Aegean Bronze Age: Minoans, Mycenaeans & Greek Culture

What is a key architectural feature of Mycenaean palaces?

The Megaron, which features a central hearth and a room with a hole in the roof.

What is Linear B and its significance?

A script used by the Mycenaeans, deciphered by Michael Ventris, representing early Greek.

What is the relationship between the Mycenaeans and the Minoans?

The Mycenaeans were influenced by Minoan culture, adopting aspects of their art and architecture.

What are Tholos tombs?

Burial structures used by the Mycenaeans, characterized by a circular plan and corbelled vault.

What is the significance of the Lion Gate?

An architectural feature of Mycenaean palaces, showcasing the use of ashlar masonry and cyclopean construction.

What does the term 'wanax' refer to in Mycenaean society?

The title for the king or ruler, indicating a hierarchical structure within Mycenaean palaces.

What is the significance of the Grave Circle A?

A burial site from ca. 1550 BCE containing rich grave goods, including gold jewelry.

What is the main theme of Cycladic art?

Cycladic figurines, often misnamed, are primarily marble sculptures that influenced modern art movements.

What was the impact of the volcanic eruption on Minoan civilization?

It led to significant changes in trade and the eventual decline of Minoan culture.

What is stratigraphy?

The study of different levels of a site and the order and relative position of strata in relation to the geological time scale.

What does the term 'Lower is older' refer to in geology?

It indicates that lower strata in a geological site are older than those above them.

What is the significance of Troy II?

Troy II, dating ca. 2400 - 2100 BCE, is the second oldest layer at Troy but is considered too late to be the Troy of the Trojan War.

What is Troy VIIa known for?

Dating ca. 1300-1180 BCE, it is most likely the Troy associated with the Trojan War, showing evidence of being besieged, sacked, and burned.

What major event occurred around 1200-1190 BCE?

The destruction of almost all palaces during the Bronze Age Collapse.

What are some possible factors contributing to the Bronze Age Collapse?

War, invasion, systems collapse, earthquakes, and climate change.

What characterized the Iron Age (ca. 1100-700 BCE)?

Also known as the Dark Ages, it saw iron replace bronze and the development of distinct elements of later Greek society.

What are hero cults in Iron Age religion?

Worship of heroes in addition to gods, with patron deities dedicated to each city-state.

What is the significance of the Greek alphabet?

Developed in the late 8th century, it is a phonetic script adapted from the Phoenician script.

What is a polis?

A city-state in ancient Greece, characterized by its own government and social organization.

What were the main physical components of a polis?

Marketplace (Agora), acropolis (city center), and graveyard.

What is the role of the basileus in early polis government?

The basileus was a chieftain or king, often replaced by a group of magistrates in later governance.

What was the significance of the Olympic Games starting in 776 BCE?

They represented a rise of panhellenism, allowing Greeks from various city-states to participate and compete.

What was the Athenian law code established by Draco?

Established in 620 BCE, it was known for its harsh penalties, leading to the term 'draconian.'

What reforms did Solon implement around 590 BCE?

He eliminated debt slavery and promoted economic reforms to support industry in Attica.

Who was Peisistratos?

A tyrant in Athens (560-527 BCE) who appealed to the masses and used cunning methods to seize power.

What does the term 'thetes' refer to in the context of early polis society?

The poorest wealth class, making up at least 30% of the population in ancient Greece.

What is the significance of the Iliad?

An epic poem attributed to Homer, recounting a portion of the Trojan War and the rage of Achilles.

What does the term 'panhellenism' mean?

The cultural unity among all Greeks, exemplified by shared festivals and traditions.

What was the post-palatial period (ca. 1185-1050 BCE) characterized by?

Loss of writing, disappearance of palaces, a large decrease in population, and the flourishing of pictorial pottery.

What is the 'Perfect Storm' theory regarding the Bronze Age Collapse?

It suggests that a combination of various factors, including war, climate change, and systems collapse, led to the societal downfall.

What role did the acropolis play in Greek city-states?

It served as the high point of the city, often housing important temples and serving as a religious center.

What were the main factions in Athens during Peisistratos' rule?

The men of the plain, men of the hill, and men of the coast.

