Greek Dark Ages

Invasions,_destructions_and_possible_population_movements_during_the_Bronze_Age_Collapse,_ca._1200_BC

3141_-_Athens_-_Stoà_of_Attalus_Museum_-_Model_granaries_-_Photo_by_Giovanni_Dall'Orto,_Nov_9_2009

Early_Geometric_Jewelry_from_the_Areopagus_of_Athens._Ancient_Agora_Museum_of_Athens

AGM_Ancient_Greek_Pair_of_Terracotta_Boots

== Greek Dark Ages ==

The Greek Dark Ages, also known as the Geometric period, is the period of Greek history from the end of the Mycenaean civilization around 1100 BC to the first signs of the Greek Archaic period around 800 BC. This era is characterized by the decline of the Mycenaean civilization, the loss of literacy, and the absence of monumental architecture.

Historical Context

The collapse of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the Aegean Sea region, led to a significant decline in population and economic activity. The reasons for this collapse are still debated, but theories include natural disasters, invasions, and internal strife. The period that followed saw a regression in many aspects of society, including the loss of Linear B script, which was used for administrative purposes in Mycenaean palaces.

Social and Political Structure

During the Greek Dark Ages, the political landscape was fragmented into small, isolated communities. These communities were often led by local chieftains or kings, known as basileus. The social structure was relatively simple, with a focus on subsistence agriculture and pastoralism. The lack of centralized authority and the decline in trade contributed to the isolation of these communities.

Material Culture

The material culture of the Greek Dark Ages is marked by a significant reduction in the quality and quantity of artifacts. Pottery from this period, known as Protogeometric and later Geometric pottery, shows a return to simpler designs and techniques. The use of iron became more widespread, replacing bronze as the primary material for tools and weapons.

Art and Architecture

Art and architecture during the Greek Dark Ages were relatively rudimentary compared to the preceding Mycenaean period. Monumental architecture was virtually nonexistent, and most buildings were simple, one-room structures. However, the period saw the development of the Geometric art style, characterized by linear motifs and abstract designs.

Religion and Mythology

The religious practices of the Greek Dark Ages are not well-documented, but it is believed that many of the Greek gods and myths that became prominent in later periods had their origins during this time. The Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are thought to have been composed towards the end of the Greek Dark Ages, reflecting the values and beliefs of the time.

End of the Greek Dark Ages

The Greek Dark Ages gradually came to an end with the rise of the Greek city-states or poleis and the reintroduction of writing with the adoption of the Greek alphabet. This transition marks the beginning of the Greek Archaic period, characterized by increased trade, colonization, and cultural development.

Related Pages

• Mycenaean civilization
• Greek Archaic period
• Geometric art
• Greek alphabet
• Homeric epics
• Greek city-states