2. Early People of the Aegean Geography – Since Greece was located on the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, they absorbed many ideas and beliefs from prior civilizations. Archipelago and part of the Balkan peninsula Divided by rugged mountains, a rugged coast, isolated valleys, and rocky islands Many small very independent city-states Seas were vital for existence – Safe harbors for trade and transportation

3. Early People of the Aegean Governing City-States – Monarchy – Rule by a king or queen (similar to river valley civilizations) Aristocracy – Power is held by the nobles/military. They are the land holding elite. Oligarchy – Power is held by a small powerful elite usually the business class. This is brought on by trade and expansion. Democracy - **Rule/Government by the people.

4. Early People of the Aegean Governing City-States (other terms) – Phalanx – Massive formation or heavily armed soldiers. Legislature – Lawmaking body that would debate, approve, and/or reject laws.

7. Early People of the Aegean Minoans Influenced by ideas from Egypt & Mesopotamia. Access to Aegean & Mediterranean Seas. Success based on trade. Culturally diffused with a variety of other civilizations.

8. Early People of the Aegean Minoans Knossos – vast palace/wonderfully decorated. Women had rights. Disappeared around 1400 B.C. due to natural disaster and foreign invaders.

11. Early People of the Aegean Mycenaens 1 st Greek speaking people. Indo-European people. Conquered Greek mainland then Crete. Traders by sea – Aegean and Mediterranean. Diffused with Minoans with art and writing and passed it on.

12. Early People of the Aegean Mycenaens Lived in a City-State – walled fortress. Economic rivalry with Troy over the strait connecting to the Black Sea. Trojan War – years of fighting – Trojan Horse debate.

14. The Age of Homer – (800 BC – 700 BC) “I too shall lie in the dust when I am dead, but now let me win noble renown.” “If you are very valiant, it is a god, I think, who gave you this gift.” “It is not unseemly for a man to die fighting in defense of his country.” “Of men who have a sense of honor, more come through alive than are slain, but from those who flee comes neither glory nor any help.”

15. The Age of Homer – (800 BC – 700 BC) Wrote epic poems called the Iliad & Odyssey Iliad – featured Trojan War Odyssey – Odysseus return home and encounters monsters Depicts honor, courage, and heroic deeds – shaped Greek culture by reflecting the values of that time.