Greek and Roman Mythology Exam 1

What was the main Bronze Age power on mainland Greece?

Mycenae

What kind of culture did Mycenae have?

Warrior culture

What is the significance of the Lion Gate & cyclopean walls in Mycenae?

Symbolized strength

What type of tombs did Mycenaeans use?

Beehive tombs

What was the focus of Mycenaean art?

Strength and religion

What myths survived from Mycenae?

Trojan War and related stories

What writing system did Mycenae use?

Linear B

What is the main Bronze Age culture on Crete?

Minoans

Name a major Minoan palace site.

Knossos

What themes were common in Minoan art?

Colorful, abstract, natural designs, bulls, ceremonies

How was Crete ruled?

By clans instead of kingship

What writing system did Minoans use?

Linear A (not translated)

What major natural disaster affected Crete?

Thera volcano eruption

Which deity was important in Crete?

Mother goddess

Who eventually conquered Crete?

Mycenaeans

What are Cycladic islands known for?

Weird, symmetrical statues and widespread trading

What was notable about Troy?

Luxury goods, fortified walls, repeatedly fell, burned

What war is associated with Troy?

Trojan War (vs. Mycenae)

Which two Greek city-states had tension during the Early Classical period?

Athens and Sparta

What league did Athens found?

Delian League

What style appeared in art during this time?

Natural poses, heavy clothes, expressiveness, smaller pottery, some idealization

Name some popular gods and figures in art at this time.

Hermes, Dionysus, Aphrodite

What happened to Macedon after Alexander’s death?

Split into three kingdoms

How did Hellenistic rulers maintain support?

Through public support and artistry

Name a major city that became a capital during the Hellenistic period.

Pergamon

How did art change in the Hellenistic period?

Baroque, dramatized realism, sculptures twisting, less major god worship, worship of kings

What happened to writing and art during the Dark Ages?

They largely vanished

What new cultural features appeared?

More poleis, Olympic Games, rise in god worship and sanctuaries

Name some major poleis of the Dark Ages.

Sparta, Thebes, Corinth, Athens, Piraeus, Pylos

What alphabet was adopted?

Phoenician alphabet

What influenced Greek art during the Orientalizing period?

East and West

How did pottery change?

More natural statues, patterns, mythological rings

What were common themes for bronze statues in the Archaic period?

Mythical and athletic

How did temples display art?

Mythological scenes

What pottery styles were used?

Red and black pottery

Which cities became major powers?

Athens, Thebes, Sparta

Who were the Etruscans?

Non-Indo-European people in Italy with complex agriculture, trade, and unique art

How did Etruscans influence Rome?

Greek alphabet, houses, aristocracy, athletic competitions, tombs, temples, art styles

Who is Rome’s legendary founder from Troy?

Aeneas

How were early Roman kings elected?

Democratically with checks, high-ranking military elites had more votes

How many consuls ruled in the Roman Republic?

Two, 1-year terms, non-consecutive

What were Centuriae and Curiae?

Centuriae = true votes; Curiae = ceremonial clan votes

Who got more voice in government over time?

Plebeians

Name the three Punic Wars and the main outcomes.

Punic I: Rome won, no Hannibal; Punic II: Hannibal with elephants, Rome nearly fell, Rome won; Punic III: Carthage weak, destroyed

What caused Rome to start crumbling?

Civil war, corrupt politics, inequality

Who were Pompey and Caesar?

Generals; Caesar invaded Rome after being asked to give up power; Pompey fled to Egypt and was killed

Who became the first Roman emperor?

Octavian → Augustus