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dpappas87

Active member
When I visit Greece, I love to learn about the history. I want to Greece for a bit this past summer and loved learning about the Minoans. Were they the earliest or was there a civilization before them?

Prior to this trip, I had thought the Minoans were contained to Crete, but I went to Santorini and Aegina, as well, and they also talked about the Minoan influence. Fascinating stuff. I want to learn about the Mycenaeans, too. Were they kind of at the same time as the Minoans?
 
The Mycenaean civilization overlapped the Minoans and I am not sure, but I thought I read somewhere that there is speculation that the Minoans might have been invaded by then. Other speculations is that the volcanic eruption ended the Minoan civilization. Maybe it was a combination. All I know is the Minoans were in more places than Crete for sure - I've bumped into it elsewhere, as well, like on Santorini I think?
 

Rise and Fall of Ancient Athens?

My knowledge of Athenian history is a series of disjointed, out of order events. I am trying to get a feel for Athenian history before going to Greece, because I will be seeing some of the historical sites.

I’ve recently taken an interest in Ancient Greek history, particularly the fascinating journey of Athens from its rise to its fall. I’m looking to understand more about the key factors that contributed to both its ascension as a powerful city-state and its eventual decline.

Here are a few specific areas I'm curious about:
  1. Political Evolution: How did the political structures and reforms, such as democracy under leaders like Cleisthenes and later Pericles, contribute to Athens' rise?
  2. Military Strength: What role did the Athenian navy and military innovations play in establishing and maintaining their dominance, especially during the Persian Wars?
  3. Cultural Influence: How did Athens' cultural achievements in philosophy, arts, and sciences support its growth? Were there any specific cultural milestones that marked its golden age?
  4. Economic Factors: What were the economic foundations of Athens' power? How did trade and resources influence its prosperity?
  5. Internal Struggles: What internal issues, such as political conflicts, social divides, or economic problems, began to undermine Athens' stability?
  6. External Pressures: How did external conflicts, such as the Peloponnesian War with Sparta, contribute to Athens' decline? Were there other external factors that played a significant role?
  7. Leadership and Decisions: How did the decisions of key leaders impact both the rise and fall of Athens?

Oracle of Delphi an Historical Figure?

I’ve been reading a lot about ancient Greek history lately, and I’m fascinated by the stories surrounding the Oracle of Delphi. From what I understand, the Oracle played a significant role in advising leaders and shaping the course of events in the ancient world. However, I’m a bit confused about whether the Oracle of Delphi was a specific historical figure or more of a title held by different priestesses over time.

Was there a single, renowned Oracle, or was it a succession of women who served in this role? How much of what we know is based on historical facts versus mythology? If anyone has more detailed information or can recommend sources on the history and function of the Oracle, I’d love to learn more!

How did the Mycenaean civilization fall?

I'm curious about the decline of the Mycenaean civilization. I know they were a dominant force in ancient Greece during the Late Bronze Age, but I'm not clear on how their civilization came to an end. What were the main factors that contributed to their fall? Were there specific events, invasions, or internal issues that led to their decline? Additionally, how did this collapse affect the broader Greek world at the time? Any insights or recommended readings on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Formation of the Greek City-States (Polis)

I've been reading up on Ancient Greece and am fascinated by the formation of the city-states, or polis. It's intriguing how these independent communities, each with their own government, culture, and identity, developed in close proximity to each other. I'm curious about the factors that led to their formation and would love to hear from anyone with insights or expertise on this topic.

What were the key social, political, or geographical influences that contributed to the rise of these city-states? How did the mountainous terrain of Greece affect their development? I've read that trade and colonization also played significant roles—how did these aspects influence the growth and governance of the polis?

Do you have some info for me off the top of your head, or even a book or two that I can read!

Ancient Greek Food History?

I’ve recently developed a keen interest in the history of Ancient Greek food and am looking for resources to dive deeper into this fascinating topic. I’m particularly interested in understanding what the Ancient Greeks ate, how they prepared their food, and the cultural significance behind their culinary practices.

Does anyone have recommendations for books, articles, or documentaries that explore Ancient Greek cuisine? Are there any online courses or lectures that you’ve found particularly insightful? I’m also curious about any archaeological findings or historical records that shed light on their dietary habits.

Additionally, if there are any museums or historical sites (preferably ones that have online exhibits) that focus on Ancient Greek food culture, I’d love to hear about those too.
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