Ancient Greece Quiz

Greece: Part 1

• The presentation is about Ancient Greece.
• A prayer is included at the start.
• The geography of Ancient Greece is discussed.
• The presentation also discusses the Minoans and Mycenaeans.
• The geography of Greece included mountains, islands, and sea.
• The mountains prevented a unified Greece.
• Farming was difficult due to the mountainous terrain.
• The sea was important for trade and travel.
• The presentation includes images of ancient Greek structures, like the Parthenon.

The Early "Greeks"

• The presentation focuses on the early cultures of Greece.
• Discussion on the Minoans (2000-1500 BC)
• The Minoans were known for their Frescos (paintings on wet plaster), sailing, trade, indoor running water, and the Linear A writing system.
• The Minoan civilization ended due to volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
• The presentation also covers the Mycenaeans (1600-1100 BC).
• The Mycenaeans conquered Crete, developed Linear B writing, and were organized into tribes or city-states.

Myths and Historical Truth

• The presentation contains a starter question exploring the value of myths to historical truth.

Minoans

• The Minoans existed from 2000 to 1500 BC.
• They were named after King Minos.
• Notable features of their culture: Frescos (paintings), sailors and traders, indoor running water, and Linear A writing.
• The Minoan civilization ended due to a volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Mycenaeans

• The Mycenaeans lived on the Greek mainland from 1600 BC to 1100.
• They had strong fortifications (walls), conquered Crete, and used Linear B writing.
• Their culture was more focused on conquest and warfare.

The Mythistory of Atlantis

• The presentation includes a slide about myths and the legend of Atlantis.
•  The presentation covers the myth of the Minotaur, a creature in Greek mythology.

Mycenaeans (1600 - 1100 BC)

• The Mycenaeans inhabited the Greek mainland.
• They had a warrior culture, with a focus on conquering, fortifications, and a system of tribes.
• Linear B writing was their writing system.
• They controlled Crete.

The Trojan War (1250 BC)

• The Trojan War was a significant conflict in Greek legends
• The war was thought to be caused by a romantic desire to retrieve a stolen wife.
•  The war is legendary in nature, and it lasted about 10 years.
• A rich trading city was engaged in economic rivalry which led to the Trojan War.

The Trojan War Explained

• The presentation explains the background of the Trojan War.

Odyssey

• The Odyssey narrates the journey of Odysseus after the Trojan War.
• Odysseus took a long time to travel back home.
• A sea journey through the Mediterranean Sea is a key component of the story

Greek City-States

• The presentation discusses the structure of Greek City-States which were referred to as Polis.

Prayer

• Multiple prayer slides are included in the presentation, focused on asking for guidance and blessings.

Greek City-States: Introduction

• This topic defines the polis—a political unit.
• Other Key components presented that helped form the polis included: Agoras's (markets), Acropolis (fortress), Hinterland (villages).
• Several Greek City-States are important, namely: Actium, Athens, Corinth, Delos, Delphi, Olympia, Sparta, Syracuse, etc.

Pan-Hellenization

• The presentation explores pan-Hellenization—a larger cultural understanding of the Greeks, but not necessarily political.
• Several important sites: Literature (the Iliad and the Odyssey), Temple to Apollo and Artemis (Delos), religious center (Olympia), the Oracle at Delphi.

Corinth

• Ancient Corinth was a powerful city-state.
• Corinth acted as a communication hub.
• Corinth is the richest commercial city.

Olympia

• Olympia was a religious center.
• The Olympics originated and were held here every four years.
• The games were held to honor the gods.

This is Sparta

• The presentation discusses Sparta's militaristic social structure.
• Sparta had a unique social structure, with different social classes (Spartan citizens, Perioikoi, and Helots).
• Women in Sparta had higher social status compared to other Greek city-states.
• Spartan men were known for their military training and prowess.

Spartan Life/Training

• Spartan males experienced the Agoge, a rigorous 13-year military training program.
• A harsh upbringing was part of the program.
•  Discipline and training were a priority in Sparta

Spartan Government

•  Sparta had a complex system of government with kings, the Gerousia (council of elders), and the Apella (assembly).
• The Ephors held substantial influence.
• Their system of government was different from Athens.

The Legend of Athens

• The presentation presents the legend of a duel between Athena and Poseidon
• Athens became a significant center due to their strong connection with the goddess Athena.

Athenian Society

•  Athenian society had different social classes (citizens, metics, slaves).
• A focus on education and literacy is also presented.
•  Athenian citizens prioritized education by studying the Iliad and the Odyssey of Homer.

### Simple Homes

• Homes in Athens were modest, and wealth was not flaunted through excessive displays.

Marriage

• Girls married young in Athens, typically at ages 13 or 14.
• The practice of marriage was quite different for men, with a tendency to marry twice

Solon and Draco

•  The presentation explores Solon and Draco, lawgivers in Athens.
• Their contributions focused on resolving issues with laws. 
• Solon helped establish reforms focused on debt relief. 

Athenian Democracy

•  Athens's democracy was unique, with citizen assemblies (Ecclesia), representatives (Boule), and courts (Dikasteria).
• The system of democracy is a core factor.
•  The electoral process involved a lottery system for many positions.

Democracy and the Navy

• A strong navy was important to Athenian democracy.
•  A larger citizen participation was facilitated by a well-structured navy
• The importance of the navy for Athenian society is explored in detail.

The Greco-Persian Wars

• A series of wars between the Persians and the Greeks.
•  The conflicts spanned many battles, significant for the historical timeline.
• Included the Ionian Revolt, and the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis.

Battle of Marathon, 490 BC

• The Battle of Marathon was a significant clash between Persian and Athenian forces.
•  Sparta decided against supporting Athenians in battle.
•  Athens achieved a significant victory, however they lost many troops.

Aftermath of the Battle

• After the Battle of Marathon, there was a significant myth broken.
•  Athens saw a victory at Marathon, but Persia was still a threat.
•  Pheidippides was a runner who played a key role in relaying the Athenian victory at Marathon

Xerxes's Revenge

•  Xerxes fought for revenge against the Greeks.
• Xerxes attempted a sea invasion using a bridge of boats, and assembled a massive army.

Battle of Thermopylae, 480 BC

• The Battle of Thermopylae was a famous, but lost, defensive battle against the massive Persian army.
• 300 Spartans fought courageously, giving time for the rest of Greece to prepare

Battle of Salamis, 480 BC

• The Battle of Salamis was a significant naval battle where the outnumbered Greek fleet defeated the powerful Persian fleet.
• Greece eventually overcame Persia's military power through a decisive series of naval and land battles.

Impact: Greco-Persian Wars

•  The Greco-Persian Wars led to the strengthening of Greek identity and confidence.
•  It also encouraged cultural and social development.
• The wars and the outcome were pivotal in Athens's rise and the concept of a unified Greek identity.

Things to Remember

• Key facts about the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Greek City-States, and the Greco-Persian Wars.
• Important battles, figures, and events are listed.