Ancient Greece: Geography, Minoan Crete, and Early Greek Society (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key people, places, and concepts from the lecture notes on ancient Greece, including geography, the Minoan civilization, major myths, and foundational political units.

Mediterranean Sea

Huge sea around the Greek world; its climate and seafaring life shaped ancient Greek society.

Aegean Sea

Part of the Mediterranean located between mainland Greece and its many islands; important for seafaring and city-states.

Ionia

Coast of western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) with Greek settlements.

Crete

Southern Greek island; cradle of the Minoan civilization; site of Knossos.

Knossos

Major Bronze Age palace-city on Crete; center of Minoan culture and architecture.

Minoan

Bronze Age civilization on Crete; named after King Minos; renowned for maritime trade and distinctive art.

Minos

Legendary king of Crete; associated with the labyrinth and the Minotaur myth.

Minotaur

Bull-headed creature in Greek myth; trapped in the labyrinth and slain by Theseus.

Labrys (double-bladed axe)

Symbolic double-bladed axe motif found in Minoan art and artifacts.

Bronze Age

Early period when bronze was the main metal; precedes the Iron Age and saw Minoan and other cultures flourish.

Dionysus

God of wine, grape harvest, and revelry in Greek religion.

Mediterranean triad

The three staple crops of the Greek diet: olives, grapes, and grain.

Polis

Independent city-state; a compact, autonomous political unit typical of ancient Greece.

Theseus

Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur in the labyrinth.