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Beginning of Minoan Civilization. Minoans lived on the Island of Crete. They were protected by the sea, allowing them to live a peaceful and artful lifestyle.
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After the Mycenaeans took over Greece, trade routes spanned across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. A system of writing, Linear B, was created to help keep track of traded goods.
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A volcanic eruption at Thera destroys the Minoan kingdom. This leads to the Mycenaeans taking over Crete. Trade increases and City States begin to be built.
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The Mycenaeans are successful for a while. Grain shortages and wars weaken the Greeks and lead to invasions from the Dorians.
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A new wave of Greek Civilization begins. Poleis, or city states, are strengthened and built larger to hold more people. Poleis generally always had an Agora (market) and Acropolis (holy site). The building of Poleis also lead to the creation of Democracy.
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Cleisthenes, known as the Father of Democracy, was a tyrant who took power in Athens. During his time in power, he refined the laws of Democracy. In this form of democracy, land owning men were considered citizens capable of voting. An Assembly was created to make laws, and a Council was created for citizen to propose laws.
