Archaic Greek Timeline (800–480 BCE)

By sophia.henders2008
  • 800 BCE

    Rise of the Greek City-States (Polis)

    Independent city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Corinth began to form, each with its own government and identity.
  • 776 BCE

    First recorded Olympic Games

    Held in Olympia, these games honored Zeus and marked the beginning of Panhellenic traditions.
  • 750 BCE

    Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey composed.

    These epic poems shaped Greek identity, mythology, and literature for centuries.
  • 730 BCE

    Spartan conquest of Messenia

    Sparta enslaved the Messenians (helots), transforming into a militarized society to maintain control.
  • 621 BCE

    Draco’s harsh legal code in Athens.

    The first written laws of Athens, known for their severity, established a rigid legal system.
  • 600 BCE

    Rise of Tyrannies in Greek city-states

    Many poleis, including Corinth and Athens, saw rulers (tyrants) seize power, often promoting trade and infrastructure.
  • 594 BCE

    Solon’s democratic reforms in Athens.

    Solon restructured Athenian politics and economy, reducing aristocratic control and easing debt slavery.
  • 550 BCE

    Formation of the Peloponnesian League

    Sparta led a powerful alliance of city-states, cementing its dominance in Greece.
  • 508 BCE

    Cleisthenes establishes Athenian democracy.

    Cleisthenes introduced reforms that laid the foundation for direct democracy in Athens.
  • 490 BCE

    Battle of Marathon: Athens defeats Persia.

    Athenian hoplites secured a decisive victory against the Persian invasion, boosting Greek confidence.
  • 480 BCE

    Battles of Thermopylae & Salamis: Greeks resist Persian invasion.

    Leonidas and the 300 Spartans made a heroic last stand at Thermopylae, while the Athenian navy crushed the Persian fleet at Salamis, turning the tide of the war.