Key Concept 2:. The Development of States and Empires Key Concept 2: The Development of States and Empires Mediterranean Region: Greece

Classical Greece, 800 – 350 B.C.E.

Early Development Minoan society Island of Crete Best example of Minoian culture: Knossos Ca. 2200 B.C.E., center of maritime trade Linear A script Scholars unable to decipher Linear A script

Early Development Mycenaean Society Influenced by Minoan culture Indo-European invaders descend through Balkans into Peloponnesus, ca. 2200 B.C.E.

Chaos in Eastern Mediterranean Trojan War, ca. 1200 B.C.E. Homer’s Iliad Sequel: Odyssey Political turmoil & chaos (1100 to 800 B.C.E.) results in decline and disappearance of Mycenaean civilization

The Polis City-state – main political structure of ancient Greeks. Highly independent from each other Monarchies “Tyrant,” not necessarily oppressive, usually a general or politician who gained power by irregular means Early democracies

Sparta Highly militarized society Subjugated peoples: helots Serfs, tied to land Outnumbered Spartans 10:1 by sixth century B.C.E. Military society developed to control threat of rebellion

Spartan Society Boys removed from families at age seven Received military training in barracks Active military service follows Marriage, but no home life until age 30 Some relaxation of discipline by fourth century C.E.

Athens Development of early democracy Free adult male citizens only Women, slaves excluded Contrast Athenian style of government with Spartan militarism

Solon and Athenian Democracy Aristocrat Solon mediates crisis Aristocrats to keep large landholdings But forgive debts, ban debt slavery Removed family restrictions against participating in public life Instituted paid civil service

Pericles Ruled 461-429 B.C.E. High point of Athenian democracy Aristocratic but popular Massive public works Encouraged cultural development Athens became most sophisticated Polis

Classical Greece and the Mediterranean Basin, 800-500 B.C.E. What effects do you think there were as a result of Greek colonialism? Classical Greece and the Mediterranean Basin, 800-500 B.C.E.