The Land of Greece
How was Greece's geography different from that of other early civilizations?
Greece is made up mountainous islands and peninsulas, with no great rivers
Who were the Minoans?
A wealthy trading culture located on the island of Crete; they exported pottery, metalwork, wine and olive oil
What cultural features did all Greeks share?
religious beliefs and celebrations, the Olympics games, enjoyment of poems about their history
What is the Parthenon? Why is this significant in Ancient Greece?
At the heart of the Athen's acropolis - a marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena; important to Greek religion and society
Why would Greece's geography cause people to turn to the sea?
The sea could provide transportation and trade that the rugged and hilly Greek land could not. Since most of the land was unsuitable for farming, the sea could provide the ancient Greeks with a living
What is an agora? What was its role?
It was an open area set aside as a market and also served as a place for town meetings
One of the most famous ancient Greek poets, most likely lived between 800 and 700 B.C.
He created 2 epics (a long poem that tells the story of a legendary hero or historical figure); he created the Iliad and the Odyssey
How did Athens become the leading city in Greece during the Golden Age?
by defeating the Persians, by using its navy to become a leader in trade, and by rebuilding the city on a grander scale
Describe trading in Ancient Greece (who and what).
Barley and wheat grown to make bread; other food crops - grapes and olives - most valuable Greek product was olive oil (for cooking and flavoring food)
Greek merchants competed with traders from Phoenicia (located in present day Lebanon)
What were some similarities and differences between the Minoans and Mycenaeans?
Similarities: both trading cultures
Differences: Minoans - located on Crete island, exported pottery metalworkings and olive oil; Mycenae - located on Greek mainland, traded metals for Minoans goods, conquered Crete
What is a myth? How does this relate to Ancient Greece?
A myth is a story created collectively by a whole people or society over a period of time which embodies some of the wisdom and truth valued by that society
Ancient Greeks created various myths (ex. Creation myth, Theseus and Minotaur, King Midas and the Golden Touch)
What were some features of the Golden Age of Athens?
prosperity, a strong civic life, philosophy, drama, music, sports, and architectural achievements
Explain the significance of Peloponnesus and Attica in Ancient Greek geography and daily life
Attica - a peninsula, where some of Greece's best farmland was; contained great harbors for ships and fishing boats
Peloponnesus - located on southern tip of Greece, a large peninsula, a mountainous region that had a thin line of fertile land
What were some differences between Sparta and Athens?
Sparta: was a military state with many slaves, consisted of warriors, girls trained physically
Athens: was a democracy, learned trades, girls worked in the home
Answers will vary but....
Ancient Greeks were polytheistic
Locations: Mount Olympus, acropolis, Parthenon
Traditions: summer festival for Athena, Olympic Games
Who was Pericles and how did he influence society?
Was a leader of Athens around 450 B.C. - he saw to it that all citizens could take part in government; any citizen rich or poor could serve in the assembly or sit on the jury
How did Greece's geography affect its development?
Without a major river to provide silt for fertile farmland, the Greeks grew specialized crops, such as grapes and olives, that were suited to the rocky land, and they also became sailors to trade for items, such as grain that they needed
Compare monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy. How do these government types relate to Ancient Greece?
Monarchy: ruled by a single ruler
Oligarchy: ruled by a small group of the richest and most powerful citizens
Democracy: a society in which every citizen is allowed to vote on government issues
Some city-states had a monarchy, others an an oligarchy, while Athens had a democracy
Name 3 ways Ancient Greek culture has contributed to our society today
Answers will vary but....
Olympic games, mythology, democracy, poetry, plays, philosophy, jury, alphabet
Had special schools to teach philosophy (the search for wisdom and the right way to live...had discussions on what a good government looks like and what it means to be a good citizen)
Socrates was a philosophy teacher - was sentenced to death for questioning Athens' laws, customs, and religion