Greece

Greece’s geography 80% of Greece is made up of mountains 80% of Greece is made up of mountains Greece is a peninsula located in the Mediterranean Sea Greece is a peninsula located in the Mediterranean Sea Greece has many islands located in the Mediterranean Sea Greece has many islands located in the Mediterranean Sea

Greeks Take to the Water Because of Greece’s mountainous terrain, the Greeks became experts at sailing and shipbuilding. Because of Greece’s mountainous terrain, the Greeks became experts at sailing and shipbuilding.

The Greeks Spread Out The Greeks colonized areas all across the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea including: The Greeks colonized areas all across the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea including: Marseille, France. Marseille, France. Naples, Italy. Naples, Italy. Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul, Turkey.

What sea lies to the east of Greece? The Aegean Sea The Aegean Sea

Early Greek Civilizations The Mycenaeans and the Minoans were early Greek civilizations that helped shape later Greek cultures. The Mycenaeans and the Minoans were early Greek civilizations that helped shape later Greek cultures.

Classical Age Our study of ancient Greece is a view of a classical age because of the Greek’s additions to: Our study of ancient Greece is a view of a classical age because of the Greek’s additions to: Architecture Architecture Politics Politics Art and writing Art and writing A classical age is marked by its many great achievements. A classical age is marked by its many great achievements.

Athenian Government 1 st ruled by kings 1 st ruled by kings Later ruled by aristocrats (rich land owners) and an oligarchy Later ruled by aristocrats (rich land owners) and an oligarchy Briefly ruled by the tyrant Draco Briefly ruled by the tyrant Draco Eventually became the world’s first democracy Eventually became the world’s first democracy

Before the Athenians created a democracy, they were ruled by an… Oligarchy! Oligarchy!

Greek city-states (polis) City-states were created to combine many small groups to gain protection and stability. City-states were created to combine many small groups to gain protection and stability. Over time, people living in a polis thought of themselves as residents of the city-state (polis), not as Greeks. Over time, people living in a polis thought of themselves as residents of the city-state (polis), not as Greeks.

Why did the Greeks create city- states? The Greeks created city-states for protection and stability. The Greeks created city-states for protection and stability.

Acropolis A fortified hill with a temple on top and an agora on the bottom.

Agora An agora is a marketplace and meeting place. An agora is a marketplace and meeting place. The agora was located in the center of the polis. The agora was located in the center of the polis.

Story Telling The Greeks had different ways to tell stories including: The Greeks had different ways to tell stories including: Epic poems Epic poems Lyric poems Lyric poems Fables Fables Myths Myths

Epic Poems A lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events. Homer’s Iliad is an example of an epic poem. The Iliad tells the story of the last years of the Trojan War.

Lyric poems Poetry that expresses personal and emotional feelings. These poems are set to music. Ancient Greeks would sing lyric poems using a lyre (musical instrument featured above).

Fables A short story featuring ordinary events that teaches some sort of lesson. Aesop was famous for his fables.

Myths A story of events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.

Heroes and Mythology Odysseus: Hero from Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus: Hero from Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Achilles: Greek hero of the Trojan War. Achilles: Greek hero of the Trojan War. Hercules: Greatest of all Greek heroes. Completed 12 impossible tasks. Hercules: Greatest of all Greek heroes. Completed 12 impossible tasks. Theseus: Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur. Theseus: Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur.

Who was the Greek that was famous for his fables? Aesop! Aesop!

Who was Theseus? The Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur. The Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur.

Greek Gods Aphrodite: goddess of love Aphrodite: goddess of love Apollo: god of the sun Apollo: god of the sun Ares: god of war Ares: god of war Athena: goddess of wisdom Athena: goddess of wisdom Hades: god of the underworld Hades: god of the underworld Poseidon: god of the seas Poseidon: god of the seas Zeus: king of the gods Zeus: king of the gods Hera: queen of the gods Hera: queen of the gods

Who is the Greek queen of the gods? Hera Hera

Greeks Strongly Influenced Our Language Today Many English words and expressions come from Greek mythology. Many English words and expressions come from Greek mythology.

Many of our phrases come from Greek mythology. Greek mythology Achilles’ weak spot was his heel. Achilles’ weak spot was his heel. Hercules conquered his 12 impossible tasks. Hercules conquered his 12 impossible tasks. King Midas had been granted the ability to turn things to gold by his touch. King Midas had been granted the ability to turn things to gold by his touch. English sayings A persons’ weak spot is known as an “Achilles heel”. A persons’ weak spot is known as an “Achilles heel”. When a person has a tough task to accomplish, it’s known as a “herculean task”. When a person has a tough task to accomplish, it’s known as a “herculean task”. A person who has luck with money has the “Midas touch”. A person who has luck with money has the “Midas touch”.

Essay Question At the end of your test, tell me five characters from Greek mythology. This can include a hero and what they did or a god and what the god rules over. At the end of your test, tell me five characters from Greek mythology. This can include a hero and what they did or a god and what the god rules over. This can be worth up to five extra points on your test! This can be worth up to five extra points on your test!