Archaic Period Rhodes (age of sanctuaries)

Sanctuaries

sacred sights for worship

Not necesarily buildings, open-aired spaces.

had a precinct (temenos) and an altar (bomos)

Formalization of sanctuaries

The way sanctuaries were organized became more structured, with clearly defined areas and rules for their use.

Visibility of sanctuaries

Sanctuaries became more prominent in the landscape, often located in accessible areas to be seen by all, symbolizing their importance to the community.

Autonomy of sanctuaries

Sanctuaries started to function more independently, as dedicated sacred spaces that were controlled by religious authorities, sometimes separate from the political or economic centers of the city.

Precinct (temenos)

A designated sacred area that marked the boundary of the sanctuary. This space was set apart from ordinary life and considered holy.

altar (bomos)

The site within the sanctuary where offerings and sacrifices were made to the gods. This could be as simple as a stone altar, and it was often the focal point of religious rituals.

social significance of sanctuaries

gathering place for people from local areas→shared sense of identity

They were also a place where people could come together from different

Political identity of sanctuaries

deeply connected to the people’s sense of self and community. They represented their values, their gods, and their unity.

Where were sanctuaries located

acropolis (city’s highest point)-often associated with the city’s founding deity.

in the city’s urban space, or even in extra-urban territories (the land outside the city).

reflects the different ways communities expressed their religious and civic values.

Greek ethne in the Archaic Period

various ethnic groups or cultural dialect communities that made up the Greek world.

Three primary Greek ethne

Dorians, Aeolians, Ionians

These groups had their own local identities but all considered themselves as part of the Greek world.

Archaic colonization in the Mediteranean

Greek city-states establishing colonies in distant lands.

the polis system

As poleis grew and needed more land or wealth, they would send groups of settlers to form new colonies, which would later establish their own versions of the polis.

Didnt necessarily start as fully formed poleis-founded by groups of people seeking better living.

Internal migrations within Greece

people moved from one region to another, often because of overpopulation, resource shortages, or conflict.

might have moved from the mainland to the Greek islands or from one part of a city-state to a neighboring area.

“Colonization could be equivalent to the foundation of the mother city"

means that the establishment of a colony helped reinforce the importance of the mother city.

Even tho colony was independent→would still retain its connection to the mother city in terms of customs, religion, and sometimes even political control.

Colonization Helping Cities "Close Ranks" and "Crystallize" as Poleis

"close ranks" means to become more unified or cohesive.

“crystallize” means polis would become more well-defined.

When a Greek city-state sent out colonies, it not only expanded its reach but also solidified its internal unity. Colonization required organization, leadership, and shared purpose.

“Old View” of Archaic Colonization

state-led (decision to colonize was directed by the gov)

Strict Rules (formal, carefully controlled action by the mother city)

ethnically homogenous (colonists were same ethnicity as those in the mother city)

At pre-chosen sites (sites were strategically picked in advance by polis→fertile land, access to trade routes, or political importance)

oikist (leader or founder of colony, guide the colonists, organize the settlement, and help create the colony’s social and political structures, ensuring that the colony remained aligned with the practices and values of the polis that sent it.)

“Present view” of Archaic Colonization

priv led (Wealthy citizens, influential leaders, or groups of people—rather than the city-state as a whole)

flexible rules (process was much more adaptable and could vary from one colony to the next.)

ethnically hetergenous

not necessarily pre-chosen sights

oikists (not always state appointed, could be just an influential individ)