Setting the Stage for Greece From the Minoans (2000 B.C.) to Archaic Greece (800 B.C.)

The Minoans ( B.C.) Hopefully a Review! Hopefully a Review! From the island of Crete (off the Greek Coast) in the Aegean Sea. From the island of Crete (off the Greek Coast) in the Aegean Sea. Dominated trade on the Eastern Mediterranean between 2000 and Dominated trade on the Eastern Mediterranean between 2000 and 1400.

The Most Famous Leader King Minos was their most important leader. King Minos was their most important leader. He was rumored to keep a half- human, half-bull monster called the Minotaur in a labyrinth at his capital in Knossos. He was rumored to keep a half- human, half-bull monster called the Minotaur in a labyrinth at his capital in Knossos. *Some historians believe Minos himself possibly wore a bull’s head during ceremonies! *Some historians believe Minos himself possibly wore a bull’s head during ceremonies!

The end of Minoan Civilization No one is certain of the final end of the Minoans, but in 1470 B.C. a volcanic explosion on the neighboring island of Thera destroyed most of their northern coast. No one is certain of the final end of the Minoans, but in 1470 B.C. a volcanic explosion on the neighboring island of Thera destroyed most of their northern coast. Although the empire survives for 300 more years, they never fully recovered. Although the empire survives for 300 more years, they never fully recovered. Other evidence suggests neighbors from Mycenae (Greek City!) attacked and destroyed the civilization. Other evidence suggests neighbors from Mycenae (Greek City!) attacked and destroyed the civilization. Two Competing Theories to the Minoan’s End.

Why should we care about them? Have a huge influence on Greek culture (burial customs, architecture, religion, etc.). Have a huge influence on Greek culture (burial customs, architecture, religion, etc.). Brought many cultures together by their trading patterns. Brought many cultures together by their trading patterns.

The Mycenaean Civilization ( B.C.) Evidence shows that people began to settle around 2000 B.C. Evidence shows that people began to settle around 2000 B.C. Excavations of graves show golden crowns and mask like other civilizations. Excavations of graves show golden crowns and mask like other civilizations. Many were also buried with weapons. Later Greeks characterized them as the “war-mad Greeks”. Many were also buried with weapons. Later Greeks characterized them as the “war-mad Greeks”. They became the commercial leaders on the Mediterranean. They became the commercial leaders on the Mediterranean.

The Mycenaean Economy Mycenae was dependent on trade for some essential goods. Mycenae was dependent on trade for some essential goods. Most importantly: copper and tin to make bronze. Most importantly: copper and tin to make bronze. The main good they traded was pottery. The main good they traded was pottery.

Violence and Disruption Around 1200 B.C. violence shook most of the Mediterranean states. Around 1200 B.C. violence shook most of the Mediterranean states. Archaeological evidence shows the destruction of many cities during this period. Archaeological evidence shows the destruction of many cities during this period. The Mycenaean's were involved in many of these invasions. The Mycenaean's were involved in many of these invasions. The most famous conflict is the Trojan War. The most famous conflict is the Trojan War.

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The Trojan Wars (c B.C.) Mythology says that Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, was seduced by Paris and taken back to Troy. Mythology says that Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, was seduced by Paris and taken back to Troy. She is said to have “the face that launched 1,000 ships.” She is said to have “the face that launched 1,000 ships.” In reality it was probably a war to gain economic control. In reality it was probably a war to gain economic control. Troy was sieged for 10 years according to Homer. Troy was sieged for 10 years according to Homer.

Results of the Trojan War Troy was destroyed and burned to the ground. Troy was destroyed and burned to the ground. However, the Mycenaeans never recovered. However, the Mycenaeans never recovered. Invasions from the north, drought, and economic difficulty from the Trojan War. Invasions from the north, drought, and economic difficulty from the Trojan War. Until 800 B.C., Greece enters a “Dark Age”. Until 800 B.C., Greece enters a “Dark Age”.

Reflection The Mycenaean collapse leads to a Greek “Dark Age”. With this information, what does that tell you about the characteristics of this collapse? The Mycenaean collapse leads to a Greek “Dark Age”. With this information, what does that tell you about the characteristics of this collapse?