Lecture 10
The Greeks
Greek Geography
It is a peninsula rimmed by the Aegean Sea to the East and the Ionion Sea to the West and the Mediterranean to the South
. The Gulf of Corinth drives a wedge between the southern part of the peninsula and the land to the north. The Southern part is known as the Peloponnesus. No where are the people in central and southern Greece more than 40 miles from the sea. Mountains played a central role in the division of Greece into City-States.Minoan Civilization
around 2700 B.C. a group of people settled on the island of Crete. Their kings were called Minos and therefor the civilization was known as Minoan.
Knossos
was there famed capital where in incredible complex of buildings and palaces were situated.
Built by wealthy noblemen who made either money on trade or were great military leaders. Their homes had plumbing, drains, and bathrooms (a definite plus when it comes to being civilized)
Mycenaen Age
These were the first Greeks who dominated the mainland and created City States. The King of Mycenae became the most powerful ruler and hence the name. By 1400 B.C. they conquered the Createns to the south and adapted there form of writing to the Greek Language.
Dark Ages
Tribes from the north who knew about iron came in around 1100 B.C. and destroyed the Mycenaen civilization. They killed the scribes and burned the cities. Writing disappeared as a result of this, however, verbal history still existed.
Iliad and the Odyssey
These were a collection of stories from the verbal history that reflected both fact and fiction. However it was the result of these stories which at one time were thought to be fiction, that the civilizations of Crete and Mycenae were discovered around 1900.
Greek Colonization
Around 800 B.C. overpopulation began to cause problems on the Greek mainland. As a result these Greeks sent some of their people by boat to far off lands where they resettled and formed colonies
. Some of these colonies became very powerful on their own rights. They went to Spain, Italy, Sicily, Asia Minor along the Black Sea and North Africa.Acropolis
most city states where built around this central part which was usually on a fortified hill. The King usually had his palace here and later many temples. Below this area was the market place or Forum. Surrounding these central cities were farms which supported the city with food etc.
Monarchy
form of government that depends on a single ruler or King for all the power. Power is passed on through heredity.
Aristocracy
rule by a small number of men belonging to important families who owned large areas of land.
Plutocracy
Rule by a small number of men of wealth who usually acquired this wealth through commerce.
Tyranny
Rule by one man who acquired his power through personal strength not by inheritance or social position.
Democracy
Rule by the citizens.
Solon
received special permission to reform life in Athens. He changed many of the ancient laws and fed and forgave debt of many farmers. The laws he changed were known as the Draconian Code. They were famous for being so severe! More importantly he introduced the concept that people would vote for a general assembly and be tried by a jury selected by lot.
Pericles
460-429 B.C. The most important Athenian leader was this man. He was elected a general for 30 years. He was instrumental in making changes in the Athenian government.
Those changes were:1. General Assembly: Legislature. All Athenian citizens were members of this body. There were about 43,000 of them all MEN!
They had to be 21 years and older and had to be born in Athens.2. Council of Five Hundred; Executive. They carried out the laws recommended legislation and controlled the finances. Representatives of all sectors of Athens were chosen by lot.
3. Ten Generals: Chief Executives. These men helped the council of five hundred carry out the day to day running of the government. They were not only good generals but good administrators.
Jury System: Judiciary. Every citizen took his turn. They were paid so the poor as well as the rich could perform their duties. There were 201 to 501 members on the jury which acted also as judge.
Each citizen was expected to defend themselves for there were no lawyers!Slavery
most of the inhabitants of Athens were slaves who were taken in war or lost their freedom because of debt. They were responsible for most of the heavy labor. However most citizens felt threatened by slaves because they outnumbered citizens 3 to 1.