The classical period saw the rise of democracy at Athens. Though quite thoroughly adapted, this is where our western democracy had its beginning. This era also includes the Pelopennesian wars (between Greece and Sparta) which lasted nearly 60 years, as well as the rise of the well know Alexander the Great, whose death in 323 marks the end of this period.


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-  Neolithic Period ca. 6000-3000 BCE
- Bronze Age ca. 3000- 2000 BCE
- Minoan Age ca. 2000 - 1400 BCE
- Mycenaean Age ca. 1100 - 600 BCE
- Dark Age ca. 1100- 750 BCE
- Archaic Period ca. 750 - 500 BCE
- Classical Period ca. 500 - 323 BCE
- Hellenistic Period ca. 323 - 32 BCE
- *It should be noted that may of the date ranges are still debated among scholars, and this is a rough guide of the timeline. There are also some time periods that overlap each other due to different rates of growth and development throughout Greece.

Greek Ages

M. Funke, Personal Communication, September 2019

Greek Eras

During this time, people were just beginning to arrive in Greece from the East. They introduced pottery to the region as they spread out through the land and began to farm and form early settlements.

Neolithic Period ca. 6000-3000 BCE

This age is marked by the use of bronze tools and weaponry. The material cultures were rich, and there is lots of visual representation from this era; however, it is pre-historical meaning nothing was written down to provide a narrative of this period.


Bronze Age ca. 3000-2000 BCE

This period is most distinguishable for its production of the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete. The Minoans had a deep appreciation for art, showcased by their production of pottery, sculpture, and buildings (many of which still stand today).

Minoan Age ca. 2000 - 1400 BCE

Greek culture began to develop more rapidly during this period. Industries began to take shape and the arts developed even further, and many buildings and structures were erected during this time.

Mycenaean Age ca. 1100-600 BCE

As the name would suggest, there is not as much for us to go on for this era; however it is known that the Greek culture expanded through the Mediterranean during this time.

Dark Age ca. 1100 - 750 BCE

This period marked the rise of the Polis (or city-state); the most commonly known being Sparta and Athens. It also saw the beginnings of Greek literature and colonization. One of the main events from this time period is of course, the Persian war, which featured the war at Thermopylae - popularly known as the war of 300, in which only 300 Spartan soldiers battled the whole Persian army.

Archaic Period ca. 750 - 500 BCE

Classical Period ca. 500 - 323 BCE

After the death of Alexander, the territory was divided and Rome was expanding rapidly in both size and power. 

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