Annotated Time Line: Greece

By hewettlo
  • 3000 BCE

    Minoan Civilization Established

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

    The Palace

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

    The Mycenaens

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

    Empires Fall

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

    Mycenaens Flurish

    Mycenaens Flurish
    Construction of the massive fortifications and monumental palaces, such as Mycenae and Tiryns.
  • 1100 BCE

    Bronze Age Collapse

    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.
  • 1000 BCE

    Greek Dark Ages

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

    City States

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

    Epic poetry

    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."
  • 776 BCE

    The Archaic Period

    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.
  • 750 BCE

    The Colonies

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

    Athenian reforms

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

    Democracy

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

    Greek Classical Period Begins

    Greek Classical Period Begins
    Cleisthenes' reforms in Athens, establishing the foundations of Athenian democracy, including the introduction of the Council of 500.
  • 490 BCE

    Clashes with Persia

    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.
  • 488 BCE

    Athenian Democracy

    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.