How did the Ancient Greek
civilization develop?
I. Geographic features of Greece
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Warm climate, rains only in winter –
encouraged outdoor life at the agora,
(marketplace)
Lands and Islands linked by the
Aegean, Ionian, and Black sea
Mountainous- ¾ of the land is covered
with mountains – hard to travel through
out Greece, divided Greece
II. Cultures in the Bronze Age
A. Cretan civilization (the Minoans) 2000-1400
B.C. were characterized by beautiful palaces,
athletic contests, and stylish dress. Developed
plumbing.
B. Mainland Greeks were known as Mycenaeans.
1. Led by warrior kings.
2. Great wealth among the nobles.
3. Source of wealth from trade, but closer to
piracy
III. Dark AgesA. Mycenaean civilization declines after the
Trojan war
B. Dorians – a distant relative of the Bronze
Age Greeks but not as advanced
C. Homer’s epics, long heroic poems
D. Olympic games