Significant events in Ancient Greece

Mesolithic Period

Period: 8300 BCE to 7000 BCE

The Mesolithic period was before basic trading and seafaring occurred. Stone tools were invented and people were not part of any nation, tribes or clans. no major conflicts were fought during this period. Stone weapons were used to hunt for animals.

Earliest Burial

7250 BCE

Earliest evidence of burials date back to 7250 BCE in Franchthi Cave, Greece. This event is significant because it is evidence of the earliest existing Ancient Greeks.

Basic Trading and Seafaring

7000 BCE

Evidence shows a few food producing economies, and simple hut constructions and also seafaring in the Aegean sea. This event is significant because it is evidence of bartering where people trade needs and wants with each other.

Neolithic Period

Period: 7000 BCE to 3000 BCE

In the Neolithic period people started to settle building wooden huts in groups to form villages. Basic trading, farming, pottery and seafaring started to develop throughout Greece. The Aegean islands were populated by traveling Greeks.

First Fortifications

3400 BCE

First fortifications are constructed in Dimini, Greece. This is a significant event because it is evidence of the earliest Greek fortifications. This suggests that wars between tribes or clans had already begun.

Early Bronze Age

Period: 3000 BCE to 2000 BCE

Basic Architecture is built and small tribes and kingdoms start to form. More advanced tools were invented including wheels. Metals such as copper, tin and bronze were used for small precious objects. Aventually more and more metals were discovered until they were used for things such as weapons and decorations.

Destruction Of Minoan Settlements

2000 BCE

Minoan civilization is destroyed by invading Greek armies. The Minoan civilization existed on the modern day Greek island of Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This is a significant event because it is evidence of an entire ancient Greek culture being destroyed.

Minoan Period

Period: 2000 BCE to 1400 BCE

This period was named after legendary king Minos of Crete. This period is centered on the island of Crete. The Minoan civilization was a thriving seafaring empire. Terracotta clay was used to create pottery and sculptures. The Minoan civilization existed from 2700 BCE to about 1500 BCE.

Eruption of Thera volcano

1646 BCE

In 1646 BCE one of the largest ever volcanic eruptions took place at the Thera volcano in Santorini,Greece. The explosion is estimated to be more powerful then 40 atomic bombs or approximately 100 times more powerful than the eruption at Pompeii. About 20,000 people lost their lives in the eruption. This is a significant event because it was one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. It is also significant because it took over 20,000 lives.

Mycenaean

Period: 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE

This was a period of high cultural achievement. This time period was named after the Kingdom of Mycenae located on the Greek island of Peloponnese. Mycenaean culture was based around its main cities Mycenae, Athens, Thebes and more. The Mycenaeans traded and communicated with many Mediterranean and European kingdoms.

Linear A script Writing invented

1450 BCE

Linear A script writing is one of the 2 currently undecipherable writing systems that were used in Ancient Greece and Crete. Linear A script was the primary script used in palaces and religious scrolls. This writing script was firstly developed by the Minoan civilization. This is a significant event because it is the oldest evidence of Ancient Greek writing.

"Sea Peoples"

1300 BCE

"Sea peoples'"begin raids in the Eastern Mediterranean sea along the coast of Ancient Greece. The Sea Peoples identity is still unknown but most evidence suggests them to be Etruscan/Trojan, Italian, Philistine, Mycenaean or even Minoan. This is a significant event because this is evidence of another Mediterranean culture.

Trojan War Part 1

1250 BCE

This conflict was fought between Greeks and Trojans. This war shaped the culture of Ancient Greece. The war lasted for 10 years. Towards the end of the 10th year of fighting the Greeks thought of an excellent idea to send a wooden horse inside the city. The Greeks decided to retreat so that it looked like they had surrendered, but then some soldiers got out the horse at the same time as there fellow Greeks were attacking the wall.

Trojan War Part 2

1250 BCE

This overwhelmed the city's defenses ending the war with a Greek victory. This event is significant because it is one of the most famous battles in Greek history. The Trojan Horse is a story that is now told all around the world.

