Ancient Greece is one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in history. It is known for its contributions to philosophy, art, literature, and politics.
But how long did this great civilization last? Let’s take a closer look.
Early Greece
The early Greek civilization emerged around 2700 BC in the Aegean region. This period is known as the Bronze Age, and it lasted until around 1100 BC. During this time, the Greeks developed a system of writing called Linear B, as well as significant advancements in agriculture, architecture, and metallurgy.
Classical Greece
The Classical period of Greece began around 480 BC with the victory over the Persian Empire at the Battle of Salamis. This period saw a flowering of Greek culture, including the development of democracy in Athens, the creation of epic poetry such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and major philosophical works by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
During this time, Greece also experienced significant political upheaval with conflicts between city-states such as Athens and Sparta. The Peloponnesian War between these two powers lasted from 431 BC to 404 BC and ultimately led to Sparta’s victory.
Hellenistic Greece
Following Alexander the Great’s conquests in the late 4th century BC, Greek culture spread throughout much of Asia Minor and Egypt. This period is known as Hellenistic Greece and lasted until around 31 BC when Rome conquered Egypt.
During this time, Greek culture continued to thrive with major cultural developments such as advancements in mathematics by Euclid and Archimedes’ work on physics.
The End of Ancient Greece
The end of Ancient Greece is often marked by Rome’s conquests in the region but can also be traced back to Alexander’s death in 323 BC. The Roman Empire began to dominate the region in the 2nd century BC and eventually absorbed much of Greek culture into its own.
In conclusion, Ancient Greece lasted for over 2,000 years with significant cultural and political developments during each period. From the Bronze Age to Hellenistic Greece, the Greeks left a lasting legacy that continues to influence modern society today.