Mid-term Exam CLST 275: The World of Classical Greece

Apollo

Major greek God associated with the Bow, music and divination. Worshiped at Delphi and Delos. In the Eumenides, Orestes, on the verge of madness, prays to Apollo from relief from his agony. Eventually he and Apollo arrive in Athens to meet Athena for his trial.

Spartan women

These women owned land, had political status or rights, were educated, received physical training and ran their households. Liberal mindset

Mycenaean Civilization

•Late Bronze Age, c. 1650-1100 BCE •Centered on Mycenae in NE Peloponnesos •Highly organized around citadel-centers •Citadel-centers monopolized -Political power -Economy -Religion

Cup of Nestor - Colonization

"Nestor's I am, the easy-to-drink-from wine-cup: whoever drinks from this cup will straightway be taken over by a longing for beautifully crowned Aphrodite." -Writing and reading ( = literacy) are indicated. -Literacy extends beyond an elite: this is a very simple cup. -Cultural unity: this alludes to the Trojan cycle of epic poetry and the character of Nestor. -It could help date the Homeric Iliad, since a "Cup of Nestor" is featured in it. -Long distance trade: the Cup has been identified as coming from the island of Rhodes off the coast of modern Turkey.

demos

(Demo)cracy, the people

Protogeometric Period

1050-900 BCE -Simple geometric vase decoration style

Submycenaen Period

1150-1020 BCE -Debased society in the Dark Age with misshapen, badly decorated pottery.

boule of the 500

50 men chosen by lot rather than election from each of the 10 Athenian tribes who served council for one year. They met every day and did most of the hands-on-work of governance supervising workers, navy ships and army horses. Decided what matters would come before the Ekklesia. The random selection of members avoided creating a class dependant on using the government to advance themselves.

Conspiracy of Cylon

636 BCE attempt at Tyranny was failed... Feuding families, Alchmeonids, turned into a violent war or 'Stasis' with long-lasting anger.

Geometric Period

900-725 BCE, a phase in greek art known for its geometric motifs in vase painting. Hero-cults established remembering Achaians.

Sources for Athens' history - "Constitution of the Athenians"

A document attributed to Aristotle (more likely a student of his). It was a depiction of Greek history similar to a timeline. It involves mythical elements and tells us plausible things. Atthis: writers, sometimes biased accounts.

Tyranny

A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

Salient features

A peninsula with a land border on at least two sides and extends out from the larger geographical body of the administrative unit. Also known as "panhandle".

Historians - Literary Source

A person who studies and writes about the past.

Eumenides

A play written by Aeschylus (525-455 BCE), the "Father of Greek Tragedy". -Third play in the trilogy, the Oresteia, with the remaining two tragedies being Agamemnon and Libation Bearers.

Ionian Enlightenment

A set of advances in scientific thought, explanations on nature, and discovering the natural and rational causes behind observable phenomena, that took place in archaic Greece beginning in the 6th century BC. -Miletus used science to improve his olive growth

demokratia

A system of political reforms set in place by Cleisthenes considered to be "rule by the people". 3 sections; -ekklesia: a sovereign governing body that wrote laws and dictates policy -boule: a council of representatives from the 10 Athenian tribes -dikasteria: the popular courts where citizens argued their cases before the lottery selected jurors

ostracism

Allowed the citizens to get rid of a fellow citizen whom they feared was getting too powerful, temporarily. Cleisthenes was responsible for the institution and the name comes from ostraka, the word for the potsherds on which citizens would write their selections for the 10-year exile.

Delian League

An alliance of Greek city-states formed at the end of the Persian War (478BCE) to liberate eastern Greek cities from Persian rule and prevent possible revenge attacks. The league of 300 cities was eventually dominated by Athens. Following a defeat in Sparta during the Peloponnesian War in 404 BCE the league was dissolved.

Herodotus

An ancient Greek historian who was born in Halikarnassos in the Persian Empire in 450 BCE. He is known for having composed the book The Histories, a detailed record of his "inquiry" on the origins of the Greek vs Persian Wars. Often called the "Father of History".

Miltiades

Athenian general who defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Miltiades recognized that traditional Greek strategy would never succeed against the larger Persian force and adopted a completely unexpected tactic which broke the Persian lines, won the battle, and saved Greece from Persian domination.

Cimon

Athenian leader of the Delian League. He lead aggressive attacks on Persia, in land and sea battles to expand the League. Thasos then rebelled and then people wanted to break away with Sparta. Cimon was exiled, and then Athens made an alliance with Sparta's enemy, causing them to break ties.

Astrides the Just

Athenian military commander titled 'the Just' from his selfless behavior in power and reputation as a fair-minded leader. Succeeded in leading the Battles of Salamis and Plataea during the Persian Wars. Exiled by Themistocles because of accusations for being sympathetic to the Persians. Later given the task to assess how much states should pay to the Delian League and oversee oath swearing.

Themistocles

Athenian statesman and general (strategos), emphasis on naval power and military skills, instrumental during Persian wars. A brilliant strategist and canny politician he was thirsty for power. After his victory, any remaining ships retreated to Asia Minor.

