CLASS280 Lecture 5: Archaic Greece Overseas Expansion
15 Oct 2015
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Document Summary
Phoenician origin (trade greatly expands in 8th century) Simplification of syllabic principle by addition of separate letters for vowels (24 letters) Nestor"s cup from pithecusae c. 725 (longest 8th c. inscription, attests personal use) Romans get alphabet from etruscans and transmit to western world. Widespread literacy and birth of western literature. Alphabet permits codification of laws and creation of constitutional government. Each independent geographical territory = self-governing polis (urban centre and agricultural hinterland) Aristoi aristocracy (rule by the best men ); closed group of landowning aristocracy, market for new luxury goods available through trade. Social and political distinctions begin to develop. Geographical isolation and political independence each polis develops differently. Intensification of contact with near east brings new ideas, as well as luxury goods. More realistic portrayal of figures on pottery as well as new eastern decorative motifs. Corinth: dominant position in trade in early archaic period. Monumental architecture reappears but directed at communal buildings.
