History of Ancient Greece
The history of ancient Greece is a pivotal chapter in the annals of Western civilization, providing foundational contributions to Western philosophy, democracy, literature, history, science, and art. Spanning from around the 12th century BCE to the rise of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BCE, ancient Greek history is typically divided into several key periods:
Dark Ages (c. 1100–800 BCE)
Following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization, Greece entered a period of decline known as the Dark Ages. This era saw a significant reduction in population and literacy. However, it set the stage for the resurgence of Greek culture and the establishment of the city-state, or polis, as the fundamental social and political unit.
Archaic Period (c. 800–480 BCE)
The Archaic period witnessed the re-emergence of trade and urbanization, the formulation of the Greek alphabet inspired by the Phoenician script, and the composition of epic poetry by Homer. The period also saw the development of distinct city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, each with its unique form of government.
Classical Period (c. 480–323 BCE)
Marked by the Persian Wars, where a coalition of Greek city-states managed to repel two major Persian invasions, this period heralded the Golden Age of Athens under the leadership of Pericles. Democracy flourished in Athens, and significant achievements in philosophy, arts, and sciences were made. The era also encompassed the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, leading to the decline of Athenian power.
Hellenistic Period (c. 323–31 BCE)
Following the death of Alexander the Great, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the formation of Hellenistic kingdoms in Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. This period saw the spread of Greek culture and influence far beyond the geographical boundaries of Greece itself, as cities like Alexandria in Egypt became centers of learning and culture.
Roman Conquest (146 BCE)
The Roman Republic gradually extended its influence over Greece, culminating in the Battle of Corinth in 146 BCE, after which Greece became part of the Roman Empire. Greek culture, however, continued to exert a profound influence on Rome, shaping aspects of Roman art, architecture, government, and philosophy.
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece was a civilization that existed from the 12th–9th centuries BC to the end of classical antiquity. It was made up of a collection of city-states and other territories that were culturally and linguistically related. Ancient Greece is often referred to as “classical” because it represents a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing that laid the foundation for Western civilization. Alexander the Great was a Greek who was born in 356 BC and is known for conquering dozens of countries and creating an empire that extended as far as India.
In this article, we are going to discuss Ancient Greece with its glorious history and legacy in ancient times.
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