Greek Timeline Project

By RachelTouse
  • Period: 499 BCE to 449 BCE

    Persian Wars

    The Persian Wars occurred from 499-449 BCE between the Persian Empire and Greeks. The Persian Empire started this war to get revenge on Athens after they helped a colony rebel against Persia. This war started with the Battle of Marathon, where Greeks used the phalanx formation to beat the Persians. At the battle of Thermopylae, the Persians won. The Greeks won the battle of salamis, allowing them to win the war. The Persian Wars allowed the Athenians to gain wealth, leading to the Golden Age.
  • Period: 479 BCE to 431 BCE

    The Golden Age of Athens

    The golden age of Athens occurred from 479-431 BCE, because of the wealth Athens gained by becoming leader of the Delian League. It was an important time period because Athenians became very wealthy and powerful. Pericles was the leader of Athens at this time, and established a better democracy, strengthened the city-state’s naval power, and helped make Athens more beautiful. The golden age also led to the creation of classical art, which celebrated humans as well as harmony and beauty.
  • Period: 431 BCE to 404 BCE

    Peloponnesian War

    The Peloponnesian War took place from 431-404 BCE, between the Spartans and the Athenians. Sparta started this war to prevent Athens from conquering city-states that tried to leave the Delian league. During the second year of this war, Athens experienced a plague, causing the death of one third of the population, including the leader of Athens, Pericles. This war was significant because it caused both Athens and Sparta to become less powerful, allowing Philip II to easily conquer Greece.
  • 323 BCE

    Height of Alexander the Great's Empire

    Alexander the Great’s empire reached its height in 323 BCE. Alexander the Great was the son of Philip II, who conquered Greece after the Peloponnesian war. He was able to become king after his father died, and was well trained and educated. He had experience with military leadership because of his father. He later conquered Greece and the Persian Empire, leading to the height of his empire. Alexander the Great’s empire was important because it was one of the largest empires at this time.