Early Greece, Minoans, and Mycenaeans

Minoans and Mycenaeans

name given to Bronze Age civilizations Greece. Minoans named after Minos and their civilizations centered around island at Crete. Mycanaeans named after their most famous city, Mycenae.

Minoans

centered around Crete.  Greece is a peninsula jutting into the mediterranean sea and Crete is an island.  The natural harbors of the coast made the Minoans natural sea people who engaged in long distance trade.  They had some natural resources but trade was their main business. (Hippies - rhea’s children?)

Thera

(modernly known as Santorini been there hee hee): small island in the Aegaean sea. Volcano changed the geography of the island permanently; many former sites now submerged or covered by volcanic dust. Recovered sites on Thera provide us with archaeological information about the Minoans. (it will erupt some day again)

What did the Minoans engage in?

Long distance trade.

Minos

most famous of the Minoan kings.  He had a big, complicated, and weird palace built that came to be known as the Labyrinth.  Later Greeks added a mythical component and natural chose the weirdest effing story ever.  Basically, Poseidon sent a big white bull and Minos refused to sacrifice it back so Poseidon got Aphrodite and made Aphrodite force Minos’ wife Pacifae to lust after the cow (she a bitch, so it’s fine) and so the palace inventor, Daedalus was forced to make her a big ass bull costume and she sleeps with the bull.  They have a weird baby. Asterion is his name, but he becomes known as the Minotaur and is locked in the Labyrinth.  Imposing and complicated floor plan of his palace gave us the term ‘labyrinth’ (maze). Later Greeks added a mythological component to the ruins of the palace, claiming the labyrinth housing the Minotaur.

Theseus

Athenian hero who volunteered as tribute and broke Minos’ system. Defeated the Minotaur.

Asterion

The son of Pasiphaë and the Cretan Bull, he became known as the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. He was kept in the Labyrinth designed by Daedalus.

Palace of Knossos

did not have protective outer walls nor did the city.  The Minoans did not fear outside invaders (probably because they were protected by their isolation in sea and their naval power). Everything happened here–marriages, trade, etc. Kind of like a ziggurat. Very complicated inside kind of like most stadiums. (New Arena unlocked. lmao)  First most important feature is the maze/labyrinth. The second most important is that there are no walls around the palace (like Israelite cities or Babylon walls - no walls to break - don’t feel threatened).  The third thing they did was build earthquake proof structures (they were one of the first to do this) because they knew Poseidon was their worst threat EARTHSHAKERR. ‘Bull leaping’ practiced by men and women involving acrobatic jumping over bulls.  Minoan art is very different because it doesn’t depict military at all. Bull is an important symbol in Minoan art (we don’t know why); art pays little attention to military matters. “Some sort of rite of passage, perhaps?” - Perez

What does the lack of outer walls say about the Minoans?

They were not warlike and did not engage or fear war with other cultures. Their biggest threat was earthquakes.

Minoan women

Minoan woman had a sense of fashion; hair done and eye makeup done, perhaps lipstick as well.

What was the Minoan religion?

Some sort of Minoan religion, but we’re not sure what. Perhaps, they had a snake goddess and a sacrifice for some of them. Don’t believe in the Hellenistic pantheon.

What happened to the Minoans?

They declined due to earthquakes, but it is unclear exactly how. Eventually, they were invaded by the Mycenaeans and experienced a reduction in their cultural influence.

Linear A

writing system adopted by the Minoans, Modern historians cannot read it.

Mycenaeans

The Minoans are overtaken by the Mycenaeans (not truly, but they got caught up in the end of Bronze Age, sea people, earthquake chaos. Dada Posiedon got angy with them) in the late Bronze Age.  Historical record of the Mycenaeans are better than Minoans (found in pharaoh tombs and Hittite records) - (this is why they are different).  They are more integrated and are documented by Egyptians and Hittites; less isolated.  (Bullies - Ares kids)

Citadel of Mycenae

 Has protective walls, showing they care more about military matters and protection than the Minoans. Two lions by door, suggesting some essence of continuity between the two civilizations.  Columns are important to Minoans and Mycenaeans suggesting a link.  

What is the importance of Columns?

Columns were important to both the Minoans and Mycenaeans as key architectural features symbolizing stability and support in their structures. It suggests a link

Linear B

An adapted version of Linear A that is readable by Historians.  It resembles modern Greek.  It is found in records like inventories and lists and holds very little records about daily life or values–nothing important written.

Mycenaean developments.

Tholos tombs (burial practices), hierarchies, art, and architecture.

Tholos tombs

Tombs where royal family members were buried (only important people buried here).  They were built into hillsides and shaped like bee hives.  A monumental tomb consisting in a round chamber with domed ceiling and in a passage that leads to the chamber.  In Mycenae, 9 were discovered.  In all of Greece, about 100.  Robbed occasionally like the Egyptian tombs.

