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Topics to Study in Greek History?

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xmelissaa

xmelissaa

Active member
I love learning about Greek history. I think I have a handle on the main aspects of Greek history. For 2023, I would like to delve into some random topics, maybe dive in to some of the major events with more detail, that kind of thing. Here is a list of things I am fascinated about:

- Basic way of life of the Minoans - it seems that they were fairly advanced?
- Delve into some of the aristocratic families in Ancient Athens
- How did Sparta form into the warrior culture?
- The origins of the Greek War for Independence

So far, that is all I have. Does anyone have any ideas?
 
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How about add:
  • The role of women in Ancient Greece (by city-state - note that Spartans treated women differently)
  • Cuisine of Ancient Greece - and influences to modern cuisine
  • Delve into the Athenian navy
 
xmelissaa said:
I love learning about Greek history. I think I have a handle on the main aspects of Greek history. For 2023, I would like to delve into some random topics, maybe dive in to some of the major events with more detail, that kind of thing. Here is a list of things I am fascinated about:

- Basic way of life of the Minoans - it seems that they were fairly advanced?
- Delve into some of the aristocratic families in Ancient Athens
- How did Sparta form into the warrior culture?
- The origins of the Greek War for Independence

So far, that is all I have. Does anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
I, too, love learning about Greek history, especially the ancient one , and specifically the obviously frequent communications of the various populations [tribes] of the Greek ecoumene from Asia Minor [Ionia etc.] to South Italy [Magna Graecia and Sicily]. A recent good read with illustrations of architecture, painted vases, wall paintings, statuettes, etc.:
The Roman named Paestum was founded as PoseidOnia. One of its extant temples is that of Athena. Obviously her cult was not restricted to the city of Athens.... // It was founded by Sybaris [on the eastern side of the land]. //Long ago I learned that, acc. to Herodotus, there was a sanctuary or a temple to Athena by the nearby Krathis River. Thus I infer that its style must have been like that [Doric] which is evident in Paestum.
Cheers.
 
Last edited:
k_tsoukalas said:
How about add:
  • The role of women in Ancient Greece (by city-state - note that Spartans treated women differently)
  • Cuisine of Ancient Greece - and influences to modern cuisine
  • Delve into the Athenian navy
Click to expand...
Good suggestions... On this occasion, I searched "the cult of Athena". A good read:
www.worldhistory.org

The Women of Athena's Cult

In ancient Athens, women had no life outside the home unless they were prostitutes or were engaged in religious activities such as festivals. Every Greek deity in every city-state had their own cult...
www.worldhistory.org www.worldhistory.org
namely: "The Women of Athena's Cult"
 
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Question about Greece during WWI

I am trying to learn more about Greek history. This is a family project! What I am learning about now is Greece's involvement in WWI. From what I've gathered, Greece had a rather complex and interesting stance during World War I, but I'm looking for more in-depth information.

Could anyone here provide insights or point me towards resources that detail:

  1. Greece's political climate leading up to its involvement in WWI.
  2. The significance of the National Schism and how it affected Greece's participation.
  3. Key battles or military campaigns that Greek forces were involved in.
Thanks so much!

Greek Independence Day History

Greek Independence Day is coming up! I thought I would share a bit that I know about the history. Please chime in with corrections or anything to add!
  1. The Spark of Revolution: Greek Independence Day marks the day in 1821 when the Greeks began their revolt against the Ottoman Empire, a state that had controlled Greece for nearly 400 years. This revolt was influenced by the surge of nationalism throughout Europe and inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  2. A Poet’s Declaration: The revolution officially began after Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese, symbolizing the call to arms. However, it was rumored that the war of independence was actually declared a few days earlier by Alexandros Ypsilantis, a Greek national hero, in the Danubian Principalities.
  3. International Support: The Greek fight for independence was not just a local effort; it garnered substantial international support from prominent figures such as Lord Byron from Britain, who notably spent his own money and later died in Greece, contributing to the Greek cause. This international backing was crucial for the morale of the Greek fighters and helped in diplomatic efforts later on.
  4. The Battle of Navarino: A pivotal point in the Greek War of Independence was the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman and Egyptian fleets. This naval battle marked a significant turning point that led to the eventual independence of Greece.
  5. Recognition and Autonomy: Greek Independence was formally recognized in 1830 by the Treaty of London. However, full sovereignty and the delineation of the Greek borders were not achieved until later. It allowed the foundation of the modern Greek state, under the governance of King Otto from Bavaria.

Learning about the Spartan way of life

I find the Spartans fascinating. They seemed to have a different way of life!

The Spartans, known for their military might, also led a lifestyle that was remarkably disciplined and focused on simplicity.

The core of Spartan society was its military-oriented ethos. From a young age, Spartan boys were trained to be soldiers in the agoge, a rigorous education system that emphasized physical training, endurance, and survival skills. This preparation was not just about warfare but about creating individuals who were resilient, self-sufficient, and disciplined.

But Spartan discipline extended beyond the military sphere. Spartans lived a life of austerity and frugality that is quite alien to our modern way of living. Meals were simple, homes were unadorned, and luxuries were frowned upon. This was not out of a lack of resources but a deliberate choice to avoid softness and dependency on material comforts.

Interestingly, this Spartan simplicity also fostered a sense of equality among citizens. By eschewing luxury, Spartans aimed to reduce divisions within their society. Wealth and status were downplayed, while military prowess and moral integrity were valued above all.

What do you guys think about this or what can you add to my thinking?

Family Trees

Hey fellow members,

As we traverse the rich tapestry of Greek culture and history on this platform, I've been pondering something quite fascinating: our family histories. How many of us have delved into the intricate branches of our family trees?

Genealogy, the study of family history and lineage, often unveils captivating stories, connections, and traditions passed down through generations. Whether you're just beginning to trace your ancestry or have been meticulously documenting it for years, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Here are a few questions to spark our discussion:

  1. What inspired you to start researching your family history?
  2. Have you encountered any unexpected discoveries or fascinating tales along the way?
  3. What resources or tools have you found most helpful in your genealogical journey?
  4. Do you have any tips or advice for someone interested in starting their own family tree?
Feel free to share your insights, anecdotes, or even questions you might have about genealogy. Let's embark on this journey together and unravel the stories that shape our identities!

Looking forward to our discussion,

RizeGen

Studying the Trojan War - Was it Real?

Did the Trojan War really happen? I am doing a bit of research and wanted to know what you guys thought:

The war is believed to have happened around 1200 BCE, and while there is no concrete evidence to support its occurrence, it is widely accepted as factual.

What is confusing me is how prevalent it is in Greek Mythology. In addition to the gods' involvement in the conflict, various stories and legends were added over time to give the tale more depth and drama. For example, the character of Achilles was said to be invulnerable except for his heel, which led to the phrase "Achilles heel" being used to describe a person's one weakness.

While some scholars once dismissed the Trojan War as pure myth, modern archaeological evidence has suggested that it may have been a real event. Excavations at the ancient site of Troy have revealed evidence of a long period of conflict and destruction, and historians have found similarities between the tale as it is told in ancient texts and what is known about the region's history at the time. While many details of the Trojan War are still shrouded in mystery, it seems increasingly likely that it was not just a legend but a real event that has been passed down through the ages.
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