HIST110 Lecture : L4 - Greek Civilization.docx
11 Apr 2013
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Many cities were built upon mountain strongholds. Athens, first settled in the neolithic age, was a fortified palace during the bronze age. Settlements shrank in size and moved inland away from coastlines. At athens, the citadels were destroyed, economy and social organization severally affected. Use of writing declined to the extent that knowledge of linear b disappeared. World in stasis, isolated from civilizations emerging in near east. The hardships of daily life made greeks suspicious of their gods, they came to rely on the power of individual human beings rather than divine intervention on human affairs. *excessive pride in one own"s accomplishments could be dangerous, because such hubris attracted the adverse attention of the gods. Gods favored those who showed initiative and daring. By 1000 bce, the chaotic conditions that contributed to isolation were removed due to periods of peace standard of living improved, artisans developed their crafts, increased contact between settlements fostered trade.
