Early Civilizations in Greece

Essential Question: How did the civilizations of Greece and Rome form the foundation of Western Civilization?

Geography Greece consists of two peninsulas. –Connected by Isthmus of Corinth 80% of Greece is covered by mountains. –Isolated Greeks from one another. –Each community developed their own way of life. Small size allowed for everyone to participate in government. Also created rivalries that led to warfare.

The Sea Greece, obviously, is surrounded by water. –Greeks became great seafarers. Sailed out and made contact with outside world. –Spread Greek civilization.

Two earliest Greek civilizations… Minoans And Mycenaeans

Minoans Minoan civilization existed on the island of Crete. –They are not Greek! –They did influence Greek culture. Traveled and traded with the Greeks and the Egyptians. An enormous palace was discovered in Knossos.

Palace at Knossos

Toreador Fresco

End of the Minoans Weakened by volcanic eruption? –Sank island of Thera –Atlantis? Mycenaens finished them off in 1450BC.

Mycenaeans Led by powerful monarchies that built fortified palace centers. –Built on hills surrounded by stone walls. Traded with the Egyptians and Italians.

Mycenae

The Lion’s Gate

Burial Ground

Mycenae

Mycenaean Warriors Mycenaeans were warrior people –Prided themselves on their heroic deeds in battle. –They spread outward and gained control of other areas.

The Iliad According to Homer, Mycenaean Greeks sacked the city of Troy around 1250BC.

End of the Mycenaeans The sacking of Troy only brought chaos back to home. –Difficult transition from war to peace. Mycenaeans began fighting one another. –Earthquakes damage Mycenae. With the collapse of the Mycenaeans, Greece entered a difficult period. –Population dropped –Food production dropped Greek Dark Ages –1100BC – 750BC