Dark Age Of Greece

Period: 1100 BCE to 700 BCE

This was the time period between the fall of the Mycenaean civilization and the readoption of writing in the 7th century BCE. After the Trojan War the Mycenaeans went through a period of civil war, the kingdom was weakened and a tribe called the Dorians took over

End of Mycenaean Civilisation Part 1

1000 BCE

The Mycenaean civilization flourished during 15th century to the 13th century BCE and extended its influence throughout Peloponnese in Greece. With the mysterious end to the civilization during there collapse around 1200 BCE Greek culture perished and the Dark Ages begun. It would be over 400 years until Greek culture would finally regain its influence again.

End of the Mycenaean Civilization Part 2

1000 BCE

This event is significant because it is evidence of the end of a civilization. It is significant also because Greek culture nearly perished too. It was the beginning of the Dark Age of Greece.

First Olympic Games Part 1

776 BCE

The first Olympic games were held at Olympia in 776 BCE. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic Temple of Zeus. The Olympic games were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. The first Olympic games only consisted of foot races. As the popularity of the games grew more events were added such as wrestling, chariot races, marathons, discus and the pentathlon.

First Olympic Games Part 2

776 BCE

This is one of the most significant events in ancient Greece as it inspired the idea of a modern Olympic Games. Today the Olympics is one of the most important sport events in the world.

Invention Of Greek Alphabet

750 BCE

It is believed that the Greek alphabet was invented sometime during the 8th century. The Greeks also were able to use vowels and could pronounce each letter in the alphabet as well. This event is significant because the ancient Greek alphabet was created.

Greek Colonies

750 BCE

Greek Colonies were established in the Italian island of Sicily and Southern Italy around 750 BCE. The Greeks colonized southern Italy for various reasons including overcrowding, famine and more. They also established colonies in Spain, France, Egypt, Libya, Cyprus, and lots more in the Black Sea. The discovery and colonization of a majority of the Mediterranean coastline is a very significant event.

Archaic Period

Period: 750 BCE to 500 BCE

The age is defined as an age of art development. Also the Greek-Sparta wars are fought. The period ends with the introduction of Democracy. The time period saw advancements in political theory, culture and art. During this time period strong city states were formed.

First Messenian War

730 BCE

Sparta invades Messenia because they were a rival and also Sparta was a land-hungry empire. After 20 years Sparta had conquered all of Messenia forcing them to surrender. This is a significant event because it was one of Sparta's first conquests. This is also significant as it was Sparta's first step it uniting the island of Peloponnese.

Second Messenia War

660 BCE

After 70 years of Spartan occupation the Messenians revolted but were swiftly stopped by the strong Spartan army. This is a significant event because it tells us that the Messenians didn't like Spartan occupation.

Earliest Lyric Poets

650 BCE

Ancient lyric poetry included epic stories, songs, religious hymns, wedding songs, love poems, drama dialogues and odes to Gods. This event is significant because it is evidence of early Greek poetry.

Solon replaces Draconian

594 BCE

Solon becomes the leader of Greece and lays the foundations of Democracy, the first Coinage system, weights and measurements. This is one of the most significant events because the foundations of democracy are invented and the Ancient Greek Coinage system is invented.

Introduction Of Democracy in Athens

507 BCE

Democracy was introduced by the Greek leader Cleisthenes in the Greek capital of Athens. This is the most significant Ancient Greek event because Athens is the first nation to introduce the now world dominating ideology. If democracy was not introduced in Athens it probably never would have existed.

Classical Period

Period: 500 BCE to 336 BCE

This period starts with the Ionian revolt and the Greek-Persian wars. In this period Athens reached its greatest political and cultural, the full development of the democratic system. This event ends with Alexander the greats conquest of Persia

Ionian revolt

499 BCE

The Ionian revolt was a major uprising of all Ancient Greece's territories in Asia minor (Turkey). It is thought to have delayed the inevitable Persian invasion of mainland Greece or have made the invasion of Greece more likely. This event is significant because it was the biggest revolt in Ancient Greece.

Ionian Revolt defeated by Persians

494 BCE

After a few years of independence the Ionian's were invaded by the massive Persian Empire. They were defeated and became part of the ever so growing empire. This is a significant event because it was one of the first steps in a Persian invasion of Greece

Persian Wars

490 BCE

The Persians (Iran) invaded Greece 490 BCE. The Greeks were ultimately victorious and there civilization was preserved. If they had been defeated Greek culture may have been lost including the foundations of Democracy and many Greek philosophies. This event is significant because Ancient Greek culture was nearly destroyed.

