Aegean and Greek World Overview

A period between the decline of the Bronze Age and the rise of Classical Greece, marked by reduced archaeological evidence, often referred to as a time of decline and rebuilding, but with a renewed focus on oral storytelling and the start of Greek colonization.

Ancient Greek cities that functioned as independent political entities with their own laws, governments, and citizens.

A period of remarkable cultural and artistic flourishing in ancient Greece, known for its advancements in philosophy, democracy, literature, architecture, and the development of the Athenian Empire.

The period between the 8th and 5th century BC, witnessing the emergence of Greek cities, the adoption of the alphabet, and the development of Greek culture from the remnants of the Bronze Age. It was marked by economic growth, expansion, and the introduction of new technologies like iron.

A term used to describe the bias in our understanding of ancient Greece, particularly favoring the perspective of Classical Athens and its literature. It can skew our understanding of other regions and periods.

The Athenian envoys argued that the Melians should surrender to Athens because they were weaker and would ultimately lose, while the Melians believed that they could still resist despite their smaller size and hoped for a chance win.

The Melian commissioners argued that their seven-hundred-year-old city's survival was due to divine protection and hoped for help from the Lacedaemonians, essentially advocating for independence and alliances to preserve their freedom.

The Athenian invasion and siege of Melos, which resulted in the execution of all adult males, enslavement of women and children, and ultimately the colonization of Melos by the Athenians, exemplified Athenian power and their ruthless treatment of resisting cities.

The Peloponnesian Wars, spanning 431-404 BCE, were a series of conflicts between Athens and Sparta that included two phases: the initial Athenian invasion of Sicily and the Athenian defeat at the Battle of Aegospotami. The Athenian defeat led to the rise of a pro-Spartan oligarchy known as the "Thirty Tyrants" in Athens.

The Battle of Aegospotami, in 405 BCE, was a significant military defeat for Athens, resulting in the destruction of their fleet.

The core of Athenian democracy involved a council (Boule), elected officials (Magistrates), and the Assembly, where citizens participated in decision-making.

Thetes were Athenian citizens who were not wealthy. They were excluded from political life initially, but Solon's reforms granted them voting rights in assemblies and courts.

Solon's reforms in 594 BC marked a significant shift in Athenian society, granting voting rights to the poorest citizens (thetes) and abolishing enslavement for debt.

The Ionian Revolt was a rebellion of Greek city-states against the Persian Empire. It ignited the Persian Wars, which had a profound impact on the Greek world.

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire. They resulted in the defeat of the Persians and the preservation of Greek independence.

Cleisthenes' reforms, introducing the concept of 'isonomia' (equality before the law), established a new political framework for Athenian society by replacing tribal divisions based on blood ties with geographic districts.

Athenian citizens were free men, adults, and had to have at least one citizen parent (both parents from 451 BC onward). This indicates the strict criteria for Athenian citizenship.

Ostracism was an Athenian political process involving the exile of citizens for a period of ten years. It served as a mechanism to prevent individuals from gaining too much power or influencing the political landscape.

A conflict between the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta, lasting from 431 to 404 BCE, resulting in a Spartan victory.

The Athenian Empire was formed after the Persian Wars, with Athens leading a confederation of Greek states. Members of the Delian League, initially allies, became subjects of Athens.

The Acropolis of Athens is a hilltop fortress with ancient temples and monuments, including the Parthenon. It serves as a symbol of Athenian civilization and its architectural magnificence.

The Peloponnesian War was primarily documented by Thucydides, a Greek historian who witnessed and recorded the events of the war.

The Ionian Revolt was a rebellion of Greek cities in Ionia (modern-day Turkey) against the Persian Empire. It began in 499 BC and lasted until 494 BC, ending with the Persian victory and the destruction of Miletus.

The Peloponnesian War spanned two phases, from 431 to 421 BCE and from 415 to 404 BCE. The first phase saw Athens facing challenges like outbreaks and defections.

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states in the 5th century BC. They were triggered by the Ionian Revolt and resulted in the Greek victory. The most famous battles include Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis.

Corcyra (modern Corfu) joined Athens during the Peloponnesian War, highlighting the strategic significance of alliances and shifting loyalties.

Marathon was a crucial battle in the First Persian War, where the Athenian army, under the leadership of Miltiades, defeated the Persian forces in 490 BC. It was a decisive victory for the Greeks and a turning point in the war.

The Siege of Melos, in 416 BCE, demonstrates the Athenian policy of 'might makes right' and their willingness to use force to maintain control.

The term 'Orientalism' refers to a Western style of domination, understanding, and representation of the Orient (the East). It often involves the projection of Western values and stereotypes onto Eastern cultures, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

The Siege of Melos highlights a fundamental difference between Athenian and Melian perspectives. Athenian power dictated right and wrong, while the Melians appealed to justice and freedom.

Dehumanization refers to the process of stripping people of their humanity and treating them as less than human. It is often used as a tool of war propaganda to justify conflict and violence against a perceived enemy.

In Herodotus' words, 'The fact of being Greek' refers to a shared sense of identity among Greeks, based on blood, language, religious practices, and cultural traditions. This shared identity motivated them to fight for their freedom against the Persian Empire.

The Athenian expansion refers to the period from 478 BC to 431 BC when Athens rose to power in the Greek world, establishing a naval empire and dominating the Delian League. This period saw the flourishing of Athenian democracy and culture, but also led to conflicts with other Greek city-states.