4.4.2
The development of the Greek city-states
The Greek ‘Dark Age’, c. 1150–750 BCE The period from 1150 to 750 BCE is called the Greek ‘Dark Age’ because little is known about it. Mycenaean palaces were destroyed, and most fortresses, except Athens, were abandoned. Until the late twentieth century, most historians thought the destroyers were Dorians from northern Greece. However, evidence shows the Mycenaean kingdoms had already collapsed before the Dorians arrived. During the Dark Age, writing was lost, trade stopped and governments disappeared. Many Greeks migrated to the Aegean islands and Asia Minor. Around this time, the IronAge began, leading to iron tools and weapons.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. What artefacts and structures have been uncovered at the excavation site, and what do they tell us about the daily life and culture of the ancient Greek settlers? 2. How do the ýndings at this site compare to other ancient Greek settlements around the Black Sea, and what unique features have been discovered here? 3. What techniques and tools might the archaeologists have used to excavate the site, and how might they be preserving the artieacts they ýnd? SkillBuilder discussion Continuity and change 1. Look at SOURCE4 . Describe the relative location of Athens. 2. What is the modern name of the port associated with Athens? 3. Arid mountains are typical of Greece. What else would you associate with Greece?
SOURCE3 An archaeological excavation at the site of an ancient Greek settlement in what is now the Black Sea port of Odessa, in Ukraine
SOURCE4 Athens today as seen from its port, Piraeus. The arid mountains in the background are typical of Greece.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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