Ancient Greece is one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. It is known for its amazing architecture, art, philosophy, and politics.
But when exactly was Ancient Greece founded? Let’s take a look at the history.
The Early Period
The early history of Ancient Greece is shrouded in mystery. According to legend, the city of Athens was founded by the goddess Athena in 1200 BCE. This was followed by the founding of other city-states like Sparta and Corinth.
However, there is little evidence to support these claims. The earliest archaeological evidence of Greek civilization dates back to around 2800 BCE, during the Bronze Age. This period is known as the Minoan civilization, named after King Minos who ruled over Crete.
The Archaic Period
The Archaic Period of Ancient Greece is generally considered to have started around 800 BCE. This period saw significant developments in Greek society and culture. The city-states became more organized and powerful, and trade flourished.
During this time, Athens became one of the most powerful city-states in Greece. It was known for its democracy and cultural achievements such as drama and philosophy.
The Classical Period
The Classical Period of Ancient Greece began around 500 BCE and lasted until Alexander the Great’s conquest in 323 BCE. This period is considered to be the height of Greek civilization.
During this time, Athens continued to be a cultural center while Sparta became a military powerhouse. The Greeks fought several wars with Persia during this time, including the famous Battle of Marathon.
This period also saw significant developments in art and architecture with famous structures like the Parthenon being built during this time.
The Hellenistic Period
After Alexander the Great’s conquests, Greece entered into a new era known as the Hellenistic period which lasted until the Roman Empire’s conquest of Greece in 146 BCE. This period saw the spread of Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world.
Greeks continued to make significant contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and science during this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of Ancient Greece is a long and complex one that spans several centuries. While there is little evidence to support the legends surrounding its founding, we do know that it was a civilization that made significant contributions to human history and culture. From philosophy to art, its legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.