The origins of the Greek world

1. THE ORIGINS OF THE GREEK WORLD -

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Greek civilisation appeared in the Balkan Peninsula, on islands in the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor ( now Turkey)

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Its ancient name was Hellas an its people were called hellenes.

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Natural environment had a great influence in Ancient Greece: -

Valleys were separated by mountain chains. Also there were many islands far from the continent. Independent states emerged in each valley and on each island.

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The sea: they were maritime people and traded with others across the Mediterranean.

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The climate was dry. People lived from agriculture, animal grazing and fishing.

1. THE ORIGINS OF THE GREEK WORLD -

They all had the same civilisation, although they lived in independent cities.

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They shared the same culture, religious beliefs and language.

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Greek history can be divided into three periods: 1. Archaic Age (8 th – 6 th centuries BC): - City states were established - Greece began to expand across the Mediterranean.

2. Classical Age (5 th century BC): - Period of great cultural achievement.

- Athens and Sparta were the dominant city states.

3. Hellenistic Age (4 th – 2nd centuries BC): - Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire.

- After his death, there were several Hellenistic Kingdoms - Finally, this area became part of the roman Empire.

1. THE ORIGINS OF THE GREEK WORLD PRE – HELLENIC CIVILISATIONS -

There were pre- hellenic civilisations before Greek civilisaton appeared:

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The Minoans (3000 – 1500 BC) - They were a prosperous maritime and trading civilisation on the island of Crete.

- They learned how to make and use bronze.

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The Myceneans (1600-1200 BC) - They controlled most of mainland Greece.

- The society was led by a warrior aristocracy.

- According to Greek leyends, these warriors fought the Trojan War.

3.

The Dorians (after 1200 BC) - They knew how to make and use iron - They entered mainland Greece from the north.

- Many of them went to live on the coast of Asia Minor, where they founded cities.

4.

Dark Age (1200 BC – 750 BC) - People lived in small, isolated communities.

- they left few archaeological remains.