What is the significance of the Nestorian Cup?

Dating to ca. 750 BCE, it features a poem and is an example of early Greek writing and artistry.

What was the impact of the Bronze Age Collapse on Mycenaean civilization?

It led to the failure of the Mycenaean palace system and significant societal changes.

What significant event marked the end of tyranny in Athens?

The overthrow of Hippias and Hipparchos in 510 BCE, aided by King Klemenes of Sparta and Athenian aristocrats.

What reforms did Kleisthenes implement in 508 BCE?

Reforms aimed at weakening factionalism and aristocratic power, including the establishment of the Council of 500 and the election of 10 strategoi.

What does the term 'Pre-Socratic' refer to?

Philosophers before Socrates (ca. 469-399 BCE) who sought rational explanations for natural phenomena.

What is numismatics?

The study of coins, including their history and significance as currency.

When and where were the first coins minted?

In the 7th century BCE in Lydia (modern-day Turkey), made from electrum.

What was the significance of Croesus in the context of coinage?

He was the first to mint coins of gold and silver separately, establishing two different values for coins.

What was the Achaemenid Empire and when did it exist?

A multiethnic and multilingual empire that existed from 550-330 BCE, known for its centralization of government and cultural diversity.

Who was Cyrus II and what was his role in the Achaemenid Empire?

Cyrus II (559-530 BCE) was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, known for his conquest of the Lydian kingdoms.

What was the Behistun Inscription?

A cuneiform inscription in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian that details Darius I's rise to power and the overthrow of the previous king.

What was the Ionian Revolt?

A revolt against Persian rule by the Ionian Greeks from 499-494 BCE, which ultimately failed despite support from Athens and Eretria.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Marathon?

The Athenians and Plataeans defeated the Persians in 490 BCE, despite being outnumbered.

What was the significance of the wooden walls oracle from Delphi?

It advised the Athenians to build ships for protection against the Persians, leading to the construction of a naval fleet.

What happened at the Battle of Thermopylai?

In 480 BCE, a small Greek force, including 300 Spartans, held off the Persian army in a narrow pass until betrayal led to their defeat.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Salamis?

A decisive Greek naval victory in 480 BCE that followed the destruction of the Athenian Acropolis by the Persians.

What was the significance of the Battle of Plataea?

In 479 BCE, it marked the largest land force assembled by the Greeks, leading to a decisive victory against the Persians.

What role did the Persian religion Zoroastrianism play in the Achaemenid Empire?

It was a major religion that influenced the cultural and spiritual life of the empire, featuring dualism between Ahura Mazda and Ahriman.

What is the significance of the term 'phalanx' in ancient warfare?

It refers to a battle formation used by hoplite soldiers, characterized by a tight, rectangular formation that maximized their shield and spear effectiveness.

What was the impact of the discovery of silver mines in Laurion?

It led to the construction of a naval fleet for Athens, crucial for their strategy against the Persians.

What were the main sources of information about ancient Persia?

Literary accounts from Greeks, the Old Testament, Persian royal inscriptions, and administrative documents.

What was the significance of the Athenian reforms in 487 BCE?

They introduced ostracism, allowing citizens to vote to exile individuals deemed harmful to the state for ten years.

What does the term 'Hoplite' refer to?

A heavily armed foot soldier in ancient Greece, typically equipped with a hoplon shield, spear, and sword.

What was the role of the strategoi in Athenian government?

They were elected generals responsible for military leadership and strategy, gaining increased importance during the Athenian reforms.

What was the significance of the Persian coinage known as darics?

Named after Darius I, darics symbolized the might of Persia and were used throughout the empire.

What significant naval victory occurred at Mycale?

The final Greek naval victory against the Persians.

What was the Delian League?

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, formed for mutual defense against Persia.

What major change occurred in Athenian citizenship laws in 451 BCE?

Both parents were required to be Athenian citizens for a child to be considered a citizen.

What was the role of the Ekklesia in Athenian democracy?

It was the assembly where citizens met to discuss and vote on political matters.

Who was Pericles and what was his significance?

A prominent leader of Athens from 461-429 BCE, known for his influence on Athenian democracy and culture.

What was the average life expectancy for Athenian women and men?