First Sparta-Greek War

461 BCE

The Sparta-Greek war or Peloponesian War was fought between Greece and The Peloponesian League led by Sparta. Sparta finally won the war when they destroyed the Athenian fleet with financial support from the Persians. This event is significant because it was one of the biggest conflicts in Ancient Greece.

First Sparta-Greek War peace treaty

446 BCE

A peace treaty was signed between the 2 civilizations in the winter of 446 BCE. This brought an end to the First Peloponnesian war. This event is significant because it is the end of one of the biggest conflicts in Ancient Greece.

Second Athens-Sparta War

404 BCE

After 15 years of peace in 431 BCE Sparta declares war on Greece. After 27 years of fighting Athens surrenders to Sparta and 30 tyrants rule Greece from Athens. This event is significant because one of the biggest Ancient Greek conflicts starts again. It is also significant because it begins a small time period where Athens is ruled by 30 tyrants.

Restoration of Democracy in Athens

403 BCE

Democracy is restored to Greece after a civil war in the occupied Greece. Spartan occupation didn't last long! This event is significant because democracy is reintroduced and the Spartan occupation of Greece ends.

Alexander The Great Rules Macedonia

336 BCE

Phillip 2 of Macedonia is assassinated and Alexander the Great becomes the new King of Macedonia. This is a very significant event because one of the most famous war generals becomes ruler.

Alexander The Great's Invasion Of Egypt

331 BCE

In November 332 BCE Alexanders armies reached Egypt. The Egyptians welcomed Alexander and his liberating armies. Once Alexander liberated the Egyptians he founded the city of Alexandria on a site between the sea and lake Mareotis. Today Alexandria is home to more than 4.5 million people. This is a very significant event because a major city was founded and Alexander isolated the mighty Persian fleet.

Alexander's Death

323 BCE

In Babylon 323 BCE Alexander was planning to create a settlement in the Persian golf. When at a banquet he became seriously ill. 10 days later on the 13th of June Alexander died aged 33. It is not known what caused his death. This is a very significant event because one of the most famous war generals in history died.

Hellenistic Period

Period: 323 BCE to 146 BCE

This is the time period between Alexander the Great's death and the establishment of Roman supremacy in Greece. The Romans tryed to conquer Macedonia but the war ended up in a stalemate so they conquer 1 Greek city state at a time.

Roman invasion of Macedonia

214 BCE

The Roman empire invaded Macedonia in 214 BCE. The war ended in 205 BCE as a stalemate. This is a significant event because it involved Alexander's once glorious Macedonia Empire.

Roman invasion of Greece

146 BCE

Rome invades Greece and in 86 BCE they surrender to Roman rule. Greece fought hard but the powers of the region were not united therefore Rome eliminated them one at a time. This is a significant event because it is the end of Ancient Greece, and its also the beginning of another dark age.

References Part 1

1 BCE

References Cartwright, M. (2017). Mycenaean Civilization. [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.ancient.eu/Mycenaean_Civilization/ [Accessed 20 Jul. 2017]. Cartwright, M. (2017). Peloponnesian War. [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.ancient.eu/Peloponnesian_War/ [Accessed 19 Jul. 2017]. Cartwright, M. (2017). Persian Wars. [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.ancient.eu/Persian_Wars/ [Accessed 18 Jul. 2017].

Self Reflection

1 BCE

I have learnt a lot about the history of the ancient Greeks. Their culture was extraordinarily exciting. I found this task really fun and awesome. I worked really well and put lots of time and effort into this timeline.

References Part 3

1 BCE

Sakoulas, T. (2017). Greece Timeline. [online] Ancient-greece.org. Available at: http://ancient-greece.org/resources/timeline.html [Accessed 17 Jul. 2017]. Wallbank, F. (2017). Alexander the Great | king of Macedonia. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alexander-the-Great [Accessed 17 Jul. 2017].

References Part 2

1 BCE

Cartwright, M. (2017). Trojan War. [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. Available at: http://www.ancient.eu/Trojan_War/ [Accessed 17 Jul. 2017]. Encyclopedia Britannica. (2017). Messenian Wars | ancient Greece. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/Messenian-Wars [Accessed 18 Jul. 2017] Explorecrete.com. (2017). Destruction of the Minoan Civilization. [online] Available at: http://www.explorecrete.com/archaeology/minoan-civilization-destruction.html [Accessed 19 Jul. 2017].