WK2

Introduction

• Welcome to ANCH 1240: The Rise of Ancient Greece.

• Instructor discusses natural disaster threats from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

• Mention of colleague, Dr. Annabel Florence, who is recovering from a skiing accident and is unable to lecture.

• Introduction of Mr. Gordon Chadwick as the guest lecturer for the day.

Guest Lecturer Background

• Mr. Gordon Chadwick is a brilliant HDR student, university medalist in ancient history.

• Known for eloquence, hence nickname "Demosthenes."

• His lecture will cover Mycenaean Greece and early Greek history.

Administrative Announcements

• Information evening for the Classics and Ancient History Society coming up, tailored to students in ancient history majors.

• Support services offered include language support, study masterclasses, and essay assistance.

• Mention of a trivia night and ancient games night.

• Students are reminded to enroll in tutorials and are given guidance on textbook acquisition.

Course Overview

• Overview of early Greece, focusing primarily on the Bronze Age.

• The timeline from pre-history to the end of the Bronze Age will be covered.

• Importance of geography and climate in ancient Greek society.

Historical Context

• Discussion on the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic periods, establishment of agricultural practices.

• Exploration of three revolutions in prehistoric Greece: technological advances, settlement development, and social organization.

Cultural Overview

• Cycladic Culture (3000-c. 2000 BC)

  • Focus on distinct marble statuettes, often female figures.

  • Used as grave goods; most were originally painted.

• Minoan Civilization (c. 2000-c. 1450 BC)

  • Flourished on Crete, notable for advanced trade networks and cultural developments.

  • Development of a writing system (Linear A), which is still undeciphered.

  • Emphasis on religious practices, particularly reverence for bulls.

  • Unique representations of gender in artwork (Pale-skinned females vs. tanned males).

  • Notable artistry in frescoes and pottery, including depictions of sea life.

Mycenaean Culture

• Mycenaean Civilization (c. 1600-1200 BC)

  • Emerged from mainland Greece, dominated trade and warfare in the region.

  • Adopted and integrated elements from Minoan and Cycladic cultures.

  • Reliance on fortified structures known as megara and tholos tombs.

  • Development of a writing system (Linear B), which documents inventories and transactions.

  • The social structure was stratified with kings (wanaxes) and a large unfree population of slaves.

  • Evidence of inter-regional trade networks discovered in graves and palatial complexes.

Conclusion

• Summary of key cultural developments during the Bronze Age.

• Highlights of the importance of trade, warfare, and social organization.

• Promise of further discussion on Mycenaean collapse in future lectures.