The Greek Dark Ages The Greek dark age

The Greek Dark Ages ● ● The Greek dark age was a period which dated between 1100 -800 BC It was a period of limited cultural advancement in terms of art, architecture, and writing Former Mycenaean fortresses continued to be occupied but in a very limited capacity The invasion from the Dorians set off this dark age

Who is to blame? ● ● ● Greek tradition attributed the invasion to the Dorians who came from the Balkans The Dorians considered themselves the sons of Heracles The Dorians easily conquered the Mycenaeans with their “Iron weapons”

Did anything happen? ● ● The Cemetery of Petari tells us that some cultural advancement / contact DID take place Grave goods included jewelry, clothing accessories, weapons, tools and pottery Numerous items were found to be from other civilizations such as Egypt, Syria, and Cyprus. Sadly, the last occupied burial dates to 1075 BC

The Greek Migration ● ● Known settlements in Greece declined from 320 sites to just 40! The Greeks either joined the “Sea people” or scattering to places of refuge. The Greeks would settle to the coast of Asia Minor. Major cities established included Miletus, Ephesus, Myus, Priene, Colophon, Lebedos, Teos, and Samos.

Was the Dark Age that bad? ● ● The loss of imports of tin and copper forced the remaining Greeks to learn “Ironworking” Greeks migrated into Asia Minor creating cross cultural contacts The loss of writing created a strong oral story tradition in Greece (Homer) The loss of the central palace system would be the beginning for the smaller city state.

The end of the Dark Age ● ● The Dark Age slowly parted when Homer hymned the Trojan War and the first Olympic games were founded in 776 BC Around the same time there was a huge population explosion along with higher quality grave goods.

The Olympic Games! ● ● ● The games were originally created to celebrate the Olympian gods Quickly the games became about encouraging good relations between the city states. The Greeks would stop warring between city states so citizens could travel safely to the games

The Events ● ● ● The Olympic events were typically preformed in the nude Athletes in some cases would lather themselves up in olive oil Events included Stadion race (200 M dash), boxing, Pentathlon (Discus, Javelin, Jumping, Wrestling), and Equestrian events

The Victor! ● ● Rewards would be handed out after the competition Hellanodikis (Greek Judge) would place a palm branch in the victors hands A herald would announce his name, his father's name, and his homeland. A more formal victory presentation would take place on the last day of the games at the temple of Zeus. The victor was given a sacred laurel

Greek life and sports ● ● ● Sports and physical education would play a critical role in Greek life and education. People would pay for an athletes' Gloios The Gymnasium would become a community training facility, a place for education, and philosophical pursuits A young persons education primarily took place in the Gymnasium