Ancient Greece: Minoans, Mycenaeans, and the Greek Dark Age

What was the time period of the Minoan civilization?

2600-1250 BC

What were the key characteristics of the Minoan civilization?

They had magnificent palaces, were largely peaceful, wealthy traders, and gained wealth through shipping.

Who invaded the Minoans and took their capital?

The Mycenaeans

What time period did the Mycenaean civilization dominate?

1400-1230 BC

What were the Mycenaeans known for?

They dominated the Greek mainland, maintained extensive trade, and left a legacy in culture, language, and warrior code.

What led to the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization?

Internecine warfare resulted in their abrupt collapse around 1150 BC.

What characterized the Greek Dark Age?

A period of insecurity, warfare, poverty, and isolation from 1100-800 BC.

What were the two major groups that migrated during the Greek Dark Age?

Dorians (Sparta) and Ionians (Athens)

What significant changes occurred during the revival of civilization after the Dark Age?

Revival of trade, invention of coins, population increase, and reintroduction of writing.

What is the polis in ancient Greece?

An urban center built around an acropolis and agora, focusing on citizenship and patriotism.

How did Greek political thought differ from that of Mesopotamia and Egypt?

Greeks believed laws came from the human community rather than divine rulers.

What was the role of hoplite warfare in Greek society?

Middle-class infantry who purchased their own weapons, leading to the end of aristocratic rule.

What were helots in Spartan society?

Slaves owned by the state, creating a fear of uprising that led to a militarized state.

What does the term 'arete' mean in ancient Greek?

Virtue or excellence, representing the highest human potential.

What does 'Draconian' refer to?

Severe laws or oppressive measures, named after the Athenian statesman Draco.

Who was Pisistratus and what did he contribute to Athenian democracy?

A tyrant who initiated grand projects and promoted the arts, contributing to Athenian democracy.

What is the significance of the Parthenon?

An architectural masterpiece symbolizing beauty and human mastery over the world.

What is the Olympian pantheon of gods under Zeus?

A collection of gods worshipped in Greece, with local variations in deities and customs.

What was Cleisthenes' role in Athenian democracy?

He focused on loyalty to the polis and aimed to make democracy permanent in Athens.

What is ostracism in the context of Athenian democracy?

A process where a citizen could be temporarily banished for being deemed a danger to the state.

What is isonomy?

Equality of political rights for citizens of the polis, including the right to vote and hold office.

What was the Spartan approach to culture and art?

Sparta was militarized, xenophobic, and produced little art, literature, or philosophy.

What was the significance of the Olympic Games in 776 BC?

The first Olympics in which the Spartans won, marking a notable event in Greek history.

What was the debate between Otanes and Megabyzus about?

It centered on the form of government Persia should adopt after King Cambyses' death.

What is an oligarchy?

A form of government where a small group of people holds control over a country or organization.

Who were the Ionians in ancient Greece?

One of the four major tribes of Ancient Greece, alongside the Dorians, Aeolians, and Achaeans.

What were the three major dialects of the Hellenic world?

Ionian, Dorian, and Aeolian dialects.

Who was Pericles?

An aristocratic leader of Athens during its zenith (495-429 BC), known for promoting democracy and beautifying the city.

What significant battle occurred in 490 BC?

The Battle of Marathon, where the Athenians, led by Miltiades, defeated a much larger Persian force.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Marathon?

An amazing victory for the Athenians, despite being outnumbered.

What was the Peloponnesian War?

A conflict between Athens and Sparta, marked by Athenian hegemony and eventual Spartan victory.

What led to the resentment against Athenian leadership in the Delian League?

Athens treated the league as an empire, attacking poleis that wanted to leave.

What was the significance of the Battle of Thermopylae?

A small Greek force, led by King Leonidas and 300 Spartans, held off a much larger Persian army.

What was Draco known for?

Creating a harsh code of laws in 621 BC that provided severe penalties.

What was the Delian League?

A defensive alliance led by Athens to protect Greek city-states from Persian invasion.

Who was Thucydides?

An Athenian historian who wrote about the Peloponnesian War and analyzed its causes.

What was the outcome of the Peloponnesian War?

Athens surrendered in 404 BC, losing its navy and walls.

What did the Greeks believe about freedom during the Persian Wars?

They fought to defend their freedom against a tyrant and his army of slaves.

What was the role of Aeschylus in Greek history?

He wrote 'The Persians' in 472 BC, reflecting on pride and hubris.

What was the significance of the Battle of Salamis?

A decisive naval battle where the Greek fleet defeated the Persian navy.

What does hegemony mean?

Leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others.

What was the Greek Dark Age?

A period from 1100 to 800 BC characterized by a decline in population and literacy.

Who were the Minoans?

An ancient civilization based on the island of Crete, known for their peaceful society and trade.

What characterized the Mycenaean civilization?

A warrior culture that dominated the Greek mainland and engaged in extensive trade.

What was the main cause of the Mycenaean collapse?

Internal conflict and internecine warfare led to their abrupt decline around 1150 BC.

What is the significance of Homer's epics?

They celebrate the heroic code and left a lasting legacy in Greek culture.

What does the term 'ostracism' refer to?

The temporary banishment of a citizen by general consent.

What is the definition of democracy?

A system of government ruled by the people.

What does 'draconian' mean?

Referring to severe laws or oppressive measures, derived from Athenian statesman Draco.

Who is considered the 'Father of History'?

Herodotus, known for writing about the Persian War.

What is Greek tragedy?

A dramatic genre that presents the downfall of a tragic hero, evoking catharsis in the audience.

What does 'isonomy' mean?

Equality of rights for citizens.

What was the significance of the Battle of Plataea?

The Greeks fielded the largest hoplite army to defeat the Persians in 479 BC.