Treasury tomb of Atreus

This tholos tomb - treasury of Atreus or tomb of Agamemmnon - is the largest and best preserved of nine tholos tombs found ing Mycenae. (still there today)

Mask of Agamemnon

A famous Mycenaean king.  He shows up as a mythologized figure in later Greek Literature.  The so-called mask of Agamemnon is from a Mycenaean tomb, but the tomb is too old to be the face of the historical Agamemnon.  Mycenaean kings were buried with gold and wealth.  

Agamemnon

Historical and mythological king of Mycenae, central figure in Homer's "Iliad" and leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. He was proven to exist, but not in the right time frame. He was made into legend, and into Dress to Impress. BTW, Piper. I started new Lana Lore quest. King is in it. Also, Lina is like a reincarnated performer from Greece. She’s a literal legacy Thespian. That’s in the game. Canon.

Mycenaean Hierarchy

 Mycenean society had a distinct hierarchy: Wanax (not lorax): generally refers to king, head of society. Governors: supervise territory under the control of the wanax and the lawagetas. Gwasileis: Similar to town or village mayor. This title survives into later Greek eras, where it will eventually refer to those at the top of the hierarchy.

Wanax

Generally refers to king. Head of societyin Mycenaean culture, overseeing governance and leadership.

Governors

Officials overseeing territories under the wanax, responsible for law and order.

Gwasileis

Officials similar to mayors, managing local governance and communities under the Mycenaean hierarchy.

Mycenaean art

Some Mycenaean art is in ivory, showing how they must have traded with other areas because it is not native to Greece.  Possessing Ivory is a status symbol, suggesting wealth.  Bullhead in art suggests a connection between Minoans and Mycenaeans.  

Mycenaean architecture

similar to Minoans in character. However, Mycenaean art shows more interest in violence and the aspects of a warrior society (chariots, battle scenes, warriors, etc).

The style of armor is too clunky/heavy for the infantry. Primarily worn by chariot warriors. Boar tusks show the higher status of their owner.

Artwork shows Mycenaeans engaged in war with ‘barbarians’ (the term ‘barbarians’ in this sense and as used later in the class represents the attitudes of the more sophisticated or settled societies towards more nomadic or less organized people–anyone who did not speak their language or worship their gods). Barbarians are denoted by the wearing of animal skins, while the Mycenaeans have helmets. Conflict with barbarians increased in later periods, leading to a weakened Mycenaean state.

(Less can rush through with smaller gate–they had smaller gates).

Bronze age mythology

Bronze Age Mycenaeans are basis for later Greek Myths, considered the age of Heroes.  Some of these heroes are fictional, some are loosely based on Historical figures given mythological status.  Some of these include JASON and the Argonauts, Hercules, King Oedipus, and Agamemmnon, as well as events like the trojan war.  

What is history motivated by?

History is motivated by wealth and money. (I want Moneyy, Powerrrr, and GlorYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY)

Trojan war

was actually fought for control of the trade routes from southern Greece to the Black Sea region. Troy sits right at the passage way–very strategically located. They kept rebuilding their city because it had all of the things they needed–pretty view, resources.

What group is usually blamed for the dark age in Greece?

Dorkian

Dorians suck!  Dorians are stupid and annoying.  Dorkians are hated because they are a dark age.  No hero stories because Dorkians ain’t heroes.  They just annoying little boys without eyebrows.  DORIANS ARE ALWAYS TO BLAME.  Dorians are fricking stupid and don’t appreciate literature because they stupid and annoying.

They aren’t to blame completely, though, because things had already gone wrong before they came.

Collapse of Bronze Age Greece

Collapse of Bronze Age Greece - No more hero stories told after Trojan war.  Likely because of the movements of various populations.  Sea peoples. Dorians.  Lead to collapse of Bronze age political system.  

Greek dark age

Scribes wrote in Linear B for the old city states, now that they dissolve, much of the literacy disappears, This is the beginning of a dark age.  

Archaic period

This period lasted for a long time, and saw the expansion of Greek culture, population growth, and colonization of the Mediterranean and Black Sea.  This is after the dark age.  

What seven things made the Greeks Greek?

Hellene, language, Alphabet, Literature, religion, Olympics, and arete.

Way to remember 7 things that make Greeks Greek:

Hephaestus  Loved Aphrodite but she Loved Romancing Over Ares

Hellene

All Greeks believe that they are descended from king Hellene because his sons became the four divisions of Greeks: the Aeolians, after Aeolus; the Dorians, after Dorus, and the Ionians and the Achaeans. (Chinese consider themselves Han chinese and Greeks considered themselves Hellene Greek)

Greek Dialects

There are three traditional regions with distinct language dialects.  Aiolians, Ionians, and the Dorians.  These are during the Archaic period.  When Dorians take over from the Mycenaeans by Greek tradition (not supported by archaeolgical evidence), they bring the dialects. All 3 dialects could understand each other (Kind of like different dialects in Spanish or French or Texans - different use of words)

Greek Alphabet

Greek alphabet replaces Linear B. Greek alphabet differs from Phoenician alphabet in that the Greek version includes vowels (Phoenicians only used consonants). Latin alphabet that we use today is based off of this alphabet.

