The beginnings of Greek civilization are related to the process of occupation of the Aryan peoples who arrived in Hellas, around 2000 BC. Ç.. The Achaeans were the first to reach this region after moving successively to pastures to supply their herds. Arriving in Greece, they integrated themselves into the native populations and, over time, gave rise to the first Greek urban centers, such as Argos, Tirinto and Mycenae.
When we reach the years 1700 BC a., other populations arrived at Old Greece, realizing the occupation of other earth. Aeolian and Ionian settled peacefully and, with that, new poles of human occupation settled in the original space of Greek civilization. During this period, we can highlight the intense contact between the cities of Mycenae and Crete. The Cretans conceived a complex society recognized by the intense maritime trade spread along the Aegean Sea.
Over time, the Achaeans strengthened their economy to the point of establishing a rivalry with the Cretans. In 1400 BC C., the Achaeans invaded the Cretan city of Knossos and dismantled a considerable portion of the customs and traditions of that civilization. The victory of the Achaeans opened doors for hegemony in the eastern portion of the Mediterranean Sea. This domain expanded in 1150 BC. C., when the city of Troia was conquered, giving access to the lands of the coast of the Black Sea.
When the Achaeans developed the expansion of their land, a last invasion would be responsible for the final stage of the so-called pre-Homeric period. During century XII a. a., the Dorians undertook a violent invasion that destroyed several urban centers of Hellas. Thanks to its military tradition and the handling of metal weapons, this group of Indo-European origins forced the flight of several inhabitants of Mainland Greece.
In this way, part of the traditions, customs and knowledge previously established in this region were disarticulated by the violent way that the Dorians conquered Greece. Several human groups fled this desolate situation by seeking new lands on the islands of the Aegean Sea and the coastal portions of Asia Minor. Usually, this population shift was recognized as the First Greek Diaspora.
The end of several cities and the extensive maritime commercial activity paved the way for a new configuration of the Greek world. Small family groups started to live off subsistence agriculture and the sophisticated handicraft lost ground to the design of simpler and more functional pieces. Centralized political structures gave way to power exercised locally by family heads, and funeral rites were simplified. Thus, we come to the end of so-called Pre-Homeric Greece.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/grecia-periodo-antiga.htm
