Mediterranean Society and the Greek Phase Ch. 10

Early Development of Greek Society

Minoan and Mycenaean Societies CHAOS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN KNOSSOS DECLINE OF MINOAN SOCIETY MYCENAEAN SOCIETY Series of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tidal waves After natural disasters occurred they began to rebuild (plumbing, toilet flushing) Get invaded but kept maritime trade, writing and construction Indo-Europeans move into area Traded with Minoans Developed Linear B Created fortified areas and settlers began to move in creating the Mycenaean society Mycenaeans go into battle against Troy Inspiration for the Iliad. 1100-800bce-many signs of decline (civil disturbances, pop. drop, writing disappeared) Area where several lavish palaces were built Nerve center of the area Used as residences and a warehouse Created script known as Linear A Crete principal center for Meditteranean commerce Influenced by Phoenician's and Egypt

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Town of Akrotiri harbor 1. What does this alfresco suggest about Minoan societies?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The Lion Gate at Mycenae 2. Based on the image and title of the image, what does this suggest about Mycenaean society?

The World of the Polis THE POLIS SPARTA SPARTAN SOCIETY No established centralized gov’t. Local gov’t took the lead Polis-city-state, but also a fortified area that grew into a commercial center Controlled surrounding regions Levied taxes and agriculture from those they protected Some polis were monarchies, most were collective notables or under “tyrant” control Began to control much of the Peloponnesus area Those under control were helots-servants of the Spartan state. Helots not slaves but couldn’t leave land They provided the agriculture for Sparta Sparta always had to keep them from rebellion Equal in status Didn’t really have fancy items Iron bars for money Simple, frugal and austere Distinction came in the form of strength Boys left home at 7 for military training Age 20-military Women – physical training, 18-20 could marry but not live with husbands Foundation of military discipline

The World of the Polis ATHENS ATHENIAN SOCIETY SOLON & ATHENIAN DEMOCRACY and PERICLES Solon-aristocrat who served as a mediator b/w the rich and poor Allowed rich to keep land and cancelled various forms of debt Liberated those in debt Pericles-most popular Athenian leader Building programs that provided employment Most sophisticated poleis “education of Greece” 7th c. bce maritime trade prosperity Aristocracy saw the most benefit Also controlled Athenian gov’t Many polies suffered from economic inequality which led to civil wars Gov’t based on democratic principles More negotiators, looked at all interests Only free adult males played a role in public affairs

Discussion Question 3. To what extent did geography encourage Greeks to venture into the Mediterranean Sea?

GREECE AND THE LARGER WORLD

Greek Colonies Effects of Greek Colonization Greek Colonies 4. What does this merchant vessel suggest about maritime trade? More communication More interaction and exchange Spread culture and language throughout the Mediterranean As merchants brought more money into the area they were able to establish small states. Greek colonies were also est. on the East Med. Of the Black Sea Along the Coast line Gave access to various resources No centralized imperial state Each settlement was essentially its own start up

Discussion Question 5. In what ways did the colonies serve as links b/w Greece and the larger Mediterranean region?

Conflict w/Persia The Peloponnesian War The Persian Wars The Delian League Darius starts a war against peninsular Greece Attacked Athens and Athenians were able to hold them off Xerxes makes his own attempt He burnt down Athens but Athenians attacked the Persian navy Persian not willingly to put more efforts into conquering Greece and had internal conflicts Delian League-an alliance system b/w Greek city-states to keep Persian at bay. Athens leader of alliance Athens supplied military but other gave financial contributions that went to the Athenian treasury Money did not always go to the League but to the city-state Athens vs. Sparta Sparta will become the victors due to their military strength Athenians took advantage of the power wielded to them

The Macedonians and the Coming of Empire Philip of Macedon Kingdom of Macedon Alexander of Macedon Alexander’s Conquest 6. How was Alexander able to bring such extensive territories under his control? Consisted of herders and cultivators Greeks were traders Located north of Greek peninsular King Philip changed Macedon into a more militaristic state Consolidated his rule over all the area Wanted Greece and Persia Could easily take parts of Greece due to the Peloponnesian wars Alexander came into power due to an assassination of his father Brilliant strategist Great leader Had a great army Conquered from the Mediterranean to the Punjab of India

The Hellenistic Empires The Antigonid Empire The Ptolemaic Empire The Hellenistic Era 7. Consider the geographical conditions and economic potential of the 3 empires. Hellenistic era- Greek cultural traditions expanded their influence beyond Greece to a much larger world Sponsored interaction b/w many different peoples Integrated economies, facilitated trade, spread beliefs, values and traditions Smallest of Hellenistic empires Antigonid Rulers and Greek cities often made economic compromises (tax relief) Wealthiest of the empires In Egypt Did not really interfere but rather served more as monitors and tax collectors over the area Est. monopolies over lucrative economic industries.

