Greece The Hellenic Era

Foundation of European civilization.- copied by almost everyone.

Two parts to Ancient Greek historyHellenic 800 bc- 338 bcHellenistic 338 bc to 147 bc

“Intrinsic” ValuesIntrinsic means “Core”

or “Central” the ideas at the heart of society

For Greece: creativity and individualityExperimentation

and invention (art, literature, science, government, philosophy)

Peninsula between Aegean and Ionian Sea

Land Rocky- sea best for travel (great sailors)

Landscape encouraged development of small city states (not one big gov’t)

People have lived in Greece since the stone age.

Permanent settlements began around 2000 bc. (Bronze Age)

Still learning about first peoples

Minoans- Oldest Greek Civilization- began 2000 bc. On Island of Crete. Named for legend of King Minos and the Minotaur.

What do we know? Wealthy- Built large palaces. Peaceful-few weapons. Culture destroyed around 1400 bc- don’t know how Mycenaeans First civilization on Greek

mainland-1600 bcWhat do we know? Built fortified cities- much more aggressive. Also disappeared w/ no certain cause- around 1100 bc1100- 800 bc “dark ages” of Greek history- a time

of chaos and confusion

The basic unit of Greek civilization.Started around 800bc as a fortress- grew to

include town and surrounding countrysideThe idea is a “city state”- but there is more to it.

It is a community- all people are connected to each other.

Defined byGeographyCitizensPoliticsEconomics

Not very large (even for ancient world) you are supposed to know people and your place- and understand that polis is the most

important thing in lifeSame (0r similar)

LanguageReligion (but each focus on different gods)

Different governmentsDifferent $$- and focus of the economyDifferent patron god/goddessDifferent calendarsPoleis were often competitive: both

peacefully (Olympics) or violently (war)

The variety shows creativity. In all types citizens have rights/duties that are clearly understood.Monarchy: “rule of one”, one person makes

decisionsOligarchy: “rule of few”, small group makes

decisionsDemocracy: “rule of many”, large group makes

decisions (shows faith in citizens)Tyranny: a government that gets its power

illegally. Not necessarily bad.

Duty of all citizens to protect the polis. (Fighting together increases feeling of connection)

Hoplite: Greek citizen soldier. Had to haveHelmet Shield Weapon

Fought in Phalanx- a close formation of soldiers working together as a shield wall

Before 800 bcAn idealized time when the gods walked the

earth. (“once upon a time”….) the age of myths- full of heroes and miracles

Told as EPIC (storytelling) poems to teach moral lessons

Each polis had own local legends and heroes- all Greeks could claim “legendary” ancestors

No sacred work to pass on moral code

Pray when you need something- give offerings

No afterlife- everyone goes to the underworld

Three main purposes Explain

nature/catastrophe Explain strong emotion Explain good/bad luck

See ChartLived on Mount Olympus- but could come to earth. Jealous and easily offended.Several “sets” Olympians were main batch (Zeus etc….) children of the Titans Cronus

and Rhea. There were also many “demigods” (Heracles etc…) and creatures with special powers in nature (fauns nymphs)

Myths- traditional stories of the gods- no known authors. Entertainment as well as religion- give explanation for how the world came to be- warnings about improper behavior. Two main concerns TYCHE (Fate) and HUBRIS (pride)

Temple- Specific for each god/goddess Largest in the polis would be for patron- though most gods would have temples. Give offering in return for a favour.

Oracle- a place to talk to the gods- and get an answer. Most famous was the oracle of Apollo at Delphi.

Iliad and OdysseyEpic (storytelling) poems written by HOMER

in the dark ages (no proof he existed). THE classics of Greek literature- tell us a LOT about what Greeks valued in society.

Iliad- story of the 10 year Trojan war Odyssey- 10 year Journey of Odysseus

Stories are about love/honor/heroic behavior- set the standard for the Greek ideal. No matter how great you are you will be tested, and the gods are not impartial or fair. You can try- buy there is no way to avoid your fate.

Daily Life in Ancient GreeceHome Life

Houses built around a courtyard for privacy.

Dining room main “social” area- women’s rooms separate

Food was mostly grains and cheeses- wine was main drink (meat for special events)

Olive oil used for cooking and preserving food (no fridge)

Family structureMarriages were arranged- large families

were encouraged (exposure for unwanted children) take care of older generations

Husbands and wives were not equal- husband in charge – could dictate anything

Each encouraged to have own friends- friends were for talking- not spouses.

No family recreation

EducationGreece first civilization to make education a

priority- it made people better citizens Only boys could get formal educationPedagogue- slave responsible for early

education- you went to “school” only for advanced learning

Main subjects were: Philosophy, Ethics and Rhetoric

EconomicsTrade was the backbone of the economy.

Greeks were great sailors- easy to travel to distant lands

Olive oil, wine and pottery were most prized Greek trade goods

Land hard to farm (and in short supply) so Poleis founded colonies around the Mediterranean. Increased contacts with other civilizations