hieu 2031 ancient greece unit 2 study guides

Key Concepts and Timeline

• Mycenaean civilization flourished in Bronze Age Greece from c. 1600 to 1100 BCE
• Named after the city of Mycenae, one of the major centers of power during this period
• Emerged after the decline of the Minoan civilization on Crete (c. 1450 BCE)
• Reached its peak between c. 1400 and 1200 BCE, known as the Late Helladic period
  • Late Helladic I (c. 1600-1500 BCE): Early Mycenaean period, rise of Mycenaean culture
  • Late Helladic II (c. 1500-1400 BCE): Expansion of Mycenaean influence, construction of major citadels
  • Late Helladic III (c. 1400-1100 BCE): Height of Mycenaean power, extensive trade networks established
• Characterized by the construction of massive fortified citadels (Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos)
• Developed a syllabic script called Linear B, an early form of Greek language
• Declined and collapsed around 1100 BCE, marking the end of the Bronze Age in Greece

Geography and Archaeological Sites

• Mycenaean civilization centered in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece
• Major Mycenaean centers located at Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos, Thebes, and Athens
• Mycenae, the most prominent city, situated in the Argolid region of the Peloponnese
  • Massive fortifications, including the famous Lion Gate entrance
  • Grave Circle A and B, containing rich burial goods and gold masks (Mask of Agamemnon)
• Tiryns, another important Mycenaean citadel, known for its impressive Cyclopean masonry
• Palace of Nestor at Pylos, a well-preserved Mycenaean palace with extensive Linear B archives
• Other significant sites include Gla, Midea, and Orchomenos in Boeotia
• Mycenaean settlements also found on islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Crete

Political Structure and Social Organization

• Mycenaean society was hierarchical, with a ruling class of kings and nobles at the top
• Palaces served as the center of political, economic, and religious power
  • Ruled by a wanax (king) who held supreme authority
  • Supported by a complex bureaucracy of officials and scribes
• Evidence of a warrior aristocracy, as depicted in Homeric epics and burial practices
• Existence of a slave class, as indicated by Linear B tablets mentioning "do-e-ro" (slaves)
• Possible presence of a council of elders or nobles, similar to the Homeric "boule"
• Society divided into various occupational groups (farmers, craftsmen, merchants, priests)
• Women held important roles in religious ceremonies and could own property

Mycenaean Culture and Art

• Mycenaean art characterized by a blend of Minoan and Near Eastern influences
• Distinctive Mycenaean pottery styles, such as the Pictorial Style and the Close Style
  • Depicted scenes from mythology, warfare, and daily life
  • Used vibrant colors and intricate geometric patterns
• Elaborate gold jewelry and ornaments, showcasing advanced metalworking techniques (Gold Cups from Vapheio)
• Monumental architecture, including massive fortification walls and tholos tombs (Treasury of Atreus)
• Frescoes adorning palace walls, depicting religious ceremonies, hunting scenes, and processions
• Development of the Mycenaean writing system, Linear B, used for administrative records
• Strong influence of Minoan culture, particularly in early Mycenaean art and architecture

Economy and Trade

• Mycenaean economy based on agriculture, with primary crops being wheat, barley, olives, and grapes
• Extensive trade networks established across the Aegean, Near East, and Mediterranean regions
  • Traded goods included pottery, textiles, olive oil, wine, and metals (bronze, gold, silver)
  • Evidence of Mycenaean trade found in Egypt, Anatolia, Cyprus, and the Levant
• Palaces served as centers of economic control, redistributing goods and resources
• Presence of specialized craftsmen, such as potters, metalworkers, and textile producers
• Linear B tablets provide insights into the palace-controlled economy and taxation system
• Development of standardized weights and measures for trade purposes
• Possible existence of private merchants and trade outside palace control

Military and Warfare

• Mycenaean society had a strong warrior culture, as evidenced by fortifications and burial practices
• Palaces were heavily fortified with massive Cyclopean walls (Mycenae, Tiryns)
• Warrior graves containing weapons and armor, indicating the importance of military prowess
  • Swords, spears, and daggers made of bronze
  • Boar's tusk helmets and body armor (dendra panoply)
• Chariots used in warfare, as depicted in art and mentioned in Linear B tablets
• Possible existence of a professional warrior class or aristocracy
• Engaged in naval warfare and piracy, as suggested by the Homeric epics
• Mycenaean warriors likely participated in the legendary Trojan War

Collapse and Legacy

• Mycenaean civilization collapsed around 1100 BCE, marking the end of the Bronze Age in Greece
• Theories for the collapse include invasions (Dorian invasion), internal strife, and natural disasters
• Collapse led to a period of decline and depopulation known as the Greek Dark Ages (c. 1100-800 BCE)
• Mycenaean palaces and cities were abandoned or destroyed, and the Linear B script fell out of use
• Greek Dark Ages saw a shift towards smaller, decentralized communities and a decline in material culture
• Mycenaean legacy survived in the form of oral traditions and myths, later recorded in Homeric epics
• Mycenaean Greek language evolved into the Archaic and Classical Greek dialects
• Rediscovery and excavation of Mycenaean sites in the late 19th century CE (Heinrich Schliemann at Mycenae)

Connections to Greek Mythology

• Mycenaean civilization is closely tied to the legendary events and characters of Greek mythology
• Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, set in the Mycenaean era and reflect Mycenaean culture
  • Trojan War, a central event in Greek mythology, likely inspired by Mycenaean-era conflicts
  • Heroes such as Achilles, Agamemnon, and Odysseus depicted as Mycenaean warriors
• Mythical figures like Perseus and Heracles associated with Mycenaean centers (Mycenae, Tiryns)
• Mycenaean cities and rulers mentioned in Greek mythology (Agamemnon as king of Mycenae)
• Possible religious continuity between Mycenaean deities and later Greek pantheon
  • Linear B tablets mention gods such as Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon
  • Mycenaean religious practices may have influenced later Greek cult traditions
• Archaeological evidence supports the existence of Mycenaean palaces and fortifications described in myths
• Greek mythological tradition preserves the memory of the Mycenaean era as a heroic age of legendary kings and warriors