History of Anciet Greece
Where is Greece?
The country now commonly known as Greece encompasses one large mainland and a cluster of smaller islands, located in southern Europe, on the Eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, with most of its scattered islands located in the Aegean Sea. The city of Athens is the country's capital, which in Ancient times, was home to grand temples and a well established civilization with a large population. The people of Greece during these times used to travel nationally and even internationally to study and trade in the major centre.
The country now commonly known as Greece encompasses one large mainland and a cluster of smaller islands, located in southern Europe, on the Eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, with most of its scattered islands located in the Aegean Sea. The city of Athens is the country's capital, which in Ancient times, was home to grand temples and a well established civilization with a large population. The people of Greece during these times used to travel nationally and even internationally to study and trade in the major centre.
The widely famous time period in history referred to as Ancient Greece, encompasses approximately 2,000 years worth of unique history as to the colonization and development of the country of Greece and its society. This expansive time period can be further divided into five main periods based on the features and developments of the given era. The two periods explored throughout this exhibition are known as the Archaic Period and Minoan Period of the Bronze Age. To gain an understanding and insight into the societies and culture of these periods, the five ancient artefacts within this exhibition have been hand selected and skilfully analysed to uncover their meaning and role within society.
The Archaic Period:
The period of Ancient Greek History referred to as the Archaic period comprises of the years between 750 - 480 BC,
preceding the Greek Dark Ages, in which great changes were introduced into society, and new aspects of culture were developed. The Archaic Period is defined by its art in the style of pottery and sculpture in particular, and the re-establishment of the knowledge and use of written language lost in the Dark Ages, as well as its advancements in political theory, in which the beginnings of a democracy were formed. During the Archaic Period, city-states were formed and colonies were established, as a sharp rise in population was experienced leading to the foundation of new settlements and the expansion of major centres.
A basic map indicating the main city-states of Greece during the Archaic Period
The Minoan Period:
The time period known as the Minoan Period (circa 2600 - 1200BC) existed within the Greek Bronze Age (circa 3300 - 1150 BC) and refers to the first advanced civilization of Europe based on the island of Crete. The Minoan civilization that flourished throughout this period was a highly organised, culturally rich society that has recently become of great interest to historians following the re-discovery and excavation of areas of Crete, throughout the 20th Century.
Map of Greece and surrounding countries Map of the Greek island of Crete
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Ruins of the Palace of Knossos on the Geek island of Crete
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