Ancient Greece is a civilization that has had a profound impact on the world and continues to influence modern society. The timeline of Ancient Greece is a fascinating subject that spans over several centuries. In this article, we will explore the beginning and end timeline of Ancient Greece.
The Beginning of Ancient Greece
The exact beginning of Ancient Greece cannot be pinpointed to a specific date or event. However, historians generally agree that it began around 800 BCE with the rise of the city-states. These city-states, such as Athens and Sparta, were independent entities that had their own unique cultures, governments, and economies.
The Archaic Period (800-500 BCE)
During this period, the city-states of Ancient Greece began to develop their own distinct cultures and identities. The Greeks also established colonies in areas such as Italy, Sicily, and Asia Minor. The development of the Greek alphabet also took place during this period.
The Classical Period (500-323 BCE)
This period is considered the height of Ancient Greek civilization and is characterized by great cultural achievements in art, literature, philosophy, science, and politics. It was during this time that democracy was established in Athens and great thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emerged.
The End of Ancient Greece
The end of Ancient Greece is generally marked by the conquests of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. However, it’s important to note that Greek culture continued to influence the world for centuries after Alexander’s death.
The Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE)
After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals who established their own kingdoms. This period is known as the Hellenistic Period and is characterized by a blending of Greek culture with other cultures such as Persian and Egyptian.
The Roman Conquest (146 BCE)
The Roman Empire eventually conquered Greece in 146 BCE, bringing an end to the independent city-states. However, Greek culture continued to thrive under Roman rule and had a significant impact on Roman art, literature, and philosophy.
The Byzantine Empire (330-1453 CE)
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, the Eastern Roman Empire (also known as the Byzantine Empire) emerged. Greek culture played a major role in this empire, which lasted until the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453 CE.
Conclusion
The timeline of Ancient Greece is a fascinating subject that spans over several centuries. From the rise of the city-states to the conquests of Alexander the Great and beyond, Greek culture has had a profound impact on the world. With its great cultural achievements in art, literature, philosophy, science, and politics, Ancient Greece continues to influence modern society.