The Rise of the Greek Civilization Chapter 6, Section 1 Rise of Ancient Greece The Rise of the Greek Civilization Chapter 6, Section 1

Greece’s Geographic Setting Greece is a country made up of peninsulas. Peninsula is an area of land surrounded by water on three sides. Mountains are a major landform. Greece’s islands are mostly mountain peaks.

Greece’s Geographic Setting Because of the mountains, only one-fifth of the country is good for growing crops. Because of this, the Greeks became sailors and traders. The geography of the mountains made it hard for the people to get together.

Greece’s Geographic Setting The Greek communities developed like separate countries. Developed their own customs and beliefs. This idea led to the Greeks fighting amongst themselves.

Greek Beginnings Minoan Civilization (3000 – 1100 BC) Bronze Age people lived on the island of Crete. Minoans developed a lively culture. Statues found lead to the belief they worshiped goddesses. In the 1400s, Knossons was destroyed that the Minoans went into decline.

Greek Beginnings Mycenaeans Civilization Controlled the Aegean Sea Spoke an early form of modern Greek Gained great power through trade.

Greek Beginnings Trojan War A long struggle between the Greeks and the city of Troy. According to the myths, Greek warriors hid inside a large, wooden horse. Two epics about the Trojan War - Homer Illiad Odyssey

Greek Beginnings Poems were important to the Greeks. Taught them what their gods were like. How their heroes behaved Although the Trojan War was written about in poems, historians do not believe it happened like the poem.

The Dark Ages of Greece Not long after the Trojan War, the Greek civilization collapsed. 1100-750 BC writing ceased. Families began to resettle into places they could grow crops. Fortified hills are known as Acropolis.

The Dark Ages of Greece Homer was believed to have written his epics around 800 BC.

City-States Develop Historians believe around 750 BC, small villages joined together to form a city. A City-State is not only a city, but also a separate, independent state. Earliest rulers were probably chieftains or kings who were military leaders.

City-States Develop By the end of the Dark Ages, most were ruled by aristocrats. Aristocrats – members of rich and powerful families. Controlled most of the land.

City-States Develop Through trade, a middle class arose. They wanted more say in the government. Aristocrats were often overthrown and a tyrant ruled Tyrant – a ruler who seized power by force.

Democracy Eventually, many tyrants were overthrown, and a form of government called “democracy” was adopted. Democracy – citizens govern themselves. 594 BC, an Athenian leader named Solon. His reforms made Athens the leading democracy. Did not include women, slaves or foreigners.

HOMEWORK Read P. 166-175 Answer questions #1-3