The Ancient Civilization of Wonder

Ancient Greece

GeographyGreece is a country in Southeastern Europe.Greece is divided into three different regions; Northern

Greece, Central Greece and Peloponnese.The capital of Greece is Athens.

HistoryAncient Greece goes all the way back to 6,000 B.C.This goes all the way back to the Neolithic PeriodWe know about the history of Ancient Greece by observing

their artwork, like pottery, temples, sculptures and other pieces of art from Ancient Greece.

An Introduction to Ancient Greece

Greece’s agriculture is poor because they lack natural resources to grow their food. About 70 percent of the land cannot be farmed on due to bad soil. Their agriculture takes place in the center of Thessaly, Macedonia, and Thrace. Another thing that holds back Greece’s agriculture is low rainfall and bad land ownership. Aside from all of their rural factors, Greece is a major producer of cotton, tobacco and even wine. Their agriculture also includes animals such as goat milk which takes up 6% of their agriculture. Others include cattle, chicken, rabbits, pigeons, and hogs.

photo courtesy of :

http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=3013618

Greek Agriculture

The history of Ancient Greece starts back in the Stone Age when there were hunters.

Then came the civilizations of Minoan and Mycenaean Kings, and early farming.

After this came many wars, and this time was known as the Dark Ages.

After the Neolithic Period came the Bronze Age, which started to 2800 B.C. and ended in 1050 B.C.

Photo courtesy of :

http://www.britishmuseum.org/the_museum/departments/greece_and_rome.aspx

More on Greece History

For their architecture, the Greeks came up with their own system that they called orders.

There are 3 orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric style is very sturdy and has a plain top. The Ionic style has a thinner and classier. Its top has a scroll

like design. The last style is the Corinthian, which is also stylish and

intricate. It is often decorated with acanthus leaves.

Doric Ionic CorinthianPictures courtesy of: http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/

Architecture

The Greeks used a lot of material for their art, such as stone, marble, limestone, and clay.

These sculptures were very important to their culture because a lot of them tell stories about Gods, heroes, and creatures.

Many of the Greek statues are also part of the Roman culture, and the Romans had deep respect for the Greek sculptures.

Their Art was divided into seven time periods: Mycenaean Art, Sub-Mycenaean or Dark Age, Proto-Geometric, Geometric Art, Archaic, Classical, and Helloenistic.

Photo courtesy of: http://fashionarttrend.blogspot.com/2011/09/greek-art.html

Art

The Greeks actually invented athletic competitions.

These competitions began in the early 700 B.C. to honor their Gods.

In the Olympics, no women were allowed to participate or even watch the games.

You had to be a citizen of Ancient Greece to participate.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/history/story/2008/05/05/f-olympics-feature-1906.html

Greek Olympics

The Greek Olympics started out with two competitions, athletics on one day and wrestling on the other.

This then expanded to five days of Olympics with many events

A lot of the athletes who competed in the Olympics made sacrifices and often prayed.

Greek Olympics (continued)

Greeks are well-known for their stories about Gods and their many adventures.

They tell stories called myths.The Gods and Goddesses in these myths are

important to their culture.The Greeks have made temples and statues to

honor them.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.collegeotr.com/college_otr/michigan_greek_mythology_the_list_2890

Greek Mythology

One of the most famous Gods is Zeus, lord of the sky and rain. He overthrew his father and won the battle with his brother Hades. He is now the ruler of the Gods.

Another famous God is Poseidon, who is the God of the sea. He is well-known for his tall trident and his power to control the waters. He is also the brother of Zeus.

Photos courtesy of: http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/1400/1447/zeus_1.htm and http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Poseidon/poseidon.html

Famous Greek Gods

"Greece Agriculture, Information about Agriculture in Greece." Encyclopedia of the Nations - Information about countries of the world, United Nations, and World Leaders. Advameg, Inc., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011.

" Ancient Greece - History, mythology, art, war, culture, society, and architecture. ." Ancient Greece - History, mythology, art, war, culture, society, and architecture. . University Press Inc, n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011.

"Poseidon." Greek Mythology. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2011.

Bibliographies