California Social Studies-Chapter 9 section 1- Ancient Greece

What is a "polis?"

"Polis" is the Greek word for "city-state", which is a city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

How did the sea help shape early Greek society?

It provided jobs in shipbuilding, which the Greeks became experts in, and means of trading with other communities. Since Greece was isolated by the rugged mountains and sea on three sides, the Greeks needed a way of trading, for the mountains provided with not such fertile soil, which was inconvenient for growing crops, except olives. Hence, they used the sea as means of transportation, and of coming in contact with other cultures. In conclusion: - the sea influenced Greece - the Greeks used the seas as transportation routes - the sea was a source of fish, an important part of the Greek diet - trade fresh fish from the sea to local ports - these "highways of water" linked most parts of Greece to each other

How did the difficulty of mountain travel help & hurt the Greeks?

Quite similar to the Chinese landforms, mountains isolated Greeks from any further connections. Due to this, diffusion was unable to happen, even in Greece, for small villages refrained from going to new, undiscovered areas. However, soon, the Greeks came together. A pro of having mountains surrounding Greece was that it provided protection from invading armies, for it is quite difficult to get past high mountains, only to meet a well prepared army on the other end. They were able to create their own governments and ways of life. They saw themselves as separate countries.

Why do you think the Greeks built their cities around a high acropolis? How did this benefit them?

The Greeks built their cities around a high acropolis, for if another country was attacking they would be safe and fight off the war from inside. The ancient Greeks built their cities around a high acropolis because they sometimes used it as a fortress. It protected them from invasions when at the acropolis. Lastly it was the highest part of the city so anyone could see what was going on, on top of the acropolis.

What motivated the early Greeks to colonize?

The Greeks joined together so it would provide protection and stability. The also provided centers for trade, a colonized area for people to create a democracy, and a proper, unified government.

How were the Minoans and Mycenaeans similar?

The Minoans and Mycenaeans were similar for the fact that they both traded with other societies, both influenced Greek culture, and both used the sea for travel. The Mycenaean civilization flourished in the late Bronze Age, from the 15th to the 13th century BCE and extended its influence not only throughout the Peloponnese in Greece but also across the Aegean, in particular, on Crete and the Cycladic islands.The Mycenaeans were influenced by the earlier Minoan civilization (2000-1450 BCE) which had spread from its origins at Knossos, Crete to include the wider Aegean. Architecture, art and religious practices were assimilated and adapted to better express the perhaps more militaristic and austere Mycenaean culture. The Minoans were a maritime civilization that developed on the island of Crete around 3,000 BCE. They had trade routes to Spain, Egypt, and modern-day Turkey (we refer to this as Asia Minor). Socially, they were relatively egalitarian in regards to social classes and gender equality, although it is necessary to point out that no civilization since the invention of agriculture in the 7,000's BCE has had true gender equality. Culturally, the Minoans enjoyed dancing, music, and had a fascination with the bull. In fact, myth tells us that the Palace at Knossos had a labyrinth built nearby, and a minotaur (half human half bull) lived inside the labyrinth. The Minoans were a cultural model for the Mycenaeans. Mycenae was settled around 2,700 BCE on mainland Greece. Most of the Greek myths and Homeric hymns come from the Mycenaean Period. They also traded on the Mediterranean, but also had the benefit of a strong agricultural economy; because Crete was relatively small, the Minoans did not have as much land for agriculture. Unlike the Minoans, the Mycenaeans had a strong military, reflected in their art. Evidence suggests that the Mycenaeans used horses in military combat. Their social system was much more stratified. The Mycenaeans invaded Crete several times in the mid 15th century BCE for copper and ore (for weapons). By 1450 BCE, the Minoan culture had fallen to the stronger Mycenaean military. The Mycenaeans fell around 1,100 BCE with the rise of the Dorian Greeks. In conclusion: Mycenaeans had a stronger military Minoans relied more on sea trade Mycenaeans lives on the mainland Minoans lived on the island of Crete Minoan cultural elements concerning bulls stayed on Crete

What was the first major civilization to develop in Greece?

The first major civilization to develop in Greece was the Minoan civilization. They had built a complex society by 2000 BC, but around 1600's BC, a huge volcano explosion killed them all.

What kinds of landforms are found in Greece?

There are many types of landforms found in the alluring land of Greece, for that is what made it unique compared to all others. Greece is primarily a mountainous country with more than 300 larger or smaller mountains. The most significant Greek mountain axis is the Pindus Mountain range, forming the "backbone" of Mainland Greece, which extends naturally to the mountains in the Peloponnese and Crete. In addition, the majority of the islands are in fact the mountain peaks of the now submerged landmass of Aegeis, which at one time linked Mainland Greece with Asia Minor. Another major mountain located in Greece is Mount Olympus, which was the baseline to multiple myths in Greek mythology. Greece is also filled with vast plains. The most extensive plains in Greece are found at the mouths of the Struma and Nestos Rivers in the northern part of the country and in Thessaly, whose lowlands constitute the country's most fertile farmland. Attica is mountainous in the north but levels off to plains that extend from Athens to the end of the peninsula. With that, there are also coastal plains, which is a flat, low-lying land adjacent to a seacoast. Since Greece is a peninsula, there are multiple of those, scattered along the coastline.