Ancient Greece 2000 B.C.E B.C.E.

Overview of Greece Physical Setting –Northeast End of the Mediterranean –Consists of Small Peninsulas –Geography Short mountain ranges cut through mainland Separate communities Prevents Unity among Greeks –No clear river system No unifying meeting place Prevents Unity –Mild climate, good soil, sufficient rainfall Farmers can grow grain, grapes, olives Sheeps, Goats raised in mountains Not enough to live on

The Importance of Geography Geography encourages trade –Long coastline allows all of mainland to be near sea –Islands surrounding have many good harbors Question: What types of occupations might Greek citizens develop? –(Farmers, fishermen, sailors, traders, explorers)

The Predecessors of the Greeks The Minoans –Existed on Crete before Greek Civilization –Legendary in Greek culture, verified in 1900 AD Archaeologists discover Knossos (palace of King Minos)Knossos Ruins, artifacts discovered since back up finding Characteristics –Writing: “Linear A” (Not been deciphered yet), “Linear B” (early form of Greek) Well established by 2000 BCE –Art: created Frescoes (Wall paintings on plaster) Dominated the Aegean Islands –1500 BCE: Volcano destroys much of Minoan civilization

The Palace of King Minos King Minos’ palace: built as a labyrinth legendary home of the Minotaur

Outside King Minos’ palace today

King Minos' governmental throne room.

The Mycenaeans 2000 BCE: Groups from the North (Indo- European) Culture develops around 1600 BCE-1200 BCE Warlike group, conquered other areas Conquered Crete, adopted much of Minoan civilization 1200 BCE: Earthquakes destroy much of civilization

The palace in Mycenae was surrounded by massive walls with a huge gateway called the Lion Gate

Mycenaen Civilization Palaces in the city of Mycenae –served as the centers for government and economy Government –Role of Tax collectors: kept track of the wealth of the people living in the kingdom collected taxes on: wheat, livestock, honey etc.

Mycenaen Civilization Economy –tanned leather, sewed clothes, made jars for honey and olive oil, created bronze shields etc. What did they learn from the Minoans? –used Minoan architecture as a model for their palaces –Metalworking shipbuilding –navigation------lead by the sun and stars –Religion- worshipped Earth Mother

Mycenaen Civilization Why does the civilization come to an end? –Two Theories: 1. Infighting amongst the kingdoms 2. Invasion by the Dorians

Dorians Came in armed with iron weapons called the “dark age”: –Why? Trade ended, poverty increased, literacy declined refugees fled to Ionia 750 BCE- reintroduced culture, crafts, etc. Founding of Hellenic Civilization –700’s BCE- 350 BCE