Ancient Civilizations and Greece Study Notes

Ancient Civilization

• Ancient civilizations had:
  • Architectures
  • Government
  • Writing
  • Religion
• Example: Parthenon in Athens

Ancient Greece

• The ancient Greeks learned from the:
  • Minoan civilization
  • Mycenaean civilization
• Ancient Greece encompassed present-day Greece and Turkey.

Timeline of Ancient Greek Civilization

• $3000$ BC - $1450$ BC: Minoan Civilization
• $1450$ BC - $1100$ BC: Mycenaean Civilization
• $1100$ BC: Dark Ages
• $800$ BC: The birth of the ancient Greek civilization ended the Dark Ages
• $400$ BC - $300$ BC: Classical Age
• $323$ BC - $146$ BC: Hellenistic Age
• $146$ BC: End of ancient Greek civilization

Crete

• Crete is an island in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Mediterranean Sea

• An inland sea sheltered from storms.
• It possesses good natural harbors.
• A key artery for transportation between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Important sea trade route since early times.

Minoans in Crete

• Minoans learned from the Egyptians and Babylonians.

The Minoan Civilization

• Minoans had contact with people in Egypt and Babylonia (Mesopotamia).

Four Centers of Early Civilization

• Egypt
• Mesopotamia
• Indus Valley
• China

Minoan Civilization: Trade and Barter

• They bartered with other peoples for food and necessities.
• They traded with ancient Egyptians and Babylonians.

Minoan Civilization: Skills Learned

• Learned writing.
• Learned skills such as building palaces, copper making, and pottery.

Minoan Civilization: Height of Power

• Around $1600$ BC, the Minoan civilization reached the height of its power.
• Its influence spread to the Greek peninsula and nearby islands.

Minoan Civilization: Evidence of Civilization in Crete

• The Minoans settled on the island of Crete around $3000$ BC.
• Evidence includes:
  • People lived together.

Clues from Videos - Ancient Civilization Started in Crete

• Government - King Minos
• Architecture - Palace of Knossos in Crete
• Religion - Snake goddess
• Technology:
  • First paved road (believed to be the first paved road in Europe)
  • Running water (water supply systems, including baths, toilets, and drainage)

Ancient Greeks Earning a Living

• Farming and fishing.
• Division of labor existed (farmers, fishermen, king).

Minoan Civilization: Art

• Bull leaping fresco from the Palace at Knossos (17th-15th centuries BC).

End of Minoan Civilization

• Around $1500$ BC, Crete was hit by an earthquake.
• Eruption of Santorini Volcano.
• Minoan city hit by a tsunami.
• The Minoan civilization later ended when Crete was conquered by the Mycenaeans.

Other Suggestions for the End of Minoan Civilization

• Eruption of the volcano on Thera (modern-day Santorini) between $1650$ and $1550$ BCE and the resulting tsunami.
• Archaeological and geological evidence suggests overuse of the land causing deforestation.
• Traditionally accepted that they were conquered by the Mycenaeans.

Mycenaean Conquest of Crete

• Mycenaean sword found in a tomb in Chania (a city in Crete).
• This is evidence that the Mycenaeans invaded Crete.

Mycenaean Civilization

• The Mycenaeans knew how to use metal and make pottery.
• Famous for their skills in ship-building and metal work.
• Learning from the Minoans, they started their own civilization.

Difference Between Crete and Mycenae

• Men in Mycenae were more militaristic; the city was heavily fortified.
• Crete enjoyed peace because it was a remote island.

Importance of the Lion Gate

• It was a symbol of power.
• Ceremonies were held under the Lion Gate after victories in battles.

Mycenaeans and Their Kings

• They placed a mask on the face of the dead king.
• They built big tombs for their king.