Ancient Greece: Eras, Conflicts, and Enduring Legacy

The Rise of Ancient Greek Civilization

Greek civilization emerged in the southern Balkan Peninsula and spread to the islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. This territory was known as Hellas. Greece was never a unified state; instead, every valley and island formed an independent state, though they shared a common language and worshiped the same Greek gods.

Periods of Ancient Greek History

Ancient Greek history is traditionally divided into three main periods:

• The Archaic Period (9th to 6th Centuries BC)

  During this era, cities, known as poleis (plural of polis), developed their own governments, lifestyles, laws, and armies, functioning as independent city-states. Notable examples include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. Initially, these poleis were governed by local chiefs. Over time, power shifted to the wealthiest citizens, the aristoi or 'the best,' leading to the rise of aristocracy. In some city-states, democracy emerged, where citizens participated in assemblies to discuss social and political matters.

  Democracy:

  Power of the people.

  Aristocracy:

  Rule by the wealthy elite.

  Greek Expansion and Colonization

  From the 8th to 6th centuries BC, a period of crisis and population growth led to significant Greek expansion and colonization in two main directions:

  • West: Between 750-630 BC, colonies were established in Southern Italy and the Iberian Peninsula.
  • East: Around 650 BC, colonies were founded on the shores of the Black Sea.

• The Classical Period (5th to Mid-4th Centuries BC)

  The Greco-Persian Wars

  The Achaemenid Persians, who had expanded their empire in the 6th century BC, brought Greek city-states in Asia Minor under their dominion. In 499 BC, these subjugated city-states rebelled, triggering the Greco-Persian Wars.

  • The First Greco-Persian War concluded in 490 BC when Greek soldiers decisively defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.
  • The Second Greco-Persian War began in 480 BC when Xerxes I invaded Greece. While Athens was sacked, the Greeks achieved a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Salamis.

• The Hellenistic Period (Mid-4th to 1st Centuries BC)

  This era is largely defined by the rise of Macedon and the conquests of Alexander the Great. Located in northern Greece, Macedon became a dominant power.

  • In the 4th century BC, Philip II of Macedon organized a powerful army and successfully subjected all Greek city-states.
  • Between 334 and 323 BC, his son, Alexander the Great, embarked on a monumental campaign, conquering the vast Persian Empire and spreading Greek culture across a wide territory.