DARK AGES & COLONIZATION

DARK AGES 1100-800 B.C. After the Mycenaean civilization there

was a bleak period and little is known about Mycenaean civilization at this time = “Dark” Ages

The Dorians, a group from the north, invaded Greece and much of the Mycenaean’s achievements were lost

THE AGE OF COLONIZATION 800-550 B.C. Colonization: to colonize or establish a

colony (A group of emigrants or their descendants who settle in a distant territory but remain subject to or closely associated with the parent country)

Small independent communities began to grow called ‘city-states’ or ‘polis’ (Greek for community of people)

Populations grew, food and land became scarce

Overpopulation= resettlement Athens & Sparta emerge as the most

powerful city-states Athens created APOIKA= away homes.

They scattered around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea

THE AGE OF COLONIZATION 800-550 B.C.

The colonies became independent, developing in fertile farming areas and trading with their parent city-states

Athens imported crops from their colonies.

Grew olives and fine grapes, produced fine pottery for trade and exported these luxury products to their colonies

THE AGE OF COLONIZATION 800-550 B.C.

Sparta did not colonize, and did not grow through trade. It expanded by conquering adjacent lands and taking what it needed by force

Important developments during colonization: Trade= Wealthy middle class emergence Trade= Metal currency coins developed New alphabet created Olympic games began in 776 B.C.

THE AGE OF COLONIZATION 800-550 B.C.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

THE OLYMPIC GAMES Oenonmus, King of

Olympia, would only allow his daughter to marry a man who could beat him in a chariot race

Many tried, lost and were killed

Pelops wanted to marry the princess Hippodamia and challenged the king

With help from the gods, he defeated, killed the king and married his daughter

Pelops ordered that athletic games be held every four years at Olympia to honour Zeus and to commemorate his victory

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Olympic Games - 776 B.C. to 396 A.D every four years to honour Zeus at Olympia

Roman emperor Theodosis I ordered the games to be closed down

Olympia= religious, cultural and sporting centre of ancient Greece

The city grew greatly with the games. Temples were erected dedicated to the gods and statues were built of victorious athletes

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

There were several specialized facilities: A stadium was constructed for foot races.

(212 m long and 28 m wide, with grassy slopes all around it so that spectators could sit and watch the events.

The hippodrome held the chariot races. The palestra and the gymnasium were used for training in combat sports and jumping.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Only free-born Greek men and boys could compete.

Women could not compete or watch the games.

Athletes arrived a month early to train for the competitions.

During times of war, a truce was called so the athletes could compete.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Winners were crowned with laurel wreaths.

Events included: chariot races, the pentathlon, racing, wrestling, running, boxing and pankration (a brutal form of wrestling and judo).

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Day one: The games began on the day of the full moon, with processions, prayers and sacrifices to honour Zeus. Judges were sworn in as well as athletes.

Day two: chariot races (most prestigious events), pentathlon (discus, javelin, running long jump, running and wrestling)

Day three: religious festival to honour Zeus, boys competition in afternoon

Day four: last day of competition, running events in morning Afternoon- wrestling, boxing and pankration (wrestling/judo with

slapping and kicking, only ended when one contestant surrendered or died)

Day five: final day, winners present with wreaths, closed with religious ceremony and banquet