Greek Civilization: Geography & City-States

• Study notes for Greek civilization

Impact of Geography on Greek Civilization

• Mountains resulted in isolated city-states (polis), leading to independent development and political structures
• Coastline and islands encouraged trade, colonization, and naval power, particularly for Athens
• Limited farmland led to reliance on trade and expansion through colonies
• A Mediterranean climate allowed for olive, grape, and grain production, supporting the economy and trade

Greek City-States and Citizenship

• Polis (city-state) was the fundamental political unit, each with its own government, laws, and customs
• Citizenship rights and duties were shaped by city-states; free, landowning men were full citizens, while women, slaves, and foreigners had limited/no rights
• Agora served as a marketplace and social hub for political discussions
• Acropolis was an elevated fortress or religious center

Colonies

• Colonies were established due to overpopulation, lack of farmland, and trade opportunities
• Major colonies included Ionia (Asia Minor), Magna Graecia (Italy & Sicily), and the Black Sea
• Colonies spread Greek culture (language, religion, government) and expanded trade networks

Fresco

• Fresco is a painting technique where pigment is applied to wet plaster, becoming part of the wall
• The "Prince of the Lilies" fresco in Knossos (Minoan civilization) is an example
• Frescoes provide insight into Minoan culture, focusing on nature, religion, and everyday life

Shrine

• A shrine is a sacred place dedicated to gods, heroes, or spirits
• The Oracle of Delphi (dedicated to Apollo) is an example
• Religious centers influenced Greek decision-making, from politics to war

Trojan War

• The Trojan War was a legendary war between the Mycenaeans and Troy, described in The Iliad
• Historically, it is linked to conflicts over trade routes in the Aegean Sea
• It strengthened Mycenaean identity and became a foundational myth in Greek literature

Mycenaeans

• The Mycenaeans were an early Greek civilization (1600–1100 BCE) known for their warrior culture, fortresses, and Linear B writing
• Mycenae was a key city, ruled by Agamemnon in legend
• They influenced Greek military tactics and mythology, such as in The Iliad

Dorians

• The Dorians invaded Greece around 1100 BCE, leading to the Greek Dark Ages, characterized by a loss of writing and major cities
• They contributed to Spartan culture, emphasizing military strength and oligarchy

Polis

• Polis refers to a Greek city-state, the central political and cultural unit
• Each polis had its own government, laws, and military
• Examples include Athens (democracy), Sparta (oligarchy), and Corinth (trade hub)
• It fostered competition and unique political developments in Greece

Citizenship

• Citizenship in Greek city-states was typically limited to free, landowning males
• Citizens could participate in government, military service, and public duties
• Laid the foundation for concepts of democracy and civic responsibility

Acropolis

• Acropolis refers to a fortified hilltop in a Greek city-state, often home to temples and government buildings
• The Parthenon in Athens is an example
• Served as a religious and defensive center, showcasing Greek architecture

Agora

• The agora was the central marketplace and public gathering space in a polis
• Served functions such as trade, political meetings, and philosophical debates
• Socrates taught in the Athenian Agora
• Encouraged civic participation and intellectual growth

Hoplites

• Hoplites were heavily armed Greek citizen-soldiers who fought in a phalanx formation
• Their armor included a bronze helmet, shield (hoplon), spear, and breastplate
• Strengthened unity among soldiers and gave lower-class citizens a role in warfare

Phalanx

• Phalanx refers to a rectangular battle formation where soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, shields overlapping
• Required discipline and teamwork, making Greek armies highly effective
• Defined Greek warfare and influenced later military tactics (e.g., Roman legions)

Aristocracy

• Aristocracy is rule by the noble, landowning class
• Early Athens, before transitioning to democracy, is an example
• It created social divisions but also preserved tradition and stability

Oligarchy

• Oligarchy is rule by a small group of elites, often wealthy landowners or military leaders
• Sparta’s government, controlled by two kings and a council of elders, is an example
• It maintained order but limited political power to the few

Arete

• Arete is a Greek concept meaning “excellence” in skill, intellect, or moral virtue
• Achilles in The Iliad embodies arete through his warrior abilities
• Became a core Greek value in philosophy, athletics, and heroism

Koine

• Koine refers to a common dialect of Greek developed during the Hellenistic period under Alexander the Great
• Allowed for easier communication and spread of Greek culture across the Mediterranean

Barbarian

• Barbarian was a term used by Greeks to describe non-Greek-speaking peoples
• The Persians and Celts were considered barbarians
• Reinforced Greek identity and cultural superiority but later influenced ideas about multiculturalism in the Hellenistic world

Thesis Statement Ideas

• The unique geography of Greece, characterized by mountains, islands, and limited farmland, led to the development of independent city-states, maritime trade, and colonization
• Greek civilization was shaped by influences from Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Near East, and earlier Greek cultures like the Minoans and Mycenaeans, contributing to advancements in government, art, and warfare
• Greek geography encouraged the rise of diverse city-states, each with distinct cultural, political, and military structures
• Athens and Sparta differed significantly in governance, societal values, and military priorities, reflecting the varied development of Greek civilization

How to Structure a Response

• Introduction: Start with a hook (e.g., How did a landscape of mountains and islands shape one of the most influential civilizations in history?)
• Clearly state your argument about geography’s impact and outside influences shaping Greece
• Discuss how mountains isolated city-states, leading to independent governments and rivalries
• Explain how coastlines and islands promoted trade, naval power, colonization, and the spread of Greek culture
• Discuss how limited farmland led to dependence on trade and expansion through colonization

Influence from Other Civilizations

• The Minoans influenced architecture, frescoes, and sea trade
• The Mycenaeans influenced warrior culture and Linear B writing
• Egypt influenced art, monumental architecture, and religious ideas
• The Phoenicians (Near East) influenced the alphabet and trade
• Mesopotamia influenced mathematics, astronomy, and early governance ideas

City-State Differences and Athens vs. Sparta

• The Polis System involved shared religion and language but different political structures
• Athens was known for democracy, education, navy, and cultural development
• Sparta was known for oligarchy, military society, and land-based power

Conclusion Structure

• Restate the thesis
• Explain the long-term significance, noting that geography and outside influences made Greece a dominant force in the ancient world, laying the foundation for Western civilization

Argumentative Thesis Style

• Because of its mountainous terrain, Greece developed as a collection of fiercely independent city-states rather than a single unified empire
• This division fostered competition, innovation, and political experimentation, particularly in Athens’ democracy and Sparta’s military oligarchy