How Long Ago Were Ancient Greek Times?

Ancient Greek Times: How Far Back Do They Go?

When we talk about Ancient Greece, we’re talking about a time period that spans over 1000 years, from around 800 BC to the end of the Hellenistic period in 31 BC. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating era.

The Archaic Period (800-500 BC)

The Archaic period is considered the earliest period of Ancient Greece. During this time, Greek civilization began to emerge and flourish. The Greeks built cities, created art and literature, and developed a political system that would influence Western thought for centuries.

The Classical Period (500-323 BC)

The Classical period is perhaps the most well-known of all the periods in Ancient Greece. This was a time of great cultural achievements, including the creation of some of the world’s most famous works of art and literature. The Greeks also made significant advances in science and philosophy during this time.

The Golden Age

The Classical period is often referred to as the Golden Age of Greece. This was a time when Athens became one of the most powerful city-states in Greece, and artists such as Phidias created some of their greatest masterpieces.

The Hellenistic Period (323-31 BC)

Finally, we come to the Hellenistic period, which saw Greek culture spread throughout much of the known world. Alexander the Great conquered much of Asia during this time, spreading Greek ideas and culture as he went.

The End of an Era

The Hellenistic period came to an end with the rise of Rome. In 31 BC, Rome defeated Egypt in battle and effectively ended Greek independence.

  • 800-500 BC: The Archaic Period
  • 500-323 BC: The Classical Period
  • 323-31 BC: The Hellenistic Period

The Legacy of Ancient Greece

Although Ancient Greece may be long gone, its legacy lives on in many ways. For example, the ancient Greeks gave us democracy, the Olympic Games, and some of the world’s most famous works of art and literature.

A Lasting Influence

The influence of Ancient Greece can be seen in many areas of modern life. From politics to philosophy to art and architecture, the ancient Greeks have left an indelible mark on Western culture.

In Conclusion: So, how long ago were Ancient Greek times? They spanned over 1000 years from around 800 BC to the end of the Hellenistic period in 31 BC. Though they may be long gone, their legacy continues to influence us today.