The Early Greeks Chapter 4 section 1

Objective Discuss the geography of Greece. Compare and contrast the civilizations of the Minoans and the Mycenaeans.

Map of the Early Greeks

Geography of Greece Mainland Greece is mountainous peninsula- a body of land with water on three sides. The Ionian Sea is to the west of Greece, the Aegean is to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea is to the south. Ancient Greeks were fishers, sailors, traders, and farmers. The rocky soil made it difficult to farm, however, people could grow wheat, barley, olives, and grapes in the favorable climate.

The Minoans The geography of Greece influenced where people settled and what they did. Because of their geographical location they were bound to that area and learned to work independently from others. This independence led to segregation between city-states. The Minoans were the first settlers of Greece, beginning around 2000 B.C. until about 1450 B.C. The island of Crete, which lies southwest of the Greek mainland was the center of the Minoan civilization.

The Palace of Knossos The Palace of Knossos (located on the island of Crete) was the economic and political center of the Minoan civilization.

The Throne Room The palace had twisting passageways that led to many different rooms, including private quarters for the royal family.

A Covered Passageway in the Palace

Ancient Minoans The Minoans made their wealth from trade. They built ships from oak and sailed as far as Egypt. The traded pottery and stone vases for ivory and metals.

Minoan Legend Theseus Minotaur

Decline of the Minoans About 1450 B.C., the Minoan civilization suddenly collapsed. Some historians think undersea earthquakes caused giant waves that washed away the Minoans’ cities. Others think the cities were destroyed by a group of Greek invaders called the Mycenaeans.

The Mycenaeans The Mycenaeans were from central Asia. They invaded the Greek mainland around 1900 B.C. The kingdom lasted until about 1200 B.C. They built the first Greek kingdoms and spread their power across the Mediterranean region. The Mycenaean leaders became the first Greek kings. The center of the Mycenaean kingdom was a fortified palace on a hill.

This was the entrance to the city Lion Gate at Mycenae This was the entrance to the city

Mycenaean Kingdom Beyond the palace walls lay large farms, or estates. The palaces hummed with activity. Artisans tanned leather, sewed clothes, and made jars for wine and olive oil. Government officials kept track of the wealth of every person in the kingdom. Soon after Mycenaeans set up their kingdoms, Minoan traders began to visit from Crete. As a result they learned a lot about each others culture. Around 1400 b.c., the Mycenaeans replaced the Minoans as the major power on the Mediterranean sea. While they became successful in trade they were most proud of their victory in the Trojan War.

Mycenaean Legend: Trojan War

Collapse of the Mycenaeans By 1200 B.C. the Mycenaeans were in trouble. Earthquakes and fighting among the kingdoms had destroyed their hilltop forts. By 1100 B.C. the Mycenaean civilization collapsed.

Comparing and Contrasting Minoan and Mycenaean Minoans Mycenaean Settled on mainland of Greece Artisans and sailors Destroyed by earthquakes and fighting Legend: Trojan War Settled on the island of Crete Fishers, traders and sailors Legend: Theseus and the Minotaur Destroyed by tsunamis or invaders

Comparing and Contrasting Minoan and Mycenaean Minoans Sailors Destroyed by fighting legends

Check for Understanding What is a peninsula? What was the first civilization that existed in Greece? What were the two legends discussed today? What caused the end of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations?