Mycenae
The Mycenaeans extended from southern Greece down to Crete flourishing from 1400 to 1200 BC. They defeated the Minoans and adopted their system of writing. The Minoans used a syllabic script called Linear A. The Mycenaeans adapted it to early Greek creating a new syllabic script known as Linear B. As you know from Unit 1, Linear B was deciphered in the 1950’s, whereas Linear A is still a mystery.
They continued the development of trade. In order to protect their people, the Mycenaeans built large fortresses with so-called “cyclopean walls”, such as Mycenae and Tyrins. Mycenaeans were called “Achaeans” and they are the Achaean warriors who Homer tells about in the Iliad.
In the 12th century BC, Greek-speaking Dorians invaded from the north. By 1100 BC, the Mycenaean civilization had collapsed.
A step ahead: The Trojan War, Myth or Reality?
Did Troy really exist? Is the Trojan War a myth or a military reality? And what about the giant horse?
The Mykonos vase, with one of the earliest known depictions of the Trojan Horse
Activity
Work in groups and prepare a presentation about the Trojan War following this outline.
- Causes of the war according to legend.
- What do Archaeologists think about the war?
- What was Schliemann looking for and what did he actually find?
- Describe in a few words the nine cities of Troy mentioning where they are located at the present time.
- Of these nine cities, which one or ones would correspond to Homer's Troy?
- Explain the hypothesis that puts into relation God Poseidon, a big earthquake and the huge horse.
- Any other hypotheses?
- Conclusion and personal point of view.
You can use, among others, this link and this.
Your presentations will be uploaded to our classroom blog landofpotters.
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