Archaic Greek Timeline (800-480 BCE)

By harriet88
  • 800 BCE

    Greeks adopt the Phoenician style of writing

    Using it for their own language.
  • 800 BCE

    Sparta emerges from the Greek Dark Age

    A time of rapid change begins.
  • 800 BCE

    The Homeric Epics

    The Illiad and The Odyssey attributed to Homer were composed. These greatly influenced Greek culture, literature and education.
  • Period: 800 BCE to 480 BCE

    Greek colonies are founded on the Ionian coast and around the Black Sea

    The creation of colonies spreads Greek culture and established trading routes.
  • 776 BCE

    First Olympic games held in Olympia

    This was the most prestigious athletic and cultural event in Ancient Greece. This event emphasised physical capabilities and helped create unity amongst Greek-city states. The event attracted athletes and spectators from all around Greece. Olympia was a major religious site as the sanctuary of Zeus was there, and the Olympics were held in Zeus' honour. The games promoted peace and unity as a truce (Ekecheiria) was declared during the games so all could travel safely.
  • Period: 750 BCE to 700 BCE

    Greek Colonisation begins

    Begins in the Black Sea, North Africa, Southern Italy, Sicily, France and Spain. The start of colonisation was due to over-population within the Polis and to secure new trade routes and resources. This spread Greek culture and trade. Greek art (pottery) left lasting legacy on the rest of the world.
  • Period: 743 BCE to 724 BCE

    First Messenian War

    Spartan victory over Messinia.
  • 724 BCE

    Spartan conquest of Messenia in the First Messenian War

  • 700 BCE

    Hoplite Phalanx warfare developed

    Done over several generations - was first depicted in pottery in 650BCE. This type of warfare invloved infantry soldiers who were heavily armed and carried a large round shield. This was an advance in military tactics and the Hoplite Phalanx were hard to defeat in battle.
  • Period: 700 BCE to 600 BCE

    Naucratis becomes first Greek settlement in Egypt

  • Period: 700 BCE to 600 BCE

    First coinage appears in Lydia

    Social and economic changes due to trade (especially coinage). Coinage revolutionised trade by providing a standard medium of exchange, which meant easier and more efficient transactions.
  • Period: 685 BCE to 668 BCE

    Second Messenian War

    Messenia versus Sparta
  • 668 BCE

    Sparta defeated by Argos at battle of Hysiai

    The defeat saw the Spartians change their military tactics to Hoplite Phalanx warfare.
  • 650 BCE

    The first tyrants seize power in Greek mainland states

  • 650 BCE

    Spartan reforms begin - The rise of Spartan Military State

    The laws of Lycurgus are proclaimed. They reformed Sparta's government, economy and society. A Spartan constitution was established which defined the power of Gerousia (council of Elders) on the Apella (Assembly). Other reforms included Spartan communal eating halls as well as unique funeral and wedding customs. It became known as SPartan austerity and frugality.
  • Period: 630 BCE to 613 BCE

    The Messenians revolt against the Spartans

    But are eventually crushed.
  • 621 BCE

    Draco is appointed archon in Athens (Draco's :aw Code - Draconian Laws)

    He was an Athenian lawgiver that introduced a strict set of written laws - specifically a harsh legal code that punished both small and serious crimes in Athens by death. This was a step towards a more structured legal system.
  • 619 BCE

    Draconian Laws

    First written code of laws drawn up in Athens
  • Period: 600 BCE to 500 BCE

    Athenian pottery becomes widespread in Mediterranean

    Indication of spread of Athenian power and influence in the region.
  • 594 BCE

    Solon is appointed archon in Athens (Solon's Reforms)

    Solon was a statesman, lawmaker, political philosopher and poet, he began to reform political systems. He is considered to be the first lawmaker that helped stabilise the social and economic situation in Athens and set the ground for democracy to be created.
  • Period: 594 BCE to 593 BCE

    Seisachtheia or 'The Shaking off of Burdens'

    Solon's reforms - poor are given rights, wealthy given leadership. Status is now defined by wealth not bloodliness
  • Period: 560 BCE to 527 BCE

    Rule of Peisistratos

    Peististratos was an important ruler of Athens (Tyrant) that implemented policies that promoted economic prosperity and cultural development.
  • 550 BCE

    Peloponnesian League Created

    A significant military and political alliance led by Sparta. It was established as Sparta needed to protect themselves from uprisings of its Helots (semi-free agricultural labourers) and regional rivals like Argos. The league helped Sparta dominate the Peloponnese and later resisting the Persian invaders. It is important during the Peloponnesian war.
  • 550 BCE

    Tyrannies are established in the Greek colonies

    Examples of Tyrannies in the Polis
    Pisistratus - Athens
    Laphaes - Argos
    Pheidon- Argos
  • 550 BCE

    Sparta defeats Argos - Battle of the Champions

    The win gave Sparta control of the Thyrea Territory which was a highly disputed strip of land.
  • 539 BCE

    Persia Conquers Babylon

    Persia becomes the worlds largest empire.
  • 513 BCE

    The Persians invade Europe

    Political expansion.
  • 510 BCE

    Sparta becomes a force for expelling tyranny in Greece

  • 508 BCE

    Cleisthenes seizes power in Athens

    With help from the Spartans he overthrew the tyrant Hippias. He introduces reforms which lead to democracy
  • 508 BCE

    Democracy is introduced in Athens by Cleisthenes (Kleisthenes)

    He created the Boule (council of 500) and increased the political participation of ordinary citizens. These reforms were a step towards creating a more inclusive and representative political system in Athens.
  • Period: 499 BCE to 494 BCE

    Ionian Revolt

    The Ionian city-states in the Asia Minor revolt against Persian rule with support from Athens and other Greek city states. This conflict eventually led to the Persian wars between Greece and Persia.
  • Period: 499 BCE to 489 BCE

    First Greco-Persian war

  • 490 BCE

    The Persians invade the Greek mainland

    Defeated at the Battle of Marathon
  • 490 BCE

    Battle of Marathon

    Persia vs Athens - Significant Athenian Victory against larger Persian army ending the first Greco-Persian War
  • 483 BCE

    Discovery of Silver at Laurium

    Athens discovered large deposits of silver at Laurium. This helped pay for their navy.
  • 480 BCE

    Battle of Salamis

    Naval battle which stopped the Persian advance. The Greek fleet, led by Athenian General Themistocles defeated the Persian Navy, sinking 300 Persian ships and losing only 40. The Persians retreated to Asia, stopping the land invasion.
  • Period: 480 BCE to 479 BCE

    Second Greco-Persian War

    Battle of Thermopylae. Spartan King Leonidas and his troops made a valiant stand against the Persians.