Classical Studies 2200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Lion Gate, Death Masks, Phaistos

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2200
• Professor: Christopher Brown

Document Summary

Paleolithic period: evidence for habitation in the greek world, hunting and gathering society, tools and weapons of stone, wood, and bone, no evidence for social organization, etc. Historical context: the ancient near east: in contrast to the greek world, the near had developed elaborate (cid:272)i(cid:448)ilizatio(cid:374)s (cid:894)(cid:858)high (cid:272)ulture(cid:859)(cid:895, numerous surviving documents, influence on the greek world controversial, but scholarly acceptance is growing. Historical context: egypt: an elaborate high culture, trade relations as early as the 3rd mil. Bce: some see egypt as the source of key aspects of greek culture (ex. the pantheon of gods) This is suggestive, but unconvincing: clear egyptian influence on early. Mycenaean age: cycladic greek island, helladic what is now mainland greece. The minoans: akroteri: a bronze age town deserted before the final eruption of the volcano. 1600 bce: remarkable preservation of buildings, provides unique insights into everyday life, arresting examples of minoan wall painting. Minoan society: pre-palatial or early minoan (3500-2000 bce)