Early Classical Age of Greece

Start of The Dark Ages (1)

1200 BCE

The Dark Ages in Greece is said to be from 1200 – 800 BCE. Cities began to shrink in size and writing had stopped. Central authority began to crumble, leading to a loss in culture, values, and progression. However, not all hope was lost. According to philosophers, learning will never come to a complete halt. Many new perspectives and ideas began to emerge, allowing historians to rename the “The Dark Ages”, as the “Heroic Age” or the “Bronze Age”.

The Early Classical Age

Period: 1200 BCE to 400 BCE

The Dark Ages (2)

1000 BCE

Homer, a blind poet, had a new set of perspectives than the norm, which were expressed through oral stories for collective learning purposes. In addition, new military technology was introduced, such as irons, swords and spears. Many Greeks had an open perspective, allowing religious and cultural ideas to be exchanged during interactions between various cities. So, were The Dark Ages truly “dark”? Test your Knowledge: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W6XM5SX

End of The Dark Ages (3)

800 BCE

The Dark Ages have come to an end. What was the overall impact? Although Greece was impacted, individuals such as Homer reacted in a positive way, by keeping Greece alive. As a result, story telling became valued by others, as did bronze. The shift to bronze had a positive impact, leading to advancements in the military. But a unique Greek idea referred to as the “polis” was the most significant outcome of all, transitioning Greece out of it’s Dark Ages, and plunging it into the Archaic Period.

EXTEND LEARNING

800 BCE

Learn more about The Dark Ages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7CanyzhZg&t=423s

Start of Archaic Period

799 BCE

The Archaic Period began around 800 BCE. True prosperity began to arise once again in Greece. Material culture became more innovative and unique, literature made a recovery, and new forms of political institutions began to arise. Within this period, many new ideas and individuals began to influence Greece, including the Rise of the Polis, Draco, Democracy and Cleisthenes. Navigate between the different titles as mentioned before to learn more about Greece’s accomplishments during this period.

Rise of the Polis (1)

790 BCE

The Polis was a unique Greek idea, that contributed to the transition from The Dark Ages to The Archaic Period. The Polis was a formation of a city. A big wall defense enclosed Important buildings such as the Citadel, which was centered in town due to it’s importance. Overall, the polis reveals themes about the Greek way of life, values (example, trade), and social norms (the citizen). Many factors contributed to the historical significance the Polis played. Let’s take a closer look.

The Polis (3)

790 BCE

There were city-states, that were completely independent and unique, except for language and culture, which created some level of unity. Although there was acknowledgement of the mother state, there were no ties in place, allowing each community to be in charge of it’s own political, social and militaristic affairs. It is relevant today because it helps us critically think about independence and reasons behind the lack of unity.
Test your knowledge: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCSJDFM

EXTEND LEARNING

790 BCE

Learn more about the Greek Polis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcAPoY6l-Pc

The Polis (2)

789 BCE

The Agora, for instance, had a positive impact on many people. It was busy, but also the “heart” of the city – trade, purchases and cultural exchanges occurred. The polis had deep, lasting impacts – the idea of a “citizen” later emerged. They were represented by any land-owning adult man, who was “free”. They were not subject to any king, like many developed nations today. This idea is important because it symbolises independence, community and individualism.

Olympic Games

776 BCE

The Olympic was a form of entertainment in Greece. It was a noticeable turning point because it created a sense of healthy competition. Overtime, the games developed adding more variety. People practiced sports, but wrestling, boxing and chariot racing came into play later. The games were restricted to adult men. Today, the Olympic game still exists! However, the activities played have expanded to skating, hockey, etc. In addition, woman and young adults are given the opportunity to compete.

