World History Chapter Four: Ancient Greece (1900 – 133 B.C.)

Section 1 Objectives Explain the influence of geography on the development of the independent city-states Explain the importance of Homer as he relates to the development of Greek history

Section One: The First Greek Civilizations

I.The Impact of Geography Mountainous peninsula & numerous islands Most important geographical influence on Greece Small, independent communities

The Impact of Geography Encouraged political participation within, & war among Many ports, inlets & islands Seafarers, Aegean & Black Seas

II. The Minoan Civilization 2700 & 1450 B.C., a Bronze Age civilization *Island of Crete Rich trading culture based on seafaring

Minoan Fresco

The Minoan Civilization Discovered by Arthur Evans Minoans sailed to Greece & Egypt Central city, palace of Knossos Olive oil, wine & grain

A fresco found at the Minoan site of Knossos Fresco of an acrobat on a bull with two female acrobats on either side

Fresco from the "Palace of Minos", Knossos, Crete Knossos

The Minoan Civilization Suffered a catastrophe around 1450 B.C. Tidal wave, volcanic eruption or invasion from the Mycenaeans

III. The First Greek State: Mycenae 1600 & 1100 B.C. *Mycenae was the first Greek city-state Powerful monarchies Lived in fortified center within large stone walls

Mycenae

The First Greek State: Mycenae Warrior culture Extensive commercial network Poetry from Homer reveals information on the Mycenaeans

Lion’s Gate at Mycenae

Mask of a Mycenaean King

The First Greek State: Mycenae Civil war & earthquakes damaged their civilization Collapsed by 1100 B.C., after a new wave of invaders

Mycenae Today

IV. The Greeks in a Dark Age 1100 to 750 B.C. few records Both population & food production fell

A.Developments of the Dark Age Many Greeks immigrated to Ionia, a strip of territory located along the western shores of Asia Minor, which is in modern day Turkey

A.Developments of the Dark Age Iron replaced bronze improving weaponry & farming Adopted the Phoenician alphabet

B. Homer *Iliad & Odyssey are epic poems Epic poem – a long poem that tells the deeds of a great hero Based on stories passed down for generations

Homer The Iliad takes place during the Trojan War Paris kidnaps Helen Greeks take the city with the famous Trojan horse Tale about the destruction caused by the anger of the Greek hero Achilles

Helen and Priam

Achille s

Homer The Odyssey tells of the Greek hero Odysseus’ ten-year return to his home & family Gave the Greeks an ideal past & set of values Basic values of courage & honor

Homer A hero strives for excellence, which the Greeks called Arete Which was won in a struggle or contest The man preserves his & his family’s honor