Early Settlements and Myths Minoan Civilization to The Trojan War

Minoan Civilization Minoan civilization rose around 2800 BC. Crete – an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea First civilization in this area

Crete, south of the Greek Mainland

Worlds First Important Seafaring Civilization Built faster ships than most to outrun pirates Large prow at the bow of the ship

Minoan Culture Main god – Great Goddess - Mother Earth Cities had no walls Sea provided protection Palace at Knossos Hallways formed a labyrinth Network of difficult paths – maze Translates to “double axe” “Double axe” symbol for the power of Mother Earth and king.

Fall of the Minoans Uncertain end of civilization, circa 1400 BC. Myth of the Minotaur

Excavation of the Palace at Knossos

Hubris What is hubris Key concept in many Greek Tragedies. excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance Key concept in many Greek Tragedies.

Mycenaean Civilization Greeks living on the mainland during the time of the Trojan War Kings built fortress-like palaces on hilltops Grew crops such as olives Set up trading posts on nearby islands Grew wealthy from the sale of oil from olives By 1400 B.C. replaced Minoans as chief power.

Trojan War Probably took place circa mid 1200’s B.C. Homer – blind poet who recorded the story around 700 BC. The Iliad – story of the Mycenaean invasion of Troy (Achilles) The Odyssey – story of Odysseus’ journey back from Troy.

Trireme: Greek ship during Trojan War

Trojan War (cont.) As the story goes… Paris (Prince of Troy) took Helen, wife of the Mycenaean King of Sparta, Menelaus, back to Troy. Agamemnon, King of Mycenae gathers other kings of Greece to destroy Troy. 10 years of battle pass until…

Trojan Horse

Bronze Engraving of the Trojan Horse