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The bronze age is known as the first period that metal was used. In Greece, it began in around 3000 BC. This gave civilizations an improvement in tools and weapons, and allowed the beginning of new inventions and lifestyles. -
Minoans were a group of people who lived during the Bronze Age on the island of Crete. They were known for their architecture, trade, and writing. They held a great influence on the Mycenaean culture. -
They lived during the late Bronze Age in Greece, the Aegean Islands, and Crete. They were influenced by the Minoans. This group of people dominated some of Greece and other islands and extended their trade routes. -
A hoplite is a heavily armored Greek soldier. Their role was to fight in close formation, later in phalanx. This armor gave the soldiers more protection and helped them win more battles. -
Homer was a very important author during the 8th and 7th century BC. He published popular works including the Iliad (published in 750 BC) and the Odyssey (published in 720 BC). His impact included courage and honor, and his influence on Greek education and culture. -
Phalanx were a military formation used in the 7th century BC. It was created by the Greeks and has influenced later military developments. Soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder in rows, with each row holding a specific weapon. -
Zoroastrianism was founded by Zoroaster in the 6th century BC. It is known as the world's oldest monotheistic religion. It soon influenced Christian and Jewish thought. -
In the beginning, the Median Empire was created by a group of ancient Iranian people. Cyrus the Great rebelled against this empire and eventually conquered it, creating the Achaemenid Empire. During it's time, it conquered around 44% of the world's population. -
Cyrus, the King of Persia, successfully defeated the Babylonians. Babylon was the capital of an empire which is now Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This defeat was achieved by the takeover of Cyrus and his immense power he held at this time. -
It is unknown how Cyrus died, but some believe it was from a wound in battle. His body was placed in a tomb in a gold sarcophagus. His son Cambyses took over and successfully continued to expand the Persian Empire. -
Darius became the King of the persian empire by killing the son of Cyrus. While in power, he instituted heavy tax. He also created a very large standing military. -
Satrapies were provinces in an empire, with Satraps as their governors. The division of these provinces were under Darius I in the Achaemenid Empire. The Satraps were all individually chosen by the King. -
During this time, Spartan women had more rights than any other women in other Greek city-states. They were able to gain better freedom and were more educated than women in ancient Greece. Spartan women were also able to own and run properties of their own. -
The Ancient Greeks were the first to develop a democracy. This is the idea that citizens should take a role in the government through people they elect. It was first developed in Athens in 5th century BC. All adult males were required to be part of the government of Athens. -
The Persian War was mainly between Greece and Persia. Two of the most famous battles during this time were at Marathon and Thermopylae. The cause of this war was because King Darius I of Persia wanted to expand into Greece. In the end, Greece was victorious, defeating the Persian army. -
The Royal Road ran from the capital of Persia, Susa, all the way to Sardis and the Aegean Sea. This length was around 1,500 miles long. This road was built to allow communications throughout the persian empire. -
The Peloponnesian War was fought between Athens and Sparta. It ultimately began with Corinth (one of Sparta's allies) and Athens getting into a disagreement, which later brought Sparta into the mix. The war ended with a Spartan fleet defeating the Athens fleet at Aegospotami. -
Alexander became the King of Macedonia at just 20 years old after his father Philip was assassinated. During his reign, he conquered around 2 million square miles of land. He also had never lost a single battle while in power. He died after only 12 years as King. -
Society consisted of city-states that were each ruled by a king. Mayans were known for their architecture, writing systems, and astronomy. Their religion was polytheistic with multiple gods. -
The postclassic period included advancements in architecture, engineering, and weaponry. Power shifted towards the northern peninsula of Mayan lands. During this time, the Spanish began trying to take over Mayan lands.