The Hellenistic Empires The Seleucid Empire Alexandria Greeks in Bactria Ptolemaic capital Administrative headquarters Largest port at the time Megalopolis-people of various ethnicities, cultures and traditions. Alexandrian Museum and Alexandrian Army Founded by either Alexander or Seleucus Withdrew from Seleucid empire and est. and ind. Greek kingdom Greek culture But also welcomed Persian and C. Asian deities. Greek influence reached its greatest extent here Created a Mediterranean style urban society

The Fruits of Trade: Greek Economy and Society

Trade and the Integration of the Mediterranean Basin Commercial and Economic Organization Panhellenic Festivals Olympic Games Trade 8. What does this pot suggest about the importance of trade? Best athletes of various poleis went to Olympia to compete (strength, speed, skill) Winners were seen as heroes Wore olive wreaths Harvesting Olives Olive and grapes Trade around the Mediterranean encouraged much interaction Ship owners, merchants and moneylenders created partnerships Entrepreneurs est. small businesses Trade contributed to a larger sense of community Greek culture spread Festivals helped reinforce Greek culture

Family and Society Patriarchal Society Sappho Slavery 9. What does this image suggest about slavery? Slave carrying his drunken master home Males rule Make decisions, even on keeping infants Women under family male authorities Could not own land but some owned businesses Spartan women had more freedom, though Upper class women were at times taught to read Poet Sappho Invited young women for instruction in music & literature Homosexuality fine for men but not women Many saw her as morally suspicious Used as a labor force Types of slaves: indebted, chattel slavery Most did hard labor but some were domestic servants Economic investments Could sometimes win their freedom

The Cultural Life of Classical Greece

Rational Thought and Philosophy Greek Science and Mathematics Greek Philosophy Socrates 10. What did Socrates mean by the phrase “ the unexamined life is not worth living”? Used evidence, rational thinking, and human reason to explain the world Pythagoras – Pythagoras theorem Hippocrates-medical practice to understand the body Greek expression was philosophy-reason to bear on human issues as well as natural world Socrates-wanted to understand humans and human affairs Questions that posed reflection Focused on ethics and morality Honest lives more important than wealth and fame “the unexamined life is not worth living” Many elites did not like him because it challenged their thought

Rational Thought and Philosophy Plato Aristotle Disciple of Socrates Theory of Forms and Ideas Virtue meant different things in different situations World we live in is not the only world but a pale imperfection of the world of Form or Ideas His thoughts had poli-social importance through the idea of the philosopher king Disciple of Plato Rely on senses and reason Use logic to create arguments “master of those who know” Greek philosophers deeply influenced European and Islamic cultural traditions.

Popular Religion Greek Deities Religious Cults Women’s Cults Did not recognize one god Polytheistic Created myths about their gods Zeus, grandson of earth and sky gods, is the main ruler Zeus had subordinate deities Explained the world Foundation for religious cults Held rituals Some cults only for women

Popular Religion Tragic Drama The Cult of Dionysus Complicated themes Women most devoted to Dionysus (god of wine) Was once more wild cult became more domesticated and began to honor the polis, relations b/w human and gods and looked at ethical problems Complicated themes Explored the possibilities and limitations of human action Often dramas were about public and political affairs

Hellenistic Philosophy and Religion The Hellenistic Philosophers Religions of Salvation Mystery religions offered eternal bliss for those who followed their doctrine Cult of Osiris because it promised salvation Epicureans, Skeptics and Stoics Epicureans-pleasure is the greatest good Skeptics-doubted possibility of certain knowledge and didn’t take part in moral, social or political issues Stoics- aid others lead virtuous lives All wanted to achieve inner peace