Literature

Homer: Greek poet; most famous works were the Iliad (about the Trojan war) and The Odyssey (about the return of Odysseus after ten years of fighting the war). Both works are literature, not necassarily actual history, athough the Odyssey is believed to be more historically accurate. Literature helped Greeks from different areas (such as Dorian and Ionia) feel connected to a larger Greek culture. Hesiod: Greek poet; most famous poem was the Theogony, which was emblematic of common Greek identity at the time. Hesiod also wrote of the origin of the Greek gods. Works and Days (five o clock can’t come soon enough): didactic poem written by Hesiod. Dactylic hexameter and 828 lines. At its center, the Works and Days is a farmer’s almanac in which Hesiod instructs his brother Perses in the agricultural arts.  Gives us a good insight into greek culture.  Describes agricultural aspect, as well as sailing, trade, business and marriage advice. Shows role of women.

Homer

Ancient Greek poet known for epic poems such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, which highlight themes of heroism, war, and the human experience.

Hesiod

Ancient Greek poet who authored didactic works like Theogony and Works and Days, focusing on mythology, agriculture, and moral advice.

Religion

Gods. Unifying factor among the different city states; all Greek believed. Most gods ‘lived’ on Mt. Olympus, like Sky Daddy. Or in different regions, like Aqua Man in Ocean or Emo Boi in Cave. Temples. to individual gods and goddesses, spread throughout Greece. Temples reaffirm the ‘Greekness’ of the people despite living in independent states.  Gods do not share temples.  

Oracles

Greek and others consulted at oracles for prophecies. Most famous is the Oracle of Delphi.  ARROW OF DODONA WHERE CAN I GET CHEAP ENCHILADAS IN MY AREA?????

Olympics

 Every four years, people gathered here to honor Zeus. Celebrations included athletic competitions (forerunners to today’s Olympics), such as running races, wrestling, and chariot races. Obsession with sports is new to civilization. Greek idea of ‘arete’ requires competition to display one’s excellence.   Male only.    Ah, shucks.  Naked.  Only Greeks were allowed.  Olympics began in Delphi, Olympic stadium in Athens was built later.

Arete

‘excellence’, a virtue important to Greek society. Excellence can occur in civic spirit, athletics, art, war, etc.  Greek idea requires competition to prove one’s excellence.  It’s the beginning of sport fanatic.  It’s the idea that you need to be the best.  If you’re not the best, or trying to be the best, why do it?  Apollo mindset.  Me mindset.  

Greek solution to overpopulation

Greek solution to overpopulation is to colonize.  Because Greece is mountainous, there is less sustenance. 

Greek colonies

far different from modern idea of colonies.  Many outposts were considered independent city-states

Phoenicians

Were in constant competition with the greeks for colonization, trade and other ares.  

Ways to democracy

One way to democracy - Overpopulation leads to change in government.  Colonizing solved problem.  Colonized Spain, Italy and the Black sea.  

1. Colonizing - immigration

2. Emigration - more trade

3. More trade - more wealth for traders

4. More wealth led to a rise in the social status to demand for political equality.  Old money troubles with new money over who can control government.  New money uses it to influence social status and politics.  

Second way to democracy - 

1. Introduction of iron = Increased warfare

2. Increased Warfare = Introduction of Phalanx formation (new style of fighting)

3. Phalanx = More men are needed to fight.

4. Lower classes are recruited to fight, and they refuse.  (lower class are essentially expendable and drafted.  They are killed for nothing.  They refuse because they’d rather not die) = Poor demand political equality

5. Poor demand political equality = democracy

What is a Basileus?

king/monarchs who ruled city states.  Sometimes a city had more than one basileus at a time.  All city states began with monarchies.

Basileis

 during Mycenaean times, these were the village chieftains and by the time in Ancient Greece’s apex of power, they were considered royal; eventually were subordinated by Greek aristocracy.  

Aristocracy

the rule of the best (rich people; this is what identifies ‘the best’).

Oligarchy

means the role of the few.  Basically, a government run by the few or a handful of people.  Not necessarily bad, but the group was always exclusive.  Greek society evolved to rule by oligarchy over monarchs.  Some work, some don’t.  People got richer than teh king.  SPARTAAA

Works and Days

A didactic poem by Hesiod that offers insights into farming, morality, and the nature of work. It emphasizes the importance of hard work and the proper conduct in daily life.