Greek culture and Civilizations

Cultures of the Mountains and Sea
Main Idea- roots of Greek culture are based on interaction of the Mycenaean, Minoan, and Dorian Cultures
Why it matters- The seeds of much of western cultural heritage were planted during this time
Geography:
-contained a huge peninsula jutting out into the mediterranean sea
-included 2000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas with included lands on the eastern edge of the Aegean sea
The Sea:
-The Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and Black Sea were important transportation routes which connected the Greeks to other societies and allowed for trade for needed resources
The Land:
-Mountain chains ran from northwest to southeast along the Balkan Peninsula
-Mountains divided the land into many different regions which led to independent governments
-Land transportation was difficult due to uneven terrain
-Most of the land was stony and very little was fertile (about 1/4)
-Little farmland and fresh water led to small populations
The Climate:
-had moderate temperatures that varied from an average of 48 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer
-moderate temperatures supported outdoor life
-men spent a lot of time at outdoor events discussing issues, news, and civic life
Mycenaean Civilization:
-Mycenae was located in southern Greece on a steep, rocky ridge surrounded by a 20ft thick wall which could withstand almost any attack
Minoans:
-Showed Mycenaeans the value of seaborne trade
-Mycenaeans adapted Minoan writing systems
Trojan War:
-Mycenaeans fought a ten year war against Troy in 1200 B.C.
-Originally contained a legend that the Greek king's wife was captured by Troy and they fought with vengeance, this legend was proved by Heinrich Schliemann's archaeological findings
Dorians:
-Moved in after Mycenaeans collapsed soon after Trojan War
-less advanced than the Mycenaeans
-Greeks temporarily lost the art of writing during this age
Epics of Homer:
-Trojan war inspired the Iliad written by Homer
Greeks Create Myths:
-Homer and the epic Theogony are sources of much of Greek Mythology
-Myths sought to understand mysteries of nature and power of human passions
-Gods had human qualities attributed to them, but they were immortal


Terms:
Mycenaean- Some of the people who settled on the Greek mainland around 2000 B.C.
Trojan War- Ten Year war fought by the Mycenaeans against Troy during 1200 B.C.
Dorian-New group of people that moved into Mycenaean areas, spoke Greek, and may have been distant relative of Bronze Greeks
Homer- Greatest storyteller who composed many famous epics.
Epic- narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds
Myth-traditional stories