minoan and mycenaean / Lesson Plan

PDF

Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe and compare the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, understanding their contributions to ancient history.

Materials and Prep

  • Internet access
  • Pen and paper
  • Printed articles or books about Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations

Activities

  1. Research and Compare: Use the internet or printed resources to research the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Take notes on their geographical locations, major cities, art and architecture, trade, religion, and any other interesting aspects.

  2. Create a Venn Diagram: Draw a Venn diagram on a piece of paper or use an online tool. Label one circle as "Minoan Civilization" and the other as "Mycenaean Civilization." Fill in the overlapping section with similarities and the separate sections with unique characteristics of each civilization.

  3. Build a Model: Using clay, playdough, or any other suitable material, create a small model of a Minoan or Mycenaean structure. It could be a palace, a tomb, or any other architectural feature that represents the civilization. Pay attention to the distinctive architectural elements of each civilization.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

  • "The Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea, while the Mycenaean civilization was centered on the Greek mainland."
  • "The Minoans were known for their advanced art and architecture, including the famous Palace of Knossos."
  • "The Mycenaeans were skilled warriors and built impressive fortresses, such as the Lion Gate at Mycenae."
  • "Both civilizations engaged in extensive trade, with the Minoans being known for their seafaring skills and the Mycenaeans for their control of key land routes."
  • "Religion played an important role in both civilizations, with the Minoans worshiping nature deities and the Mycenaeans having a pantheon similar to the later Greek gods."
  • "The decline of the Minoan civilization is often attributed to the volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Santorini, while the Mycenaeans faced internal conflicts and eventual invasion by the Dorians."