Ancient Greece unit 2

Who were the Minoans?

Bronze Age civilization on Crete, known for elaborate palaces (Knossos), peaceful society, and Linear A writing.

Who were the Mycenaeans?

Bronze Age civilization on mainland Greece, known for fortified cities (Mycenae, Tiryns), warrior culture, associated with the Trojan War, and Linear B writing (early Greek).

What was the primary function of Greek myths?

To explain natural phenomena, human behavior, origins, and teach moral lessons, featuring gods, heroes, and creatures.

Name some of the most prominent Olympian gods.

Zeus (king), Hera (queen), Poseidon (sea), Hades (underworld), Athena (wisdom/war), Apollo (music/light), Artemis (hunt), Ares (war), Aphrodite (love), Hephaestus (crafts), Demeter (agriculture), Hermes (messenger).

Who initiated the First Persian Invasion of Greece?

Darius I of Persia, due to Athenian support for Ionian rebellions.

What was the significance of the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE)?

Athenian hoplites decisively defeated Darius I's larger Persian force, proving Persians weren't invincible and boosting Greek morale.

Who led the Second Persian Invasion of Greece?

Xerxes I, son of Darius I, with an even larger force.

Describe the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE).

King Leonidas of Sparta and a small Greek force held off the massive Persian army for three days at a narrow pass, allowing Greek defenses to prepare.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)?

Athenian-led Greek navy used triremes to lure and decisively defeat the larger Persian fleet in the narrow straits of Salamis, crippling Persian naval power.

What characterized the 'Golden Age of Athens'?

Pericles' leadership (460-429 BCE), Athens flourished culturally, politically, economically. Advancements in democracy, philosophy, drama, architecture (Parthenon), and art. Included Socrates and playwrights.

Who was Pericles?

Influential Athenian statesman, orator, and general during the Golden Age. Promoted democracy, oversaw public projects (Parthenon), and delivered the Funeral Oration.

Who was Philip II of Macedon?

King of Macedon and Alexander the Great's father. Unified Greece using military strategy, diplomacy, and innovations like the sarissa and disciplined phalanx.

What was a significant military innovation of Philip II?

The Sarissa: a long spear (4-7 meters or 13-23 feet) used by the Macedonian phalanx, giving them a tactical advantage.

Who was Alexander the Great?

Son of Philip II, student of Aristotle. Brilliant military commander, conquered a vast empire from Greece to India, spreading Hellenistic culture and founding Alexandrias.

What was the primary legacy of Alexander the Great's conquests?

Widespread dissemination of Greek (Hellenistic) culture, language, and ideas across his empire, leading to cultural synthesis and intellectual exchange.

Who initiated the First Persian Invasion of Greece?

Darius I of Persia, due to Athenian support for Ionian rebellions.

What was the significance of the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE)?

Athenian hoplites decisively defeated Darius I's larger Persian force, proving Persians weren't invincible and boosting Greek morale.

Who led the Second Persian Invasion of Greece?

Xerxes I, son of Darius I, with an even larger force.

Describe the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE).

King Leonidas of Sparta and a small Greek force held off the massive Persian army for three days at a narrow pass, allowing Greek defenses to prepare.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)?

Athenian-led Greek navy used triremes to lure and decisively defeat the larger Persian fleet in the narrow straits of Salamis, crippling Persian naval power.

What characterized the 'Golden Age of Athens'?

Pericles' leadership (460-429 BCE), Athens flourished culturally, politically, economically. Advancements in democracy, philosophy, drama, architecture (Parthenon), and art. Included Socrates and playwrights.

Who was Pericles?

Influential Athenian statesman, orator, and general during the Golden Age. Promoted democracy, oversaw public projects (Parthenon), and delivered the Funeral Oration.

Who was Philip II of Macedon?

King of Macedon and Alexander the Great's father. Unified Greece using military strategy, diplomacy, and innovations like the sarissa and disciplined phalanx.

What was a significant military innovation of Philip II?

The Sarissa: a long spear (4-7 meters or 13-23 feet) used by the Macedonian phalanx, giving them a tactical advantage.

Who was Alexander the Great?

Son of Philip II, student of Aristotle. Brilliant military commander, conquered a vast empire from Greece to India, spreading Hellenistic culture and founding Alexandrias.

What was the primary legacy of Alexander the Great's conquests?

Widespread dissemination of Greek (Hellenistic) culture, language, and ideas across his empire, leading to cultural synthesis and intellectual exchange.