Cleisthenes & reforms

Athenian who reformed the political structure and processes of Athens and is credited with creating a system of democracy. Recognized the citizen body of Athens where each demos belonged to a tribe or demoi (demes) which cut territorial and family loyalties.

Hesiod

Author, wrote Works and Days(a farmer's almanac) and Theogony (a geneology of the gods)

Lykourgos & his reforms (Great Rhetra)

Brought words from Apollo

Draco and his law code

Came to formulate extreme law. Marsha Law: if you do anything bad it is punishable by death no matter the severity of the crime.

polis

Center for common people, socializing, politics. The place from which colonies come

Messenian Wars

Conflicts between the neighbors Sparta and Messenia that resulted in Messenia's conquest by Sparta in about 600 B.C.E.

gerousia (council of elders)

Council of Elders in Sparta, 60+ yrs of age, chosen for life by assembly, included 2 kings, 28 others

Curse on the House of Atreus

Cursed by the gods, suffering death and destruction. Atreus' grandfather, Tantalus, who angered the gods was banished to the underworld for eternity. Orestes is seen to be the key to end the curse and develop a future for humanity.

Lefkandi

Dark ages settlement and monumental building on the island of Euboia. Contained the burial of an important man, woman and four horses.

Spartan society

Discouraged social distinction and instead observed an austere lifestyle. Distinction was drawn by prowess, discipline, and military talent. Males underwent a rigorous regime of physical training stood on a foundation of military discipline and commitment to military values.

ten tribes of Cleisthenes

Divided the 140-200 demes into 3 regions: city, coast and inland. Each of the regions were divided into 10 groups called trittyes and each was called by the name if its chief. Each was named after a local hero... -Erechthesis, Aegeis, Pandianis, Leontis, Acamantis, Oeneis, Cecropis, Hippothontis, Aeantis, and Antiochis.

Seisachteia (undoing of debt-burden)

During an economic crisis ownership of land ended up in the hands of a small aristocracy where dependant citizens paid a share of their crops to those above them. Solon proposed to cancel all debts and dependants could own the land they worked.

Archaeological - Material Source

Evidence derives from other material remains, usually w/o writing.

Numismatic - Material Source

Evidence that is derived from coins with devices and/or writing upon them.

Epigraphic - Material Source

Evidence that is derived from writing on stone or some other durable material.

Plataia

Following the Battle of Salamis, Xerxes planned an on land invasion of Greece. The Greek Hoplites proved themselves and ended in victory free from Foreign rule.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom, war, the crafts, and favourite daughter of Zeus. Considered the wisest, most courageous, and certainly the most resourceful of the Olympian gods. Thought to have inhabited the Acropolis in Athens.

Hoplites/hoplite warfare

Heavily armed Greek infantrymen who marched and fought in close ranks; most of the recruits were middle-class citizens. By fighting they could gain rights in the polis.

Ephors

High-ranked government official in Sparta who was elected by the council of elders

Salamis

In September 480 BCE at Salamis in the Saronic Gulf, the Greeks once more faced a larger enemy force. The Persians also had triremes but the Greeks had an ace up their sleeve, the great Athenian general Themistocles. He, with 20 years of experience and the confidence from his leadership at Artemision, employed a bold plan to entice the Persian fleet into the narrow straits of Salamis and hit the enemy fleet so hard it had nowhere to retreat to.

Thermopylae (& Spartans)

King Xerxes continued his predecessor Darius' vision, and in 480 BCE he gathered a huge invasion force to attack Greece again, this time via the pass at Thermopylae on the east coast.

Solon & reforms (Property classes and offices of the state)

Lawmaker credited with restructuring and laying foundations for Athenian democracy, which were inscribed on wooden tablets for all to see. Countered the violent rules of Draco. Raised qualifications for holding office based on property not birth. Created the council of the 400. -wide-ranging; inheritance, funerals, adultery, theft, damages, political institutions, and trade. (Stimulated Olive industry via exports)

Legacies (gods, heroes)

Mycenaean religion was the same as classical Greek religion, including the distinction between heroes and gods, one of the most characteristic features of classical Greek religion. Heroes were immortals who received offerings, but were not considered gods in the strict sense.

Aeschylus

One of the great writers of greek tragedy, known as 'the father of tragedy'. Author of the Eumenides.

Marathon

Persian army invasion of mainland Greece with a total strength of 90,000 Persians vs 10,000-20,000 Greeks. They clashed on the plain of Marathon 490 BCE. Persian strategy of arrow firing failed as the Greeks surrounded the enemy with their more intensive weapons and armour. The greeks won with only 192 casualties vs. 6,400 persian casualties. -Myth that after the battle a messenger ran 26.2 miles all the way back to Athens completing the first 'Marathon'.

