Settlement
The Cycladic Civilization (3200-2000 B.C.)
The Cycladic Civilization lasted through three distinct eras, classified by historians as the Early Cycladic Period (3200 BC - 2000 BC), the Middle Cycladic Period (2000 BC - 1500 BC), and the Late Cycladic Period (1500 BC - 1100BC). During this civilization period small settlements were made because of the lack of fertile soil. But with the lack of soil lead to fishing. Fishing was the main part of the economy and trade on the island Crete, which seems to have been the center of economic activity. Crete and the island of Aegean as well as Thessaly and Anatolia were colonized around 6000 B.C. and large agricultural communities started to form. These cities had perfect conditions of human settling with an abundance of olive trees, grape vines, fertile plains, and water. They mainly fished, started sea expeditions, and worked on clay pottery. This type living attracted immigrants and traders from all over the Mediterranean. Crete was the main part of this period, however parts of the Minoan Sea empire started coming into play in the late Cycladic civilizations.
Map showing Cycladic Civilization. From: Cyclades. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclades
Map showing Cycladic Civilization. From: Cyclades. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclades
Minoan Civilization (2600-1200 B.C.)
Excavations of Knossos began when Sir Arthur Evans started exploring the leading city of ancient Crete around 1900 B.C. His main discovery included huge multistory buildings he called "Palace of Minos" and they are thought to be a tribute to the King of Crete. The first settlers of Crete came from modern day Turkey before 3000 B.C. and traded with older civilizations of Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Asia. This civilization was able to grow to a highly advanced civilization because of this.
The Minoan Sea Empire was founded during 1700 B.C. In 1600 B.C. the palaces of Knossos and Phiastos were destroyed for a second time, and then reconstructed out of the ruins. In total, four palaces were created. These included Knossos, Phiastos, Malia, and Zaknos. The palaces were used for the exchange of products with the mainland. In 1400 B.C. Knossos was destroyed again and never was reconstructed. Metalworks came from the Bronze age from the east around 3000 B.C. Because of Bronze in tool making and weaponry, a rebirth for the civilization in Greece became. This period was characterized by the rapid trade development and population growth. The most valuable spot for trade became the Cycladic islands between Asia and Europe because of the safe harbor bridging and the gap between the two countries. However, the Minoan Civilization disappeared around 1500 B.C. abruptly. Some theories include a possible huge volcanic eruption of the island Santorini. Because of the disappearance the rival Mycenaean Civilization took control of the trade network created.
Picture showing ruins from the Minoan civilization. From: The Fall of the Minoans. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/the-fall-of-the-minoans/61/
The Minoan Sea Empire was founded during 1700 B.C. In 1600 B.C. the palaces of Knossos and Phiastos were destroyed for a second time, and then reconstructed out of the ruins. In total, four palaces were created. These included Knossos, Phiastos, Malia, and Zaknos. The palaces were used for the exchange of products with the mainland. In 1400 B.C. Knossos was destroyed again and never was reconstructed. Metalworks came from the Bronze age from the east around 3000 B.C. Because of Bronze in tool making and weaponry, a rebirth for the civilization in Greece became. This period was characterized by the rapid trade development and population growth. The most valuable spot for trade became the Cycladic islands between Asia and Europe because of the safe harbor bridging and the gap between the two countries. However, the Minoan Civilization disappeared around 1500 B.C. abruptly. Some theories include a possible huge volcanic eruption of the island Santorini. Because of the disappearance the rival Mycenaean Civilization took control of the trade network created.
Picture showing ruins from the Minoan civilization. From: The Fall of the Minoans. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/the-fall-of-the-minoans/61/
Mycenaean Civilization (1600-1100 B.C.)
The first settlement of the Greek mainland was around 2000 B.C.. Geography became a big part of the formation of the Greek society due to the mountain ranges that divide Greece into small valleys. Independent communities without a central ruler became because of this. The long coastline of Greece brought up many successful sailors, traders, and warriors at sea; this created wealthy states rather than little independent communities. From the years 1600 to 100 B.C. the Mycenae was the leading state among them, hinting to the name of the period.
After the volcanic eruption came the height of the wealth and culture of the Mycenaean's, they also replaced the Minoans as the leading influence of the Greek islands. The Mycenaean's large military strength also helped them to conquer Crete and take control of the Minoan trade network.
Map showing the Mycenaean civilization. From: Mycenaean Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenaean_Greece
After the volcanic eruption came the height of the wealth and culture of the Mycenaean's, they also replaced the Minoans as the leading influence of the Greek islands. The Mycenaean's large military strength also helped them to conquer Crete and take control of the Minoan trade network.
Map showing the Mycenaean civilization. From: Mycenaean Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenaean_Greece
The Derivation of the Name “Greece”
The name Greece comes from the Latin geographical description of Magna Gracia. Greece is also referred to as "Hellas" or "Ellatha". Officially the language is modern Greek, although many other languages are spoken in Greece, rendering the Greece of today very tourist friendly, and a huge tourist location. The cities capital and largest city is the growing metropolis of Athens. The government of Greece is organized as a Parliamentary republic. The constitution constructed in 1975 is still used to this day for the country and is referred to as the "Third Republic". Greece's motto is "Freedom or Death", this motto has allowed Greece to persevere through centuries of occupation, poverty, and other difficult times. Currently Greece is a democracy and thrives as a beacon of light to the world.
Map showing current day Greece. From: Map of Greece. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www/in2greece.com/english/maps/maps.htm
Map showing current day Greece. From: Map of Greece. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www/in2greece.com/english/maps/maps.htm
Population
As you can see the population of Greece has really increased over the years. Greece in 1970 had a greater male population than the female population. The average life span went from 70-74 years old in 1970, to 80-84 years old in 2015 increasing the life span by 10 years! Also, even though the male population is still more in 2015 it is not by much at all; maybe in the future the female population will grow more than the male population.
These population charts are supplied by: http://populationpyramid.net/greece/1970/
These population charts are supplied by: http://populationpyramid.net/greece/1970/
Sources
Helenic foundation. (n.d.). The history of greece. Retrieved from http://www.hellenicfoundation.com/History.htm
Greeka. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.greeka.com/greece-history.htm
Greeka. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.greeka.com/greece-history.htm
Additional Information
http://www.greek-thesaurus.gr/Mycenaean-civilization.html
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/