Greece in the Archaic Period (800-480 BCE)

By sammyew4413
  • 800 BCE

    Greek city-states emerge from the Dark Ages

  • 800 BCE

    The Rise of the Polis (City-States)

    The concept of the polis (city-state) emerges across Greece, marking the transition from tribal societies to organized city-states. Key early examples include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes.
  • 776 BCE

    The First Olympic Games

    The first Olympic Games are held in Olympia, a major religious and cultural event that would become central to Greek identity and a symbol of unity among city-states.
  • 750 BCE

    Greek poleis start establishing colonies around the Mediterranean and Black seas

  • Period: 750 BCE to 700 BCE

    The Homeric Epics

    Homer, traditionally credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey, lays the foundation for Greek literature and culture. These epics offer insights into Greek values, heroes, and divine relations.
  • Period: 750 BCE to 600 BCE

    Colonial Expansion

    During this period, Greeks establish colonies around the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Key colonies include Massilia (modern Marseille), Cumae in Italy, and Byzantium (modern Istanbul). This expansion leads to cultural exchange and spread of Greek influence.
  • 700 BCE

    First Messenian War (Sparta defeats Messenia)

  • 650 BCE

    Earliest tyrants take over Greek poleis, reforms of Spartan society begin (attributed to Lycurgus)

  • 621 BCE

    Draco’s Legal Code in Athens

    Draco codifies the first written laws of Athens, often associated with extreme punishments. His legal reforms are a precursor to later democratic developments in Athens.
  • 600 BCE

    mid-600s Second Messenian War following an uprising of the Messenians

  • 594 BCE

    Solon’s Reforms in Athens

    Solon, a statesman and poet, introduces a series of democratic reforms in Athens, including debt relief, reorganization of social classes, and new legal codes. His reforms lay the groundwork for Athenian democracy.
  • 560 BCE

    Pisistratus Becomes Tyrant of Athens

    Pisistratus seizes power in Athens and becomes a tyrant. He stabilizes the city-state, promotes cultural growth, and enhances trade. His reign marks a shift away from aristocratic rule toward centralized power.
  • 550 BCE

    Peloponnesian League created

  • 546 BCE

    The Conquest of Ionia by Persia

    Cyrus the Great of Persia defeats the Lydians, leading to the incorporation of Greek cities in Ionia (modern-day western Turkey) into the Persian Empire. This creates tensions between Greek city-states and Persia.
  • 546 BCE

    Ionia becomes part of the Persian Empire

  • Period: 546 BCE to 510 BCE

    Tyranny of Pisistratus and his sons in Athens

  • 509 BCE

    The Overthrow of the Tyrants in Athens

    The aristocratic class, led by Cleisthenes, overthrows the tyranny of the Pisistratids, setting the stage for the Athenian democracy. Cleisthenes' reforms establish the basis for Athens' later political structure.
  • 508 BCE

    Cleisthenes’ Democratic Reforms in Athens

    Cleisthenes establishes democracy in Athens, introducing new political institutions such as the Council of 500, giving all male citizens a say in government.
  • Period: 508 BCE to 507 BCE

    Democratic Reforms of Cleisthenes in Athens

  • 507 BCE

    The Persian Wars Begin

    The Persian Empire begins its attempt to expand into Greece, leading to a series of conflicts between the Greeks and the Persians. Darius I of Persia invades the Greek mainland, beginning the Persian Wars.
  • 500 BCE

    Reforms of Solon in Athens

  • Period: 499 BCE to 494 BCE

    Ionian revolt against Persia

  • 490 BCE

    The Battle of Marathon

    The Battle of Marathon sees the Athenians, under the leadership of Miltiades, defeat the much larger Persian force. This victory boosts Athenian morale and confidence, marking a significant moment in Greek military history.
  • 490 BCE

    First Persian invasion of Greek mainland (including Battle of Marathon)

  • 483 BCE

    Discovery of silver at Laurion in Attica

  • 481 BCE

    Hellenic League created

  • 480 BCE

    The Battle of Thermopylae and Salamis

    The Battle of Thermopylae sees King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 soldiers make a heroic stand against the Persian army, though they are ultimately defeated. Meanwhile, the Greek navy achieves a decisive victory over the Persians at the Battle of Salamis, preserving Greek independence.
  • Period: 480 BCE to 479 BCE

    Second Persian invasion of Greek Mainland

    includes battles of Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, Plataea and Mycale