Prehistory & Ancient Europe

    Master this deck with 21 terms through effective study methods.

    Trace Europe’s deep past—from Homo erectus and Aurignacian art to Neolithic farmers, Varna treasures, and Indo-European migrations. Cover Minoans and Mycenaeans, the Bronze Age collapse and rise of ir...

    Created by @End

    What led to the collapse of the central organization of Rome?

    The collapse was due to the breakdown of institutions, laws, and power, which resulted in many areas being vulnerable to invasions by migrating tribes.

    What social systems arose after the fall of Rome?

    Feudalism and manorialism emerged, providing a division of land and labor, along with a hierarchy of law and protection based on local bonds between people and their lords.

    Who were the three great powers that dominated the western provinces after Rome?

    The three powers were the Franks (Merovingian dynasty) in Francia, the Visigothic kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, and the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy and parts of the western Balkans.

    What was the time period of the Merovingian dynasty?

    The Merovingian dynasty ruled from 481 to 843 AD.

    What significant event marked the beginning of the Greek city-states' conflict with Persia?

    The Ionian Revolt, which attempted to overthrow Persian rule, marked the beginning of the conflict, leading to the first Persian invasion of mainland Greece.

    What were the outcomes of the Greco-Persian Wars?

    The wars resulted in significant Persian invasions, including the Second Persian invasion of Greece, which saw most of northern Greece overrun by Persian forces.

    What is the significance of the Battle of Thermopylae?

    The Battle of Thermopylae was a pivotal moment during the Greco-Persian Wars where a small Greek force, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, made a heroic stand against a much larger Persian army.

    What civilization preceded the Hellenic city-states and what caused its collapse?

    The Mycenaean civilization preceded the Hellenic city-states and collapsed due to factors such as the Dorian invasion, natural disasters, and climate change.

    What characterized the Greek Dark Ages?

    The Greek Dark Ages, beginning in the 11th century BC, were marked by a decline in population, loss of literacy, and a lack of monumental architecture following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization.

    How did the Hellenic city-states influence the Mediterranean region?

    The Hellenic city-states established colonies and spread their culture, governance, philosophy, and arts throughout the Mediterranean, significantly influencing Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

    What was the political structure of Athens during its peak?

    Athens practiced an early form of direct democracy where citizens voted directly on legislation and executive bills, a system developed by Cleisthenes.

    Who were some of the prominent philosophers associated with Athens?

    Prominent philosophers included Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who contributed significantly to Western philosophy and thought.

    What role did the Platonic Academy play in ancient Greece?

    The Platonic Academy, founded by Plato, was an institution for philosophical discussion and education, influencing generations of thinkers and the development of Western philosophy.

    What were the major cultural achievements of the Hellenic civilization?

    The Hellenic civilization achieved notable advancements in government, philosophy, science, mathematics, politics, sports, theatre, and music.

    What was the significance of the colonies established by the Hellenic city-states?

    The colonies allowed for the spread of Hellenic culture, trade, and influence, establishing a network of Greek-speaking communities across the Mediterranean.

    What was the impact of the Bronze Age collapse on Greek civilization?

    The Bronze Age collapse led to the decline of the Mycenaean civilization and the onset of the Greek Dark Ages, significantly altering the trajectory of Greek history.

    How did the geography of Greece influence its political structure?

    The mountainous terrain and numerous islands led to the development of independent city-states (poleis) rather than a unified empire, each with its own government and culture.

    What was the role of local lords in the feudal system?

    Local lords provided land to peasants in exchange for labor and protection, administering local law and settling disputes among the common people.

    What were the main characteristics of the Ostrogothic kingdom?

    The Ostrogothic kingdom, which existed from 493 to 553 AD, was known for its rule over Italy and parts of the western Balkans, and for its cultural and political integration of Roman and Gothic traditions.

    What was the significance of the Visigothic kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula?

    The Visigothic kingdom, existing from 418 to 711 AD, played a crucial role in the transition from Roman rule to the establishment of medieval Spain, influencing its culture and governance.

    How did the Hellenic civilization contribute to the development of Western civilization?

    The Hellenic civilization laid the foundations for Western thought, democracy, art, and science, influencing subsequent cultures and societies throughout history.