Greek Mythology Historical Background

Classical Literature: Historical Background of Greek Mythology

• This topic covers the historical background of Greek Mythology.
• The study encompasses the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages, including Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations.

Paleolithic and Neolithic Periods (Stone Age)

• Settlement in Paleolithic times (before 70,000 BC) had limited information.
• Evidence from the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BC) is more abundant.
• Settled agricultural communities existed during the Neolithic period.
• Inhabitants migrated from the east and north.
• Religion was present during the period.
• Female figurines show exaggerated sexuality, possibly linked to fertility.
• Male figurines are less numerous, and some show visible sexuality.
• Understanding of worship and rituals as well as the roles of males and females is limited and unreliable.

Bronze Age

• Migration from Asia Minor to the southern Peloponnese and into Greece.
• Three regions: Greece (Hellas), Crete (Minoan civilization), and the Islands (Cycladic).
• Bronze Age is split into Early, Middle, and Late Bronze Ages.
• Terminology differs based on period and geography.

Minoan Civilization

• Knossus was the capital of Minoan civilization, a thalassocracy.
• Minoan power extended over Aegean islands and mainland Greece.
• No walls existed in Knossus, implying confidence in sea-based security.
• Minoan legend involved Labyrinth, the Minotaur, and Theseus.
• Minos, Pasiphae, Androgeus, and Ariadne are figures of Minoan civilization.
• There were religious affiliations with the bull and snake goddess.
• Sophisticated art, architecture, and painting showed a high sense of religion, emphasizing bulls and snakes.

Mycenaean (Helladic) Age

• Hellas vs. Greece and the Greek legendary figure Hellen.
• Indo-Europeans arrived and spoke Greek during the Late Helladic period.
• The Mycenaean civilization flourished (1600-1100 BC), interacting with Minoans.
• Mycenaeans demonstrated expertise and advanced art styles in palaces and pottery.
• Their architecture is reflected in cyclopean walls, impressive structures that include religious symbols of lions and royal family.
• Grave goods unearthed, such as masks, jewelry, and weapons, offer insights into their beliefs and practices related to the afterlife.
• Clay tablets have revealed insights into their religion (Linear B tablets).

Religion and Linear B Tablets

• Clay tablets, preserved in conflagrations, detailed Mycenaean religion.
• Depicted deities like Zeus and Hera, and practices mirroring Homer's Olympians.
• Tablet content suggests fertility goddesses, sacrificial rites, and rituals.

End of the Mycenaean Age and Homer

• The 10th century BC marked a transition period from the Late Bronze Age.
• Theories for this transition include internal conflicts and Dorian invasions.
• Possible explanations include the Dark Ages (1100-800 BC).
• Homer, known as the blind poet, composed Iliad and Odyssey, reflecting oral traditions and earlier generations. The timeline is debated.

Did the Trojan War Really Happen

• Research suggests that the Trojan War's actuality is still debated.
• Evidence for and against it's existence is explored in various perspectives.

Historical Timeline

• This timeline maps major events and figures throughout Greek history, showcasing the shift from the Mycenaean Age to the Roman Empire.
• Specific dates and eras for the periods are identified.

Archaic Age

• Independent city-states (poleis) dominated the Greek world and extended influence through trade.
• The development of democracy, aristocracy, and diplomacy marked Athens and Sparta's rise.
• Increased Greek presence via trade and colonization spread across Europe.

Golden Age of Athens

• A maritime union united city-states.
• Athens held a central treasure (Parthenon) and maintained peace with other city-states.
• Despite success, Athens faced rivalry, particularly from Sparta.
• The Peloponnesian War signified the culmination of this era.

Macedonian Kingdom

• Distantly related to Greeks but regarded less favorably.
• The Peloponnesian War weakened other Greek city-states.
• Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great

• Alexander the Great inherited Philip II's empire, defeating Darius and expanding it immensely.
• He established an Hellenistic culture that blended Greek and Eastern traditions.
• Alexander's untimely death led to the decline of his empire.
• Numerous cities are mentioned including Alexandria located in various regions, which were founded by or destroyed during Alexander's rule.