| The Mycenaean Greeks
The Mycenaean Greeks were very strong and powerful. Weapons: They were the first people to make weapons out of bronze. Armor: They made shields and helmets from this bronze to protect themselves. Horses: They also were the first people to hitch horses to war chariots in battles. For hundreds of years they conquered a lot of land and led very civilized lives. Children went to school, women watched over the slaves doing the housework and men had jobs as storekeepers, craftsmen, farmers and fishermen. At the same time, other groups called Barbarians were wandering around Greece. They learned how to use iron to make weapons. This was bad news for the Mycenaeans because iron was stronger than bronze! The Mycenaeans weren�t scared at first because they thought that these Barbarians were ignorant and uncivilized! The Barbarians soon learned how to use bows and arrows and javelins. This helped them kill the Mycenaeans from far away. Soon, the Mycenaeans were defeated by the Barbarians. One of the Barbarian tribes that helped defeat the Mycenaeans was called the Dorians. |