On the Greek Mainland, the coast of Asia minor and the islands between

The inhabitants (Pelasgians) shared a similar language and ethnicity originating from the eastern Turkey and Mesopotamia where agriculture had replaced hunting Farmers – cultivating grains, domesticating sheep and goats. Religious goal was to keep destructive natural forces (male) happy, and worship reproductive and fertility spirits (female) Matriarchy – women ruled families (tribes) – emphasis on fertility, procreation, nurturing crops, herds, children. New Stone age (Neolithic) pre3000, giving way to the bronze age (3000 to 1100BC)

Less cultured, but more aggressive, they overran the Pelasgians, and either slaughtered or absorbed them. –Also from the east –Spoke the language that would develop into classical Greek –Focused on hunting and warfare. –worshipped male gods of hunting and war in their mountain homes. The old Pelasgian mother goddesses became mere consorts to these male gods. –Patriarchy: family traced through the male line. –Ancestors to the Greeks of the Homeric (heroic) period. Heroes like Jason and the Argonauts, Heracles, Theseus, Perseus and the Medusa head, probably from this time.

Crete: Minoan Civilization (Palace at Knossos)

Minoan Civilization

Knossos: Minoan Civilization

The Mycenaean dig

Homer Preserved the glories of the “Heroic /Homeric Age” as Greece went through its dark age A Greek people, but not a Greek Nation Homer Preserved the glories of the “Heroic /Homeric Age” as Greece went through its dark age A Greek people, but not a Greek Nation

Factors bringing Greeks together Common Language, Religion, and festivals Co-operative supervision of certain temples Belief that the Greeks were descended from the same ancestors Rugged Mountains separating the valleys Rivalries between city-states separate legal systems independent calendars, money, weights and measures Fierce spirit of independence Factors keeping them apart