Ancient Greece

Birthplace of Western Civilization

Greek Geography

• Ancient Greece sets on a Peninsula (water on three sides)

• Mediterranean Sea• Many Islands• River Valleys are scattered among

mountainous terrain

Impact of Geography

• Excellent Sailors• Trade is Crucial• Isolated Communities: become very

independent• Rivalry among Greek communities creates

warfare.

The Minoans

• Civilization on the Island of Crete• Knossos Capital – huge palace structure• Powerful Trading People• Civilization disappeared– Destroyed by Tidal Wave?– Conquered by Mycenae?

The Mycenae

• The 1st Greeks• Fortified Cities, Surrounded by giant walls• Warrior people• Civilization collapses• Greeks enter dark ages

The Polis: Center of Greek Life

• Polis: A town or city and its surrounding country side.

• Acropolis: meeting place for the people of the polis.– Surrounded by a wall, people went here in an

attack.– Public buildings

• Agora: open area usually held a market

The Community

• Citizens with Rights: Adult Males ONLY• Citizens with out rights: Women and Children• Non-Citizens: Slaves or Foreigners• All citizens had responsibilities to the state

Greek Military

• Hoplites: Heavily armed foot soldiers, fought as a unit

• Phalanx: Greek fighting unit, used shields to create a wall