Ancient Greek Civilization – Ancient Greece

There are four (4) basic aspects to Greek Civilization that we will study, just as with all the other ancient civilizations we have studied.

Geography – and the impact of geography on the development on

Greek civilization

Economy – what was the economy of the ancient Greek civilization? Society: What was

the structure of Ancient Greek society?

Government – What form – or forms – of government could be found in Ancient Greece?

Impact of Geography on the establishment of Greek Civilization

Jagged, uneven coastline. Many excellent natural harbors

Mountainous terrain separates settlements. Grow up as independent city-states

Earliest Greek Civilization began on Island of Crete – The Minoans

Based upon this geographical factor, what kind of economy do you think would develop?

A MARITIME ECONOMY – one built

on trading by sea

Palace at Knossos: Island of Crete – built 3500 years ago

Multi level

dwellingsYou can’t see it – but, indoor

plumbing

Some Minoan innovations were not seen again in Europe for

almost 2000 years.

From their paintings and their frescos (wall paintings on plaster) we have learned things about Minoan life and society – and about what seems to

be one for their favorite sports

“Bull Jumping”

I’m a Minoan Snake Goddess. What things

can you tell about Minoan civilization from

this artifact?

Polytheistic: Believed in many gods.

Advanced civilization: Intricate workmanship in the artifact.

A sample of Minoan writing. It’s called “Linear A”

It has never been translated.

We have studied another early civilization whose writings have never been translated. Which one?

The Harrapans of the Indus River Valley.

….and what happened to the Harrapans and their civilization?

It vanished – suddenly – without a trace – and remained undiscovered for 2,000 years

So, what do you think happened to the Minoans and their beautiful palaces?

There are some who believe that the Minoan civilization was destroyed by a tidal wave – or by a volcanic eruption – or an earthquake – and that it sank into the sea.

Legends persist to this day about the “Lost City of Atlantis” – a fabulous advanced, but ancient,

civilization that sank into the sea.

A new civilization grew up on the peninsula that is mainland Greece – the Peloponnesian Peninsula – ANCIENT GREECE

Its contributions to subsequent civilizations are incalculable

PhilosophyPoliticsDemocracyTyrannyOlympicsDramaTragedyComedyEpic PoetryGeometryTrigonometry

PhilosophyPoliticsDemocracyTyrannyOlympicsDramaTragedyComedyEpic PoetryGeometryTrigonometry