Annotated Time Line: Greece

By hewettlo
  • Minoan Civilization Established
    3000 BCE

    Minoan Civilization Established

    Early Minoan Period begins on Crete. The Minoans develop advanced maritime trade, beautiful pottery, and early writing systems (Linear A)
  • The Palace
    2000 BCE

    The Palace

    Palace Culture flourishes. Construction of grand palaces like Knossos, with advanced architectural techniques and frescoes.
  • The Mycenaens
    1600 BCE

    The Mycenaens

    Rise of the Mycenaean civilization on mainland Greece. They develop fortifications, chariots, and extensive trade networks.
  • Empires Fall
    1450 BCE

    Empires Fall

    Minoan civilization falls to the Mycenaean. Liner B established as a written language.
  • Mycenaens Flurish
    1250 BCE

    Mycenaens Flurish

    Construction of the massive fortifications and monumental palaces, such as Mycenae and Tiryns.
  • Bronze Age Collapse
    1100 BCE

    Bronze Age Collapse

    The Mycenaean civilization collapses, possibly due to invasions and internal strife. The Greek Dark Ages begin. Populations and trade declines. Shifting weather patterns lead to food shortages.
  • Greek Dark Ages
    1000 BCE

    Greek Dark Ages

    Iron-working spreads throughout Greece, replacing the use of bronze and leading to improved agricultural tools and weapons.
  • City States
    900 BCE

    City States

    Emergence of city-states (poleis) like Athens and Sparta.
  • Epic poetry
    800 BCE

    Epic poetry

    The alphabet, adapted from the Phoenician script, leads to the revival of literacy and the recording of epic poetry like Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey."
  • The Archaic Period
    776 BCE

    The Archaic Period

    The first Olympic Games are held, showcasing physical prowess and uniting the Greek world. Black figure style pottery becomes popular as the technique is refined.
  • The Colonies
    750 BCE

    The Colonies

    Colonization of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, spreading Greek culture and establishing trade networks.
  • Athenian reforms
    594 BCE

    Athenian reforms

    Solon's reforms in Athens, alleviating debt slavery and encouraging economic and political participation
  • Democracy
    550 BCE

    Democracy

    Rise of tyranny in various Greek city-states, leading to political experimentation and the establishment of early forms of democracy.
  • Greek Classical Period Begins
    508 BCE

    Greek Classical Period Begins

    Cleisthenes' reforms in Athens, establishing the foundations of Athenian democracy, including the introduction of the Council of 500.
  • Clashes with Persia
    490 BCE

    Clashes with Persia

    The Battle of Marathon, where the Athenians achieve a significant victory over the Persians, showcasing their military prowess and boosting civic pride.
  • Athenian Democracy
    488 BCE

    Athenian Democracy

    Athens elects archons for the first time, by lot. The first ostracism occurs at this time. Temple of Athena built at the Acropolis.