1. Ancient Greece- Early Greek Civilizations & City-States
Objective: Identify the roots of Greek civilization and recognize its achievements from the Minoan era through the Hellenistic period.
Ancient Greece- Early Greek Civilizations & City-States

2. Aegean area & early civilizations
Minoans – Crete, 2700 – 1450 B.C., King Minos, labyrinth
Mycenaeans – Indo-Europeans, 1900 B.C.
Dorians – Greek speaking conquerors, 1100 B.C.
“Dark Age” – 1100 – 750 B.C.

4. Aegean area & early civilizations continued
Ionians reintroduced culture, Hellenic civilization
Homer – blind poet, 700s B.C.; two great epic poems
Iliad – Trojan War
Odyssey – 10-year journey of King Odysseus
Arête – moral excellence, courage, honor, manliness, valor

5. Aristocrats – wealthy landowners dominated politics
Hoplites – foot soldiers; heavily armed infantry
Phalanx – rectangular formation

6. Polis – city-state, city & surrounding area
Acropolis – fortified hilltop; place of refuge; religious center
Agora – open area for assemblies and markets
Citizens (with political rights) – male landowners

7. Phalanx

8. Political change Oligarchy – a few wealthy people hold power
Tyrants – one-man rule, most fair but a few harsh
Democracy – power lies in hands of all “citizens”

9. Sparta – descended from Dorians
Oligarchy – two kings; council of elders; assembly
Women – married later, more personal rights, sports, no vote
Results of militarism – poor but exceptional athletes & soldiers

11. Athens – descended from Mycenaeans
Draco – eliminated inconsistencies in law code; draconian
Solon, 594 B.C. – canceled land debts & freed debtors
Cleisthenes, 508 B.C. – established Athenian democracy
Ostracism – protection from politicians; 10-year banishment