Transcript Greece
Greece (1750 B.C. – 133 B.C.) Early People of the Aegean Minoans An ancient civilization that flourished on Crete Based on trade, not conquest Palace at Knossos Vanished by 1400 B.C. Knossos, the Minoan Palace Mycenae Invaders who helped destroy Minoan civilization First Greek-speaking people of whom we have written record Successful sea traders with wealthy warrior kings Best remembered for their part in the Trojan War Troy http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Troy/ Thick walls of a Mycenaean fortress. The Mycenaeans collected hoards of treasure. Mask of Agamemnon Mycenean gold from shaft graves in Mycenae as displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens Polis Usually developed around a fort Covered a small area of land Most had a population of fewer than 10,000 Only free adult males had citizenship rights Had an agora, or marketplace Geography of Greece Mountainous, rugged land kept civilization divided into independent, often rivaling city-states The seas were vital link to the world outside. Greeks became skilled sailors and traders. Greeks carried ideas and culture wherever they went. Early Governments Polis – city-state (acropolis & lower main city) Monarchy – rule by a king or queen Aristocracy – rule by land holding elite Oligarchy – rule by small group (usually business class) Changes in Warfare Iron weapons replaced bronze ones (Bronze is typically 60% copper and 40% tin.) Phalanx – massive formation of heavily armed foot soldiers, required long hours of drill Forces for Unity Sharing a common culture Religious beliefs View of non-Greeks (barbaroi) Olympic Games Olympic Games Began in Olympia, a Greek city-state Athletic contests honored Zeus Helped unify Greece Warring city-states would call a truce so that people could attend the games. Mt. Olympus, Greece Homeric Age Did not have a very advanced civilization Epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, written by blind poet Homer Sparta City-state of warriors A military state Children began military training at 7 yrs old Women were supposed to exercise and bear healthy children Isolated from other Greeks Athens Athens symbolized freedom, art, and democracy. The city-state took its name from Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Sparta’s strongest rival, wealthy and powerful Limited democracy Solon, a wise and trusted leader made many reforms Legislature developed later Daily life in Athens Economy based on trade Magnificent temples & public buildings Great value placed on literacy & education Ethics – deals with what is good and bad, moral duty Rhetoric – study of public speaking and debate The Parthenon Amphitheater in Athens Measures 80m in diameter and can hold 5,000 people. It was originally covered by a cedar roof. The orchestra and seating have all been restored so that the odeon can be used for concerts today. Expansion of Greece Persian Wars 500 B.C. Athens the wealthiest city-state Persian empire threatening borders, taking Greek city-states of Ionia Athens came Ionia’s aid when they rebelled against the Persians Ionians fell but Athens now had a reputation Darius I of Persia Spartans throw a Persian envoy down a well Greek Hoplites. The warriors are shown in two attack positions, with both an overhand and underhand thrust. Marathon and more… “Remember the Athenians” Athenians triumph over Persians led by Darius at Marathon edsitement.neh.gov/Persian01_flash_page.asp edsitement.neh.gov/PersiaGreeceWars01.asp Darius’ son Xerxes came back, defeated the Spartans (Battle of Thermopylae) and marched to Athens Athenians withdrew from the city and used their ships to destroy the Persian fleet Forced Greeks to become more unified Delian League An alliance of city-states with Athens as leader Golden Age of Pericles 480 - 431 BC The years after the Persian Wars were a golden age for Athens Pericles, a wise and skillful leader, helped the government become more democratic Set up a direct democracy The Acropolis was rebuilt with beautiful statues and new temples Growing resentment from the other citystates Pericles Contemporary reconstruction of Athena. The original was made of gold and ivory over a wood frame, was 30 feet high, and was located in the main inner room of the Parthenon. “The Peloponnesus [Sparta] and Athens were both full of young men whose inexperience made them eager to take up arms.” - Thucydides Peloponnesian War Fighting between the Greek city states Dragged on for 27 years Sparta invades Athens, PLAGUE kills 1/3 of population Sparta conquered Athens with the help of Persia Ended Athenian dominance in the Greek world map The Glory That Was Greece