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The First Greek Civilizations

The First Greek Civilizations. World History I. The Impact of Geography. Greece is a relatively small area, only about the size of Louisiana. It is made up of a mountainous peninsula and many islands. Mountains separated Greeks from one another, leading to independent communities.

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The First Greek Civilizations

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  1. The First Greek Civilizations World History I

  2. The Impact of Geography • Greece is a relatively small area, only about the size of Louisiana. • It is made up of a mountainous peninsula and many islands. • Mountains separated Greeks from one another, leading to independent communities. • Each developed its own culture. • The sea was important to Greeks. • They became seafarers who explored the Mediterranean, Black, and Aegean Seas.

  3. Minoan Civilization • By 2800 BC, a Bronze Age civilization developed on the island of Crete. • The Minoans flourished between 2700 and 1450 BC. • They went to Egypt and southern Greece in search of trade. • Around 1450 BC, the Minoans suffered a collapse. • Tidal wave? • Invasion by the Mycenaeans?

  4. The First Greek State: Mycenae • The Mycenaens were the first group to settle mainland Greece. • Mycenaean civilization was made up of powerful monarchies. • They were warriors who took great pride in battle. • They conquered some of the Aegean islands. • According to Homer, Mycenaean Greeks sacked the city of Troy around 1250 BC. • Did this really occur? • By 1100 BC, the Mycenaean Civilization collapsed. • States fought each other, earthquakes caused damage, invasion from the north.

  5. Greek Dark Age • After the Mycenaean collapse, Greece entered a difficult period in which food production and population declined. • Few records exist from this Dark Age (1100-750 BC). • During the Dark Age, large amounts of Greeks left the mainland and settled islands in the Aegean Sea. • There was a revival in trade. • Iron replaced bronze in the construction of tools and weapons. • More affordable • Helped end decline in food production • Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet, making reading and writing easier.

  6. Homer • Homer is one of the great poets of all time. • Known for his epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. • Epic poem - long poem that tells the deeds of a great hero. • Homer’s epic poems were based on stories passed on from generation to generation. • The Iliad and the Odyssey are based on the Trojan War. • Homer’s poems became the basis for Greek education. • Homer taught the values of courage and honor through the struggle for excellence, known as arete. • Homer’s works taught students to be proud of their Greek heritage and their heroic ancestors.

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