The Civilization of the Greeks
The first civilization was founded on a large island of Crete. A mountainous peninsula about 45,000 square miles was occupied by the Greeks. Arthur Evans, an English archaeologist, named this civilization Minoan Crete after the legendary king Minos. They had little to no influence from other people because they were so isolated. Around 1450 B.C.E., a catastrophe struck the Minoan civilization that resulted in collapse. It is still uncertain of what the catastrophe was. Some historians believe a tsunami took place, while others think there was an invasion. About 1600 B.C.E. was the beginning of the first Greek state named Mycenae. It consisted of many powerful monarchies. The people who lived in this area were from the European family and were great warriors. By the late thirteenth century B.C.E. they were showing signs of collapse. After the fall of the Mycenaean civilization the Dark Age hit. The Dark Age is known as a difficult time with declining population and food production. Large numbers of Greeks then migrated across the Aegean Sea to different islands.
The Greek economy was mostly based on trade and agriculture. They produced grains, vegetables, and fruits. They also grew grapes and olives which were turned into wine and olive oil. The Greeks …show more content…
It was based on a polytheistic religion with twelve gods and goddesses. The highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus, is where they were believed to have lived. The five most important were of the following: Zeus, father of the gods; Athena, goddess of wisdom and crafts; Apollo, god of the sun and poetry; Aphrodite, goddess of love; and Poseidon, brother of Zeus and god of the seas and earthquakes. Rituals played a big part of this religion. Their rituals usually resulted in a sacrifice of an animal or crops. When they prayed to the gods and goddesses they would offer gifts. The Greeks held festivals and games to honor the
The first civilization was founded on a large island of Crete. A mountainous peninsula about 45,000 square miles was occupied by the Greeks. Arthur Evans, an English archaeologist, named this civilization Minoan Crete after the legendary king Minos. They had little to no influence from other people because they were so isolated. Around 1450 B.C.E., a catastrophe struck the Minoan civilization that resulted in collapse. It is still uncertain of what the catastrophe was. Some historians believe a tsunami took place, while others think there was an invasion. About 1600 B.C.E. was the beginning of the first Greek state named Mycenae. It consisted of many powerful monarchies. The people who lived in this area were from the European family and were great warriors. By the late thirteenth century B.C.E. they were showing signs of collapse. After the fall of the Mycenaean civilization the Dark Age hit. The Dark Age is known as a difficult time with declining population and food production. Large numbers of Greeks then migrated across the Aegean Sea to different islands.
The Greek economy was mostly based on trade and agriculture. They produced grains, vegetables, and fruits. They also grew grapes and olives which were turned into wine and olive oil. The Greeks …show more content…
It was based on a polytheistic religion with twelve gods and goddesses. The highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus, is where they were believed to have lived. The five most important were of the following: Zeus, father of the gods; Athena, goddess of wisdom and crafts; Apollo, god of the sun and poetry; Aphrodite, goddess of love; and Poseidon, brother of Zeus and god of the seas and earthquakes. Rituals played a big part of this religion. Their rituals usually resulted in a sacrifice of an animal or crops. When they prayed to the gods and goddesses they would offer gifts. The Greeks held festivals and games to honor the