Archaic

Classics 36B - Classical Greece: The Archaic Period (700-480 BC)

Geographic Context

  • Map of Greece and its neighboring islands, showing significant locations of Greek colonization and trading routes.

    • Important sites: Massalia, Byzantium, Olbia, Heraclea, and more.

    • Geographic regions include:

    • Atlantic Ocean

    • Aegean Sea

    • Mediterranean Sea

    • Black Sea

  • Exploration and contact with various areas such as:

    • Northern Africa

    • The Levant (areas around modern-day Syria)

    • Italy

Characteristics of the Archaic Period

  • General overview of the Archaic Period:

    • Marked as a period of significant reconstruction following the Greek Dark Ages.

    • A time of exploration and extensive contact with diverse cultures.

    • Emergence of an “Orientalized” artistic style that reflects influences from Eastern cultures.

    • Revival of writing through the adoption of the Phoenician alphabet, indicating a shift in communication and record-keeping.

Greek Colonization and Trade

  • The Western Mediterranean was colonized by both Phoenicians and Greeks, allowing them control over regional trade.

  • Key Greek colonies established include:

    • Cyrene

    • Naucratis

    • Massalia (modern-day Marseille)

    • Various other sites mentioned on the trade routes map.

  • Trade products included:

    • Tin and silver from Britain and Sierra Morena

    • Grain from the Black Sea

    • Olive oil and wine from Greek territories

    • Gold from Nubia via Egypt

Coinage

  • The introduction of coinage to Greek communities was attributed to Pheidon of Argos.

  • The first coins were minted in Anatolia.

  • Early coins were primarily made from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver.

  • Coinage replaced earlier barter systems, revolutionizing commerce.

  • Example: Electrum coins from the city of Ephesus, dated to the 7th century BC.

Greek Coins

  • Two notable denominations of Greek coins are:

    • Obol: Translates literally to “spit” or “nail”; considered a smaller denomination.

    • Drachma: Meaning “a handful”; regarded as a larger denomination—1 drachma = 6 obols.

Development of the Polis

  • The concept of the Polis, or city-state, is introduced.

    • Synoecism: Refers to the process of combining several smaller communities into a larger, politically autonomous unit.

    • A Polis typically comprises an urban center, often featuring an Acropolis (elevated religious and governmental area), surrounded by residential areas and agricultural land.

Internal Civil Conflict - Stasis

  • Internal conflicts characterized by struggles between social classes:

    • Large landowners (aristocrats) versus small farmers or poorer citizens.

    • Advances in agricultural methods led to wealth accumulation among landowners.

    • Small farmers often exploited through high rents, leading to cycles of indebtedness and indentured servitude.

    • There were notable rivalries and conflicts among aristocratic families vying for power.

Greek Tyrants

  • During the period of instability, some aristocrats seized power, becoming what were known as tyrants.

    • Tyrant: Defined as an individual who comes to power through means other than regular electoral processes—often by use of force.

Consideration Questions

  • Discussion points for consideration on the topic of Greek polis development:

    • How do interactions with “outsiders” (foreigners, other cultures) influence the development and governance of individual poleis?

    • In what ways are the political systems of various poleis similar or different?