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Jan 1, 600
The Archaic Period
The Archaic Period runs from approx. 800 B.C.E to 500 B.C.E. During this time, Greece transitioned into city/states, otherwise known as a polis. Each polis had a community of citizens that would help make the decisions for their city. This is the beginning geographical setting for democracy. -
Period: Jan 1, 750 to Jan 1, 1200
Dark Ages
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Jan 1, 776
776 B.C.E. The first Olympic Games
The first Olympic games were believed to be held in 776 B.C.E. Athletes would come from far distances to compete, and have to prove lineage before being accepted as an athelete. Running was the first sport, and the distance of the race was the length of the stadium. -
Jan 1, 1000
The Dark Ages
The Dark Ages of Greece spanned about 1200 B.C.E. to 800 B.C.E. This time is referred to as the Dark Ages because many of the developements of prior civilizations were lost for a period of time. The Linear B from the Mycenaeans was lost, artistic pottery returned to pottery created for function only.
One of the possble innovations of the time is the adoption or invention of waterproof plaster. This new development would bring us to the white plaster homes Greece is known for today. -
Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Bronze Age
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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Mycenaeans
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Jan 1, 1500
Mycenaeans- Prepared for War
The Mycenaean city had a great wall built around the perimeter. This would suggest that the population was prepared for the possibility of invasion, and took measures to protect themselves. This would also suggest they may have invaded other territories as well. -
Mycenaeans
The Mycenaeans lived in what is now the mainland of Greece. It is believed they studied the Minoans, and then possibly took over the culture.
The Mycenaeans had several important advances during their time in Greece. They used Linear B as a type of writing, which may have been an advancement on the Minoans Linear A. The written language was not an alphabet so much as syllables and words. The language was used to keep inventory and records of goods rather than as a tool to write literature. -
Period: to
Minoans
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The Minoans and the Mycenaeans Trade
Both the Minoans and the Mycenaeans are believed to have traded with other cultures.
Each civilization would have used similar ships, although the Mycenaeans refined designs as time went on to have larger cargo for either more rowers, or more cargo. -
Minoans on the Island of Crete
The Minoans were believed to live on the islands of Greece. They had an advanced culture with written language (Linear A), pottery which depicted scenes from nature, possible indoor plumbing, and sports.
One of the sports the Minoans enjoyed was "bull leaping" which is similar to bull fighting of today. A main difference was that the animals were not injured, but rather used as a base for acrobatics. There is proof of the sport in the form of art. -
A Bridge to Modern Democracy
The structure of the Greek government has changed from a monarchy to the very beginnings of a democracy. Political groups have formed, and the idea of a government "by, for, and of the people" has begun. This idea has carried over the centuries, and is the same foundation the US was built upon. -
Period: to Jan 1, 750
Archaic Period
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Minoans
Start of ancient Greece's history. The Minoan people live on the islands of modern day Crete, in Greece.
