Dark Age

Definition

The Dark Age refers to a period in ancient Greek history, roughly from the 12th to the 8th centuries BCE, characterized by a significant decline in cultural and economic activity following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization. This era is marked by a lack of written records, diminished trade, and the loss of complex societal structures, which has led historians to label it as a time of relative obscurity compared to the flourishing periods before and after.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dark Age saw a significant reduction in population and urbanization in Greece, leading to isolated communities that relied more on subsistence agriculture.
2. Artistic expression during this period was minimal; however, simple pottery styles, like the Submycenaean ware, emerged, indicating some continuity from the previous Mycenaean tradition.
3. Oral traditions were crucial during the Dark Age since written records largely disappeared; these traditions laid the foundation for later literary works.
4. Trade networks contracted significantly during this time, with many areas becoming self-sufficient and less connected to external markets.
5. The end of the Dark Age was marked by the emergence of city-states and significant cultural developments in the Geometric Period, leading to the eventual rise of Classical Greece.

Review Questions

• How did the societal structures of Mycenaean civilization influence the conditions that led to the Dark Age?
  • The collapse of Mycenaean civilization resulted in a breakdown of complex societal structures and centralized governance, leading to smaller, isolated communities. This shift caused a loss of trade networks and economic stability, contributing to diminished cultural activity. As these societies transitioned into a more rudimentary state during the Dark Age, they had to rely on basic agricultural practices rather than trade and craft specialization.
• What role did oral traditions play in preserving Greek culture during the Dark Age?
  • During the Dark Age, with the absence of written records, oral traditions became essential for preserving cultural knowledge and history. Stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth, which allowed for a continuity of heritage despite the lack of documentation. These oral narratives eventually inspired significant literary works like those of Homer, who played a crucial role in reviving Greek culture as society transitioned out of the Dark Age.
• Evaluate how the transition from the Dark Age to the Geometric Period marked a significant turning point in Greek history.
  • The transition from the Dark Age to the Geometric Period represents a crucial turning point as it marked a revival in artistic production and social complexity. The emergence of city-states began establishing new political structures and forms of governance. As trade networks reopened and literacy reemerged, this paved the way for advancements in culture, philosophy, and art that would shape Classical Greece. The developments during this transition helped lay foundational elements for democracy and intellectual pursuits that characterize later periods.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization:

An advanced Bronze Age civilization that flourished in Greece from around 1600 to 1100 BCE, known for its palatial centers, linear B writing system, and impressive art.

Geometric Period: The era following the Dark Age, from around 900 to 700 BCE, noted for its revival of artistic production and the establishment of city-states.

Homer: An ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey,' whose works emerged during the later part of the Dark Age and helped revive cultural memory.