Darius

Persian king from 522-486 BCE. Led expansion into mainland Europe and set his signs on Athens and the rest of Greece for increased prestige and to collect troublesome states on the border of the empire. 492 BCE The king attempted to call for Greek submission to the Persians however they sent a no-nonsense reply promising to form an alliance defending all of Greece. This response enraged Persia to launch naval forces inching closer to Greece.

Tyrtaeus & his poems

Poetry writer. Sits on the sidelines but encouraged ruthless dedication when inspiring the warriors.

Early changes in government

Rise of colonization and poleis with the possibility to create a new life. Hoplite warriors fight to become Spartans and then earn status as members of society. Rise in population and social revolution with development in; justice, science, geometry, astronomy, time, direction and logic.

Helots

Someone without any rights. Works their whole lives for the Spartans.

Xerxes

Son of Darius, chosen as his successor. Turned his attention to Greek conquest and spent four years amassing supplies and men to ensure his victory. Known in the story by Herodotus of Pythias the Lydian (a descendant of King Croesus) whos five sons were among those conscripted.

Diarchy (two kings)

Sparta

Spartan government

Spartan political system was unusual in that it had two hereditary kings from two separate families. These monarchs were particularly powerful when one of them led the army on campaign.

Hippias and Hipparchus

The 2 sons of Peisistratos who succeed him after he died through continuing his tyranny. Hipparchus was assassinated by the tyrannicides, Harmodius and Aristogeiton. Hippias became a cruel tyrant and was eventually overthrown by the Spartan king Cleomenes. Spartans at one point thought that a free and democratic Athens would be a threat to their power so they tried to place Hippias back as tyrant but he fled to Persia. The Ionian Revolt was stopped short but Hippias played a large role in encouraging the Persian invasion of Attica.

Opening of Egypt

The Greeks made their way to Egypt to gather and exchange ideas on societal improvement and the sciences.

Persian Wars

The conflict between Greece and Persia in the 5th century BCE. Most significant wars were at Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis and Plataea. The greeks were victorious and preserved their civilization which otherwise would have changed the whole outlook of the western world.

Citadel/centers

The core fortified area of a town or city. It may be a castle, fortress, or fortified center. The term is a diminutive of "city" and thus means "little city", so called because it is a smaller part of the city of which it is the defensive core.

Early Settlement

The earliest known greek colonies were established. Those who did not have a prominent role in society or saw potential in new development left the major citadels.

Spartan agoge

The regiment of warriors trained from the age of 7. Taking a bath in the freezing river every day. Acted as parts of a machine through military cohesiveness or brotherhood as one being.

ekklesia ("assembly")

The sovereign governing body of Athens where any member of the demos (adult male citizens) was welcome to attend meetings. They made decisions on war and foreign policy, wrote and revised laws and approved or condemned the conduct of public officials. Ex. Ostracism a citizen could be expelled from the city-state for 10 years was a decision made by a majority vote.

Discontentment

The spoils of war caused greater inner conflict in the Hellenic world. Violent actions of Spartan leader Pausanias alienated many Greek states from Sparta and led to a shift in military command. Encouraged withdrawal from the Delian League.

Athenian exhilaration

The victory guaranteed victory from foreign rule but also permitted a rich period of artistic culture, laying the foundations of all future Western civilizations.

Law codes/lawgivers - Law of Dreros

To become kosmos again before the ten-year limit had elapsed meant a heavy fine for the offender, a lifetime ban from office or loss of civic rights, it appears, and voiding of all his judgments. -The inscription is in a very prominent public place, in fact, a temple. -The word polis is used. -Restrictions are imposed upon the kosmos ("arranger"), presumably the community's most significant official, who apparently also functioned as a judge. -In addition to the (new?) kosmos, the damioi ("those of the people"), and the "twenty of the polis" play a prominent part in ensuring the penalties.

Peisistratos and his tyranny

Tyrant of ancient Athens whos unification of Attica by force allowed the city to gain prominence in Greece. Added statues and encouraged cultural or religious worship. Identified personally with Heracles and had two sons Hipparchus and Hippias.

Democracy and Eumenides

Underlying theme throughout, switch from archaic personal revenge justice to justice by organized trial. Transition from primitive society governed by instinct to modern society governed by reason or tyranny to democracy. **Gathers 50 Athenians to help judge rather than help from other Gods. **Athena decides to let him go free bc they believe fathers are the only true parent.

Science and Eumenides

Uses a lot of naturalistic metaphors and symbols, such as solar and lunar cycles, storms, wind, and fire to represent the always changing nature of human reality. Significant animal symbolism in the plays where humans are personified as beasts.

Clytemnestra

Wife of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and the sister of Helen of Troy. In Aeschylus's play Agamemnon, Clytemnestra is driven to murder Agamemnon partly to avenge the death of her daughter Iphigeneia, who he sacrificed for success in war. Bc she had adulterous love and was a part of the curse on the family, House of Atreus.

Orestes

son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. He avenged his father's murder by killing his mother. This act brought a curse of Furies upon him who chased after him and attacked. He flees and goes to Athena to be freed of the curse and goes through a trial via jury where the results are not guilty. The curse and Furies disappear.