Ancient Greece

Timeline of Aegean Political History

The timeline of Aegean political history is a chronological overview of the major political developments and shifts in power that occurred in the Aegean region, encompassing ancient Greece and its neighboring areas. While this timeline is not exhaustive, it highlights key events and periods: Minoan Civilization (c. 2700-1400 BC): The Minoans, cente...

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The Delphic Oracle

The Delphic Oracle was one of the most important and influential religious sites in the ancient Greek world. It was located at the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, in the mountains of central Greece. The oracle was famous for its prophecies, which were delivered by a priestess known as the Pythia. The Pythia was said to be able to communicate with Ap...

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Pelopennesian War (431-404 B.C.)

The war was a catastrophe for Athens. She lost her empire so thoroughly that she never regained it. Sparta won the war, but scarcely knew what to do with the fruits of victory. Her attempts to lead the Greeks were heavy-handed and soon called forth new champions of liberty. Wars and Military History...

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Staging an ancient Greek play

Staging an ancient Greek play is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires a deep understanding of the play and the Greek theatrical tradition, as well as a creative vision for how to bring the play to life on stage. Here are some of the key things to consider when staging an ancient Greek play: The play itself: The first step is to choos...

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Greek Theaters

Greek theaters were open-air structures that were used for the performance of plays and other events. They were typically built on hillsides, with the audience sitting in tiers below the stage. Greek theaters were designed to amplify the sound, so that even the people in the back rows could hear the actors clearly. The first Greek theaters were bui...

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Amazons

The Amazons are legendary figures in Greek mythology, often depicted as a society of fierce and formidable warrior women. The name "Amazon" is said to derive from the Greek word "a-mazos," which can be interpreted as "without a breast." The myth surrounding the Amazons has captivated imaginations for centuries and is filled with tales of powerful f...

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Hellas Net: Warfare in Hellas

Warfare in Hellas, the historical term for Greece, has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. Ancient Greek warfare was characterized by its iconic hoplite phalanx formations, where heavily armed soldiers called hoplites formed a shield wall, presenting a formidable front in battle. This tactic played a crucial role in conflicts between G...

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Amazons in Greek Mythology

According to Greek mythology, Amazons were a warlike tribe of women descended from the god of war, Ares and the naiad Harmonia. Historically, Amazons were portrayed as beautiful women in Amazonomachies, which was an artform showing battles between the Amazons and Greeks. Amazons were trained to use all weapons and especially in single combat. They ...

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Structure of the Plays

The basic structure of a Greek tragedy is fairly simple. After a prologue spoken by one or more characters, the chorus enters, singing and dancing. Scenes then alternate between spoken sections (dialogue between characters, and between characters and chorus) and sung sections (during which the chorus danced). Here are the basic parts of a Greek Tra...

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Battle of Plataea and Mycale

The Battles of Plataea and Mycale were two of the most important battles in the Greco-Persian Wars. They took place in 479 BC, and they marked the end of the second Persian invasion of Greece. Battle of Plataea The Battle of Plataea was fought between a Greek alliance led by Sparta and Athens, and a Persian army led by Mardonius. The Greeks had won...

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