Ancient Greece Roots of Greek Civilization Section 1

Ancient Greek Roots Ancient Greece is called “the birthplace of Western civilization.” Many aspects of the Ancient Greek culture have been copied by societies around the world. These include art, government, the Olympics, science, and philosophy.

Ancient Greek Roots Ancient Greece had a warm, dry climate (it’s the same today). Most of life was spent outdoors working or doing recreational activities. Most Ancient Greeks made livings by farming, fishing, or trading. Most were poor.

Ancient Greek Roots The earliest evidence we have of Greek culture comes from two cultures: Minoans who lived on the island of Crete Mycenaeans who lived in Mycenae

Minoans (from Crete) developed circa 3000 BCE and ended circa 1450 BCE. focused on fishing, farming, and art were master sea-farers and established long-distance trade routes to Spain, Egypt, and Asia

Minoans (from Crete) Led by a king who held most of the wealth Had upper and lower classes Known for metallurgy and jewelry making

Minoans (from Crete) enjoyed several recreational activities dancing, song bull-leaping (bull was sacred) boxing

More on bull-Leaping What was Bull- Leaping? Activity in which a person would use the bull’s horns to jump over it those who were successful were considered heroes

More on bull-Leaping Why did they do this? Many scholars argue about whether or not bull-leaping really took place They agree, though, that its purpose was to connect humans with the divine world

Mycenaeans (from Mycenae) developed circa 1600 BCE and ended circa 1100 BCE. They were the Greeks who fought in the Battle of Troy, which is in modern day Turkey The Prince of Troy ran away with Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta. The Greeks sent a fleet to get her back and the war lasted 10 years. The greatest Greek warrior, Achilles, killed the Trojan leader. In the end, the Greeks won by tricking the trojans with a wooden horse. The Greeks pretended to sail away but left behind a giant wooden horse. Greek soldiers hid inside. The trojans thought it was a gift and brought it into their city. That night, the Greeks returned and the ones hiding came out of the horse. Troy was destroyed.

Mycenaeans (from Mycenae) Led by a king who held most of the wealth Had upper and lower classes known for textiles and metallurgy

Where’s the evidence? The Ancient Greeks left behind many artifacts that teach us about their way of life. Stories such as the Iliad And Odyssey Pottery

The Greeks made pottery from clay. They used it for every day needs as well as for decoration. The cities of corinth and athens were well-known for making beautiful pottery. The designs on the pottery give us insight into the Ancient Greek way of life. Designs include mythology figures, recreational activities, battles, clothing, and weaponry.

Time to design your own!!!!