An Overview of Ancient Greece from the Minoans to the Rise of Democracy

3000-1400 BCE: The Minoan Civilization

2000 BCE

From 3000 to 1400 BCE the Minoans developed perhaps the earliest advanced civilization of Europe. Their architecture created large palaces that were open to the elements in a manner that took full advantage of the climate of Crete. Image source: http://earlyworldhistory.blogspot.com/2012/02/minoans.html

1700 BCE: End of the First Palatial Period

1700 BCE

The Minoans had sophisticated plumbing and large centers for the storage and re-distribution of grain. Their artwork is exquisite and enigmatic, featuring marine themes, bull-leaping rituals or games, and snake-armed goddesses possibly associated with fertility. The Minoans were named by Arthur Evans, who excavated Knossos, and whose extrapolations and imaginative restorations of ruins and artworks are somewhat controversial today. An earthquake likely ended the First Palatial Period.

1700-1200 BCE: The Mycenaeans

Period: 1700 BCE to 1200 BCE

On the Greek mainland the Mycenaens arrived and developed their own distinct culture during this time. These are the people who fought the Trojans. Heinrich Schliemann found "Mycenae" and what he believed to be Agamemnon's Tomb. But the tombs he uncovered were likely too early and may be the founder kings of Mycenae. These were war-like people with a vast trading system, and many of their weapons and armaments match Homer's descriptions. They conquered Minoans around 1400 BCE.

1400 BCE: Arrival of the Mycenaens

1400 BCE

The Minoan civilization was named by Arthur Evans, who believed he had discovered the palace of the legendary King Minos from Greek Myth when he excavated Knossos. The paintings of youths leaping bulls alongside exposed ruined foundations with a resemblance to a labyrinth lent themselves to this impression. In 1400 BCE the Mycaneans conquered Crete. The Minoans had developed a writing system for accounting purposes. This Linear A evolved to Linear B, an early form of Greek, around this time.

1250 BCE: The Trojan War

1250 BCE

An amateur archaeologist named Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ruins of Troy, and new historical significance to Homer's Iliad. There are 7 or so layers of Troy's history; it appears to have been destroyed by a quake at the 6th layer, and by humans at the 7th. Homer may have compressed two different cities together centuries later because his descriptions match two different Troys. In the story Agamemnon and the Greeks besiege Troy and sack it after 10 years.

1250-750 BCE: The Greek "Dark" Ages

Period: 1250 BCE to 776 BCE

Following the advent of the Sea Peoples and some dramatic natural catastrophes, there was a Dark Age of Greek culture and civilization. Scholars like Dan Stanislawski believe this was actually a particularly fecund period of innovation which laid the groundwork for the Greek Renaissance. Though organized society appears to have collapsed, there were nonetheless advances in the arts, ship design, the use of metallurgy, housing design and protection from the elements, and olive oil.

1135 - 775 BCE: Dorians and Ionians

Period: 1135 BCE to 775 BCE

Herodotus calls this period "the wandering times" as tribes move around and are beset by invaders. During this period the Ionians settle Athens and parts of modern Turkey. The Dorians settle Sparta.

800 BCE: Recovery Towards Renaissance

800 BCE

Writing re-emerges, with Linear B morphing via the adoption of the Phoenician alphabet.Pottery returns, imports return, and colonists are sent to Italy. Some settlements flourish. The earliest known inscription in recognizable Greek occurs around 740 BCE.

800 BCE: Advent of Archons

800 BCE

The last King of Athens steps down and becomes Archon. This step allows the move from hereditary monarchy to the development of a more democratic system.

800-600 BCE: Rise of Sparta

Period: 800 BCE to 600 BCE

Sparta rises concurrently with Athens but has a different culture and different set of ideals. Sparta is a completely militarized society, very warlike. The Spartan people have a Constitution, however, which lists rights of citizens. Women are allowed to own property.

776 BCE: The first Olympic Games

776 BCE

Games took place very four years at Olympia.
Held in honor of Zeus.Originally only wrestling and foot races, eventually horse racing, chariot racing, javelins, boxing, etc.
Sacred truce was in place during Games, those traveling to and fro were considered under protection from robbers, etc. One race in full armor and shield, all other events were naked. No women were allowed at the games. Winners wore olive wreath with a storage jar of olive oil , or housing for rest of life.

742 BCE: Office of Archon Reform

742 BCE

At this time, according to Aristotle, the Archon role is limited to a few families and has a max term of 10 years. This is the beginning of a somewhat democratic system.

700 BCE: Archon Evolves to Annual Office

700 BCE

Now the Archon is elected annually. Only adult male Athenians vote.
Homer and Hesiod are alive around this time.

621 BCE: Draco

621 BCE

In 621 BC Draco begins his legal reforms. He was a lawgiver who had laws written down. Severe penalties ("draconian" penalties) for almost everything (most crimes punishable by death). Draco: “small crimes deserve death, and there is no more severe punishment for the more serious ones” Draco makes a distinction between intentional and accidental killings, which is still in use today.

594 BCE: Solon's Reforms

594 BCE

Solon asked that his reformed laws not be changed without his input for 10 years, and left for 10 years to travel so Athenians COULD NOT consult him to change things. Reforms: Mother Earth Made Free—a new census system with 4 classes of Athenian society.Cancelled: ALL debts, ALL loans, and cancelled slavery based on debt. Gave citizenship to alien craftsmen. Tried to encourage trade and industry. Established native coins. Reformed constitution ending Draco’s draconian codes

546 BCE: Peisistratos, A Benevolent Tyrant

546 BCE

Peisistratos tests early Greek's democracy. He takes charge with bodyguards granted him for protection and is booted out. He tries to fool Athenians by hiring a tall actress to don armor and play Athena, advocating for his rise to power. Doesn't work. He is a military hero related to Solon who eventually does take power in 546. He is a benevolent tyrant but his sons are not so benevolent. The final son is deposed in 511 BCE.

508 BCE: Cleisthenes Reforms

508 BCE

Overhauled society: moved from families and tribes to location as the basis of society. DEME became basic unit of society (geographical regions). Citizenship and your deme were integral to democratic participation. Practice of ostracism: was a hedge against anyone who got too powerful. But property and business and profits were not touched. Equal rights to speak is new idea around this time. Jury selection using balls with tribe name on it. Very raw form of democracy.

488 BCE: First Use of Ostracism

488 BCE

Ostracism first used against Hipparchus. 6000 votes needed, names were written on clay shards. An election no one wanted to win, but amounted to a 10-year exile with no loss of business or property. Ostracism was a hedge against potential tyranny and was used against anyone who got to powerful.