Approximately 38 years for women and 45 years for men.

What was the significance of the Areopagus in Athenian society?

It was a council that handled capital trials and was a key part of the judicial system.

What was Socrates known for?

A philosopher who used the Socratic method to stimulate critical thinking and expose contradictions in thought.

What were the charges against Socrates?

Corrupting the youth and impiety towards the Athenian gods.

What does 'demokratia' mean?

Power from the people, a term used to describe Athenian democracy.

What was the impact of the Persian threat on the Athenian Empire?

It led to the expansion of Athenian power and forced other city-states to join the Delian League.

What is the significance of the Erechtheion?

A temple dedicated to Athena Polias, known for its irregular plan and the Caryatids.

What was the Panathenaic Festival?

Athens' most important annual religious and cultural celebration, held every four years.

What artistic style characterized Classical sculpture?

Focus on characterization, emotion, and a realistic portrayal of the human figure.

What was the role of the strategoi in Athenian governance?

They were elected military generals, considered prestigious positions in Athenian democracy.

What does the term 'metics' refer to in Athenian society?

Resident foreigners in Athens who had no citizenship rights.

What was the significance of the Acropolis in Athens?

A religious and cultural center that housed important temples, including the Parthenon.

What was the Athenian approach to justice as reflected in 'The Eumenides'?

A transition from personal retribution to a formal trial system, highlighting evolving views of justice.

What is 'atimia' in Athenian law?

The loss of citizen rights, often resulting from serious crimes.

What was the role of women in Athenian households?

Women were expected to manage the household and were often restricted in public life.

What was the significance of the Caryatids?

Sculpted female figures used as architectural supports in the Erechtheion, symbolizing reverence.

What was the artistic contribution of Phidias?

A renowned sculptor who created the statue of Athena Parthenos and other significant works.

What were the Parthenon Marbles?

A collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that were part of the Parthenon and are now in the British Museum.

What controversy surrounds Lord Elgin's acquisition of the Parthenon Marbles?

Debate over the legitimacy of the permit he received from the Ottoman Empire to remove the marbles.

What is the significance of the year 1916 for the British Museum?

British law forbids the return of artifacts, including the Parthenon Marbles.

What was Sparta known as in ancient times?

Lakedaimon, located in the region of Lakonia.

Who was Lycurgus?

The lawmaker credited with establishing the mixed constitution of Sparta.

What are the three main components of the Spartan government?

Monarchy (2 kings), Oligarchy (Gerousia and Ephors), and Democracy (Assembly).

What was the Agoge?

The state education system in Sparta focused on training professional warriors.

What were the roles of Spartan women in society?

Women were educated, exercised, and their primary societal function was motherhood.

What were Helots in Spartan society?

State-owned serfs from neighboring areas who worked the land and were subject to harsh treatment.

What was the Krypteia?

A secret police force in Sparta that monitored the Helots and could kill them if suspected of rebellion.

What was the Peloponnesian War?

A conflict from 431-404 BCE between Sparta and its allies against Athens and its allies.

Who was Perikles?

The main political leader of Athens at the beginning of the Peloponnesian War, known for his Funeral Oration.

What was the Athenian plague?

A devastating outbreak that occurred during the Peloponnesian War, contributing to the death of Perikles.

What was the Mytilenean Revolt?

A revolt against Athenian rule that led to a debate in Athens about how to respond.

What was the significance of the Battle of Sphakteria?

A major Athenian victory where they captured or killed 420 Spartan hoplites.

What was the Peace of Nikias?

A peace treaty in 421 BCE that aimed to restore the status quo before the war but ultimately failed.

What was Alcibiades' role in the Sicilian Expedition?

He was a proponent of the expedition but later defected to Sparta, leading to a military disaster for Athens.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Aegospotami?

Sparta captured 171 Athenian ships, leading to the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

What was the immediate aftermath of the Peloponnesian War?

A decline in prosperity for Athens and the establishment of Spartan-backed oligarchies.

Who was Philip II of Macedon?

The king who restored and increased the power of Macedon and conquered Greece.

What military innovation is associated with Philip II?

The Macedonian phalanx, which utilized the sarissa, a long spear.