Mediterranean Bronze & Iron Age Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, structures, and concepts from the Mediterranean Bronze and Iron Age lecture notes.

Ra

The ancient Egyptian sun god.

Isis

The ancient Egyptian mother goddess.

Osiris

The ancient Egyptian god associated with death and the afterlife.

Natron

A salt compound used during Egyptian mummification to dry out the body.

Grave goods

Objects placed in a tomb with a deceased person; used in Egypt to provide for the afterlife and in Mycenae to display wealth, status, power, and identity.

Shabti

A small Egyptian funerary figure intended to perform work for the deceased in the afterlife.

Mastaba

An early type of Egyptian tomb structure from which pyramids later developed.

Linear B

A Mycenaean writing system mainly used for administrative and record-keeping purposes.

Tholos tombs

Large underground Mycenaean tombs characterized by a dome or beehive shape.

Grave Circle A

An important archaeological site at Mycenae containing graves filled with weapons, gold, jewelry, and art.

Bronze Age Collapse

A period (~1200–1000 BCE) of severe disruption in Mediterranean societies caused by environmental stress, invasions, and economic decline.

Sea Peoples

Raiders and invaders who contributed to the disruption of Mediterranean societies during the Bronze Age Collapse.

Boar-tusk helmet

A helmet made from numerous boar tusks, symbolizing high prestige, access to resources, and warrior status in Mycenaean society.

Xenia

The ancient Greek concept of guest-friendship or hospitality, establishing reciprocal obligations of respect and generosity between host and guest.

Homer

The traditionally recognized 8th century BCE author of the Iliad and Odyssey whose works combined Bronze Age material culture with Iron Age values.

Odysseus

King of Ithaca and Greek hero known for his cleverness and intelligence during and after the Trojan War.

Circe

A powerful figure in the Odyssey who initially twists the rules of xenia by using hospitality to harm Odysseus' men.

Hector

Trojan warrior who demonstrates bravery and honor by facing Achilles despite knowing he may die.

Achilles

The greatest Greek warrior in the Trojan War, driven primarily by pride, honor, and the pursuit of glory.