The Birth of Greek Civilization

Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Phoenicians The three cultures that influenced the development of Greek civilization

Minoans •A wealthy trading culture •2,000 B.C. •Exported pottery, metal work, wine, and olive oil

The Mycenaeans •1600 B.C. •Traded metals from the Greek mainland for the beautiful Minoan exports •Conquered Crete in 1450 B.C. and took over Minoa’s valuable trade •This civilization disappeared by 1100 B.C.

The Phoenicians • Located on the eastern Mediterranean (today's Lebanon) • Founded colonies around the Mediterranean • Developed the alphabet

Greek City-States • • • •

Shared a language & letters Remained independent of each other Each region had a Polis Each region was built around an acropolis

Structure of the City-States

Acropolis

Polis Agora

Polis A city-state in ancient Greece

Polis

• Each polis was a nation of its own • developed because land was isolated by mountains or water • common language • depend on one another to survive. • met every year at a great athletic contest known as the Olympics.

ACROPOLIS a large hill in ancient Greece where city residents sought shelter and safety in times of war and met to discuss community affairs

Agora • A central area in Greek cities used both as a marketplace and as a meeting place.

Governments of the city-states

Democracy

Monarchy Oligarchy

Monarchy Some city-states had a single ruler

Oligarchy In some city-states, a small group of the richest and most powerful citizens controlled decision-making

Democracy Rule by the citizens

The Powers of Greece CITY-STATE

SPARTA

ATHENS

GOVERNMENT

ROLE OF CHILDREN

FOCUS OF THE CITY-STATE