Curated timeline

Ancient Greece

The cradle of Western civilization. Explore the world of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympics, from the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the Golden Age of Athens and the conquests of Alexander.

• Minoan Civilization Peak (about 2000 BCE)

  Minoan civilization flourishes on Crete with advanced palace complexes, maritime trade, and sophisticated art.

• Mycenaean Civilization Emerges (about 1600 BCE)

  Mycenaean civilization develops on mainland Greece with fortified citadels and warrior culture.

• Destruction of Minoan Palaces (about 1450 BCE)

  Major Minoan palace centers on Crete are destroyed, possibly by natural disasters or Mycenaean conquest.

• Trojan War (about 1250 BCE)

  Legendary war between Greeks and Trojans, later immortalized in Homer's Iliad and central to Greek identity.

• Bronze Age Collapse (1200-1100 BCE)

  Mycenaean civilization collapses amid widespread destruction across the Eastern Mediterranean.

• Greek Dark Ages Begin (1100-750 BCE)

  Period of cultural decline with reduced population, lost writing systems, and simplified material culture.

• Greek Alphabet Developed (about 800 BCE)

  Greeks adapt Phoenician script to create their alphabet, revolutionizing literacy and literature.

• Homer Composes Epics (800-700 BCE)

  Homer creates the Iliad and Odyssey, foundational works of Western literature and Greek culture.

• First Olympic Games (776 BCE)

  First recorded Olympic Games held at Olympia, establishing athletic competition as central to Greek culture.

• Greek Colonization Begins (750-550 BCE)

  Greeks establish colonies throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea, spreading Hellenic culture.

• Hesiod's Works (about 700 BCE)

  Hesiod writes 'Works and Days' and 'Theogony', providing insights into Greek religion and rural life.

• Age of Tyrants (about 650 BCE)

  Tyrants begin ruling many Greek city-states, often bringing prosperity and cultural development.

• Hoplite Warfare Development (650-600 BCE)

  Hoplite phalanx formation revolutionizes Greek warfare and promotes civic participation.

• Draco's Law Code (621 BCE)

  Draco establishes Athens' first written law code, known for its harsh punishments.

• Greek Coinage Introduced (about 600 BCE)

  First coins used in Greek world, revolutionizing trade and economic systems.

• Solon's Reforms (594 BCE)

  Solon implements constitutional reforms in Athens, laying groundwork for later democracy.

• Thales Predicts Eclipse (585 BCE)

  Thales of Miletus predicts solar eclipse, marking birth of Greek philosophy and natural science.

• Pythagoras's Teachings (570-495 BCE)

  Pythagoras develops mathematical and philosophical theories, including the famous theorem.

• Peisistratos Rules Athens (560-527 BCE)

  Peisistratos rules as tyrant of Athens, promoting arts, literature, and public works.

• Anaximander's World Map (about 545 BCE)

  Anaximander creates first known world map, advancing Greek geographical knowledge.

• Cleisthenes Establishes Democracy (508 BCE)

  Cleisthenes reforms Athenian government, creating the world's first democracy.

• Ionian Revolt (499-494 BCE)

  Greek cities in Asia Minor revolt against Persian rule, leading to Persian Wars.

• Battle of Marathon (490 BCE)

  Athenians defeat much larger Persian force at Marathon, proving Greek military capability.

• Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE)

  300 Spartans and allies make heroic last stand against massive Persian invasion force.

• Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)

  Greek naval victory at Salamis decisively defeats Persian fleet and saves Greece.

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