The Mycenaeans Continued.

Sorry for the late post! I was unable to conduct my interview for this week, so instead I decided to focus more on the transfer of knowledge within the Mycenaean (Greek) culture.

Like I noted in my previous post, there were different social classes among the Mycenaeans, the king (or rulers), palace men and the peasants. But even though "there was a distinct pecking order within this highly structured society...it was not overwhelmingly oppressive" (Rodney Castleden 84). Because of this, the lower class members of society had considerable freedom of action, which allowed them to speak their mind and pass on oral information without much censorship by those in power.

Socrates.

During this time, knowledge was passed on verbally through mentors. Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle verbally communicated their ideas and thoughts with their mentors and students through the questioning and debate methods.

As citizens began to develop a better understanding of oral communication, the development of two different dialects began to occur. "The Mycenaeans spoke at least two different dialects, unrelated to the different Greek dialects of later times" (Castledon 89). One dialect was used by the upper class scribes. They used their spoken dialect when using Linear B writing system, a written form of communication that the Mycenaeans are most known for. The other dialect which sometimes appears in the Linear B tablets seems to reflect how the lower class citizens spoke.

Plato.

Aristotle.

This form of writing tells of the Trojan War, mentioned in Homer's epic poems. It is unsure if the Trojan war had anything to do with the downfall of the Mycenaean Civilization, however, it is known that the Mycenaean Civilization fell shortly after (within two decades).

Today, much of what we know about the Mycenaean language and culture has been passed down mostly through written history. "The language of the Mycenaeans, however did survive, as Greek, and from what we have seen some of their history and poetry survived too, in the tradition preserved in Homer" (Castleden 229).

Castleden, Rodney. Myceneans. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print.

The Mycenaean Civilization.

The Mycenaean Civilization developed around 1900 BC, during the "Bronze Age," in the southern area of Ancient Greece. During this time, Mycenae was known as an area that contributed to the growth and development of surrounding city-states, such as the more famous Athens, Pylos, Thebes, and Tiryns.

This era was known as the Bronze Age because the development of many metal weapons rapidly flourished. A sense of protection for the homeland increased, and most likely lead to, the formation of strong city-states. This theme of the homeland can be seen in Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem that was traditionally read orally, until eventually recorded and passed on through written text. One example of the love that the people of Mycenae have for their home can be compared to Odysseus' desire to return home. In the poem, a character named Calypso states:

"So then,
royal son of Laertes, Odysseus, man of exploits,
still eager to leave at once and hurry back
to your own home, your beloved native land?"

Mycenae was divided into two parts of land. The palace land and the communal land. The palace land housed the many rulers and attendants who conducted administrative duties at the palace. In the communal land resided those who were obliged to perform duties and pay taxes. These people consisted of craftsman, farmers, merchants, etc.

Although one could distinguish between social classes at this time, there was hardly any differentiation between religious classes. No priest class has been identified to date, however, those who were worshiped (rulers, Greek Gods, etc.) were identified from those who were worshiping (farmers, peasants, slaves, etc.) by certain gestures made at religious events.

Myths of Greek Gods and other various creatures or characters who were worshiped and/or feared developed at this time and were passed on by word of mouth. Many of these myths can be found in homer's Iliad, and again in Odyssey. Both epic poems were originally spoken by mouth and passed on by people to people until they were recorded as written text.

Odysseus escaping a Cyclops.

Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Viking, 1996.