The classical age of ancient Greece is a time period that has left an indelible mark on western civilization. It was a time of great intellectual and artistic achievements, as well as military conquests and political upheavals. In this article, we will explore the timeline of the classical age of ancient Greece.
The Archaic Period (800-500 BCE)
The archaic period is considered the beginning of the classical age of ancient Greece. It was a time when Greece was composed of many city-states, each with their own form of government and culture. The most notable city-states were Athens and Sparta.
During this period, Greek art and architecture began to emerge. The temples that were built during this time were simple in design but would later become more elaborate during the classical period.
It was also during this period that Greek poetry and drama emerged. Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, were written during this time.
The Classical Period (500-323 BCE)
The classical period is perhaps the most well-known and celebrated time in ancient Greek history. It was a time when Athens became the cultural center of Greece, producing some of the greatest philosophers, playwrights, and artists in history.
During this period, democracy emerged as a form of government in Athens. The Parthenon temple was built during this time as well as other famous buildings such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Greek philosophy flourished during this period with famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle making significant contributions to philosophy that still influence modern thought today.
Artistically speaking, sculpture reached its height during this era with famous works such as the Venus de Milo and Discobolus being created.
The Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE)
The Hellenistic period began after Alexander the Great’s conquests in Asia. It was a time when Greek culture spread throughout the known world and was heavily influenced by other cultures such as Egyptian and Persian.
During this time, Greek sculpture became more realistic and dramatic, with famous works such as the Laocoön and His Sons being created.
Greek philosophy also continued to evolve during this time with philosophers such as Epicurus and Zeno making significant contributions.
Conclusion
The classical age of ancient Greece left an indelible mark on western civilization. From the archaic period to the Hellenistic period, the timeline of the classical age of ancient Greece is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greek culture.