Trivia Fun Times

What does Mesopotamia mean? What are the two rivers that run through

Mesopotamia? What technique was used to help with flooding and

farming? What allowed archaelogists to read hieroglyphics? In 1957, this NFL team won its last NFL Championship.

What is this sports team? Extra gravy if you know the opponent. Will they (both) ever win again?

GreeceOVERVIEW

Geography of Greece

Surrounded by the (3) bodies of water: Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas Coastal cities and harbors

Allows for extensive trade

Numerous islands

Very mountainous, rugged

Located between modern Turkey and Italy

On the Balkan Peninsula

Famous for olive and grape cultivation

Minoan Civilization

Established on the island of Crete

Named after Minos the legendary king of Crete

Lasted from 2700 – 1450 BCE

Not considered Greek but influenced future Greek civilization

Constructed beautiful and elaborate palaces

Violent end (two theories) Tidal Wave caused by volcanic eruption

Invaded by the Mycenaean Greeks (most likely)

Palace of Knossos

Palace of Knossos

Discovered by Arthur Evans an English archaeologist

Very elaborate

Private living rooms

Bathrooms and drainage system

The Mycenaeans

Considered the first Greek State

Most likely conquered the Minoan Civilization

1600 – 1100 BC

Consisted of a loose alliance of independent kingdoms

Monarchies that resided in fortified palaces

Extensive commercial trade

Militaristic, prided themselves in heroic deeds

Homer: The Iliad and the Odyssey

Gateway into Mycenae

Greek City-States

A polis is a city-state and the central focus of Greek life.

Acropolis: fortified hill of a city-state.

Agora: market or gathering place.

City-States were communities that shared common identity and goals

Most famous city-states: Athens and Sparta

Hoplites: heavily armed infantry soldiers

Hoplite unit: Phalanx

Acropolis

Greek Dark Ages: 1100 – 750 BC

Mycenaean civilization collapses

Few records exist

Food production dropped

Population declined

Many Greeks left for Asia Minor (Modern Turkey)

Out of darkness and into the dawn? Increased trade

Use of iron

Adoption of Phoenician alphabet

Greek Philosophy Love Wisdom?

Socrates Famous for his method of teaching by questioning

The Apology

Plato The Republic

Student of Socrates

Aristotle On Happiness

Alexander the Great

Athens and Democracy

For tomorrow please read the documents for our debate on Athenian democracy