Aegean History and Greek Religion Quiz

Study Notes

Aegean Decentralization (1200-800 BCE)

The period between 1200 and 800 BCE was marked by political decentralization and material poverty in the Aegean region.
This period followed a period of invasion, which likely contributed to the decline of centralized power.

The Polis (After 800 BCE)

Starting around 800 BCE, the city-state structure known as the polis emerged across the Aegean world.
These city-states were autonomous, meaning they were independent and self-governing.
Cities competed with one another in various aspects, including economics, culture, and military affairs.
The polis system spread from the Greek mainland and islands to colonies in Asia Minor, North Africa, and other regions.

Greek Religion

Greek gods were believed to possess supernatural powers, however, they were also depicted as having human-like qualities.
Gods were prone to conflict and had emotions, vendettas, weaknesses, and flaws.
The Greek afterlife was shrouded in mystery and generally viewed as an undesirable state.
The gods were believed to only help the living.

Emphasis on the "Here and Now"

Greeks believed that telling stories about a person after death was the best hope for a "good" afterlife.
The warlike nature and the perceived shortcomings of the afterlife led to a strong emphasis on the present.
There was a strong focus on the importance of human life in the here and now.

Greek Humanism

Greeks emphasized human achievements, particularly heroism and athleticism.
Greek art often portrayed idealized male bodies, showcasing strength and beauty.
Greek culture had a strong emphasis on human stories and experiences, a concept known as Greek Humanism.

Art & Architecture

Greek art and architecture emphasized idealistic representations.
Artists were less interested in individual portraits and more interested in representing ideal types of figures.
Architects developed standard decorative elements for buildings, emphasizing a sense of order and harmony.

Thematic Representations in Art

Early Greek art frequently depicted scenes of war and conflict between Greek city-states.
Later art, particularly following the Persian Wars, often depicted Greek victories against non-Greek enemies, but also continued to portray conflict amongst the Greek themselves.

The Persian Wars: A Turning Point in Ancient Greece

The Persian Empire conquered many Eastern polities.
The destruction of the Athenian Acropolis in 480 BCE by Persian troops was a major turning point in Ancient Greek history.
The event served as a catalyst for the creation of the Delian League, a defensive alliance modeled on a "NATO" structure.
The Delian League aimed to protect member polities against Persian aggression and was financed through taxes.
The Persian Wars promoted a sense of Hellenic unity and nationalism among Greeks.
The Athenian democracy at the time granted voting rights only to free adult male citizens, representing a small minority of the population.
Greek nationalism post-Persian invasion can be seen as a form of "us vs. them" tribalism.

Artistic Impact of the Persian Wars

The Persian War influence on Greek art manifested in the portrayal of idealized, heroic figures with calm expressions.
The art showcased a strong emphasis on full naturalism.
The architecture of the time celebrated the "us vs. them” theme by displaying coherent sculptural programs.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Aegean decentralization from 1200 to 800 BCE, the emergence of the polis, and the nature of Greek religion. This quiz explores the political, cultural, and religious developments of ancient Greece. Dive in to learn about the evolution of city-states and divine beliefs in this fascinating period.