Rise of Draco

621 BCE

Draco, a ruler, was motivated to implement his own values onto Athens, and believed he was right. And thus, the laws of Draco emerged with punishments such as the death penalty. The people of Athens, including Aristotle, felt that the laws were too harsh, but followed the laws to prevent the harsh punishments. The laws were also written down for the first time in Athens, to serve as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions.
Test your Knowledge: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SG9XLP6

Art and Pottery - Primary Source

600 BCE

Click the link below to learn about the primary source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16IO6gE8lmn6FVHXBZmCC5gAr70UaaIhdcJfkjB2j57s/edit?usp=sharing

Rise of Democracy (1)

594 BCE

Finally, democracy emerged in Athens – rule by an entire body of citizens. Although it did not last long, it was still a major turning point. Democracy created a sense of independence and allowed for participation from citizens. They were able to voice their opinions regarding political affairs easily. The “boule”, a council of 500, discussed war, laws, foreign policy, etc. In addition, democracy represented progression, as there was a shift from previous practices (monarchy, oligarchy, etc.).

Rise of Solon (1)

594 BCE

Solon, another leader, made some of the first strides towards democracy. He tackled the effects of inequality, canceled land debts and freed debt originated slaves. Many of his accomplishments have continued and changed over several generations. For instance, Solon implemented the first court systems. This created a major turning point, because the idea of being guilty until proven innocent emerged.

Rise of Solon (2)

594 BCE

In addition, there were noticeable changes, as lower-class citizens began to gain more opportunities and people respected the court system. Today, the system still exists, except people are “innocent until proven guilty”. Lower class families are still given opportunities, except today, they are given even more. The court system itself has changed, as there are more regulations and positions in place, such as lawyers, juries, etc.

Rise of Democracy (2)

593 BCE

The Greek model of government served as the foundation of modern democracy. Many developed nations are democratic, and follow similar values – freedom, independence, voting, etc. Democracy in Athens however was extremely restricted. Only adult males were considered a citizen and could participate in practices such as voting.

Rise of Democracy (3)

593 BCE

Woman and children were not given the same privileges, and even today in many regions, the same restrictions apply (Saudi Arabia). However, there is still major change. For example, in Canada today, harsh restrictions regarding gender do not apply. Woman and young adults can vote, and many females are able to climb to higher positions of power. Civic duty is still expected, the justice system is more practical and everyone has an opportunity to claim citizenship in a given country.

Rise of Cleisthenes

539 BCE

Cleisthenes later filled the political gap and enforced equal laws. He divided the population into ten tribes and enforced an assembly, known as the boule. Members would discuss topics of laws and politics. Although it was restricted to only adult men, it still laid down the foundation of our boule known as the parliament building. Like Athens, party members discuss laws and bills. It has changed in the sense that woman are also able to join the parliament and climb to positions of power.

The Phalanx

500 BCE

After democracy, men were motivated to defend their cities. However, it was quite important for men too not only defend their land but get back to work on their farm as soon as possible. As a result, a new type of warfare was needed to lessen time spent fighting. And thus, the phalanx was born – a tight military formation that was quick, decisive, effective and limited the loss of life. The spear was the main weapon used, and each row in the formation had a different purpose.

The Rise of the Tyrants

500 BCE

Although the tyrants later took over, for the most part, the phalanx made the Greeks undefeatable. The formation reveals ideas about Greek values. It demonstrates that their farms were of high value to them. In addition, one can conclude that they were nationalistic – citizens felt a sense obligation, as they felt the need to give back to their community, despite the risks. Overall, it helps us understand the meaning behind civic participation, honour and commitment.

The Phalanx - Primary Source

500 BCE

Click below to learn about this primary source:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WNDCUpe1CesmwD4okIHQmSJvcEg0CWn4hYnbTY5UzPE/edit?usp=sharing

Persian Wars - End of the Early Classical Period

430 BCE

The Persian wars mark the end Early Classical Period. The Greek colonies begin to revolt against the Persians. Athens comes to the support, leading to the first campaign. Athens is burned and defeated. Xerxes, Cyrus’ son, leads the second campaign. The salmas battle marks the end of the third campaign. The Persians win the war, leading to the downfall of Greece by 480 BCE.

EXTEND LEARNING

430 BCE

Learn more about the Persian Wars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-mkVSasZIM