2000–1450 BCE), known for advanced trade, palace complexes, and vibrant art. They used the undeciphered Linear A script.
What is Mycenae known for?
Mycenae was a powerful Greek city during the Late Bronze Age (c. 1600–1100 BCE), known for its warrior culture, fortified palaces, and use of Linear B script.
Who were the Phoenicians?
The Phoenicians were a seafaring people from the eastern Mediterranean, known for their mastery in trade and for establishing colonies like Carthage. They contributed the phonetic alphabet to Greece.
What was the Trojan War?
The Trojan War was a legendary conflict between the Greeks and Trojans, traditionally dated to the 12th or 13th century BCE, supposedly beginning over Helen of Troy.
