HIST 102H Lecture : The Greek Tradition
Document Summary
The greek tradition (from ancient to classical greece, 1000-400bc) The first greek settlers were mycenaeans; spoke an indo-european language. Harsh land & good climate meant huge reliance on the sea. Active trade led to good economy & contact with others. Divided greek mainland into small, autonomous kingdoms. Did conceive a cultural unity as a single hellenic" (greek) people. The minoan culture identified with legendary king minos of crete. Grew wealthy through commerce; contact with mycenae. Taught greeks seafaring, commerce, writing, & gov"t. Minoan collapse by 1400 bc= constant warfare was answer to all problems. Zeus, hades, poseidon, hera, demeter, athena, etc. Gods embodied human characteristics; controlled natural phenomenon"s. There"s a reason behind every earthquake, storm, volcano, etc. = wrath of the gods. Greeks lost 90% of its population; decline in trade. Greek migration from mountains to coastal towns, plains, aegean islands, and as far as sicily. Revived greek writing using the phoenician script.
