Archaic Greece Notes

Collapse of Greek Civilization

Decline due to invasions, warfare, natural disasters, and the collapse of trade networks leading to the Greek Dark Age.

Geographic Impact on Greek Development

Greece's mountains led to independent city-states and surrounding seas facilitated trade and communication.

Pantheistic

A belief system that equates gods with the forces and laws of the universe.

Titans

Offspring of Gaia and Uranus, the Titans ruled the cosmos before the Olympians and were led by Cronus.

Cronus

The strongest Titan who killed Uranus, became ruler of the universe, and swallowed his sons to prevent his fate.

Mount Olympus

The home of the gods, where Zeus reigns.

Oracle at Delphi

A famous ancient oracle devoted to Apollo, believed to deliver prophecies.

Crete

The center of Minoan civilization, notable for art and trade around the Mediterranean.

Palace of Knossos

A significant Minoan palace built after 2000 BCE, covering 3 acres and containing 16 rooms.

Frescos

Vibrant wall art commonly found in Minoan structures.

Linear A

An undeciphered writing system used from 1800 to 1450 BCE, primarily for palace and religious writings.

Minoan Peace

A term that describes the Minoan society with no evidence of an army.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict, sparked in 1200 BCE, recorded in Homer's Iliad.

Homer

An ancient Greek poet known for writing the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Iliad

An epic poem recounting the Trojan War, emphasizing both positive and negative human qualities.

Odyssey

An epic poem detailing Odysseus's ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.

Warlike Society

A characteristic of Mycenaean civilization, marked by high walls and rule by warrior elites.

Linear B

A deciphered script used by the Mycenaeans, primarily to track goods and religious activities.

Bronze Age Collapse

The decline of Greek civilization around 1250 BCE due to invasions, climate change, and overpopulation.

Greek Dark Age

A period characterized by population shrinkage, loss of writing, decline in living standards, and diminishing trade.