THE GLORY OF GREEK CIVILIZATION Classical Greece 2000B.C. – 200 B.C.
THREE AEGEAN CIVILIZATIONS What direction is the Aegean Sea from
Greece? 2000-1100 B.C. Three major civilizations
prospered in the area around the Aegean SeaMinoans on the island of CreteThe Hellenes on the mainlandThe Trojans on Troy
On the coast of Asia Minor
MINOANS 1700 B.C. – 1400 B.C. Located on the Island of Crete which is in
what direction from Greece? The term Minoan comes from the name
Minos, a legendary king of Crete. Crete had poor soil and good harbors
Much of their wealth came from trade Ships carried goods throughout the lands
Gold, Silver, jewelry, swords, and ivory carvings
No large army – instead built a powerful navy to keep sea free from pirates
MINOAN CULTURE Made clay vases, bronze daggers, gold
cups, and other luxury items Minoans had indoor plumbing with
drains Were skilled at Boxing and Bull Jumping
Most impressive city = Knossos (on the island of Crete)
THE FALL OF THE MINOANS Decline of this civilization has no known
causeSome believe that Hellenes invaded Crete
sometime between 1450 and 1350 B.C. It is known however that the Hellenes
on mainland Greece had opened direct trading with Egypt and Syria and that such trade would not have been possible if the Minoan navy had still controlled the seas
THE TROJAN WARS After the fall of Crete, the Hellenes
turned their power in other places They expanded their trade into the
black Sea Region As time passed, these people came into
conflict with the people who lived in the city-state of Troy
Between 1200-1180 B.C. two Trojan wars were fought
WHAT IS THE TROJAN WAR?
A Greek poet named Homer created a long poem about the wars ILLIADThought to be based
on oral or spoken poetry
THE ILLIAD The Trojan Wars started after Paris, a son of
the King of Troy, kidnapped Helen, the beautiful wife of a Greek King. An army of greek heroes, including Achilles and Odysseus, sailed to Troy to rescue Helen. The great battle between Achilles and Hector, prince of Troy, in which Hector is killed, is a high point of the poem. The Greeks finally defeated the Trojans and destroyed Troy
Based on Heinrich Schliemann, Troy as described by Homer, really did exist
THE FALL OF THE AEGEAN PEOPLES Dorians Came in after the fall of Troy when all
other Greek city-states were fighting each other
They didn’t write anything down so the Greeks fell into what is known as the Dark Ages
HIGHEST POINT OF DEVELOPMENT Began around 500 B.C. Because of the geography, the Greeks DID
NOT create one Nation – instead they created many city-states also called POLI Independent of one another
Each was governed as it’s citizens viewed bestMonarchy – ruled by a kingAristocracy – ruled by noblesOligarchy – ruled by wealthy merchants and
landowners Athens chose Democracy
Ruled by the people
ATHENIAN DEMOCRACY http://
www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/athens/
Athens was different from all others – they had democracy
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/worldhistory/democracy/
MALES VS FEMALES Males began preparing for their role in the
democratic government at 18 Public pledge to defend Athens and Gods After training for 2 years – enter into active military
Only after they served in military could they then vote
After 30 he could serve on the Council of 500 This supervised the army, the navy, and financial
affairs Could also serve on jury (6000 people) Could also be elected to serve as one of the
Ten Generals They led the armed forces of Athens
Not all people could practice in the democracyWomanSlaves or prisoners of warResidents who were not born in Athens
Athens is therefore ruled by a MINORITY not a MAJORITY
EDUCATION IN ATHENS Boys were educated to serve the city
GrammarSinging and musical instrumentGeometry, astronomy, geography, and public
speaking Also trained the body
Participated in sports Wrestling, swimming, running, and throwing the
javelin and discus
GirlsTaught to be good wives and mothersWeaving, household management, and the
care of childrenMarried between age 14 and 16
CULTURE What is culture? What does it mean to have culture or to
be cultured?
Arts and Sciences Talented people came to Athens to learn
– what does this tell us about the culture of Athens?
Artists, architects, sculptors, dramatists, philosophers, mathematicians,
SECOND MOST IMPORTANT CITY-STATE
Cared little about democracy or the arts Most of their interests were around
military matters Government became organized around
600 B.C. Strongest military power in all of Greece
Ignored all other city-states
GOVERNMENT Elected two kings every 9 years A council of elders and an assembly of free
Spartans advised the king Council of elders = 28 men over the age of 60 Assembly of free Spartans = men over age 30
Ephors held real power This was a committee of 5 people elected every year
by the assembly Closely watch the actions of the king Control education Supervise slaves
Spartan people only lived to served the needs of the government
WAYS OF LIFE All males are professional soldiers
Spent childhood training for the military Most of adult life in the army
All boys, starting at age 7 moved away from home to a military training camp Here they were taught how to be good Spartans
Men required to marry at the age of 30 in order to start having a family This gave the government more soldiers!
Men stayed in the military and did not live at home with their wives until after they were 60 years old
SPARTAN WOMEN Received no formal education Taught to be healthy mothers Had more legal rights then other woman
in other city states Had legal rights equal to men