Ancient Greece: Historical Timeline
- 7000–3000 BC Neolithic Period: The first settlements appear in Greece, started by arriving nomads, and the first evidence of seafaring is found.
- 1700–1100 BC Bronze Age: The advanced Minoan and Mycenean Civilizations arise in the Greek Isles.
- 1646 BC The most massive volcanic explosion in known history explodes on Thera (today Santorini), setting off tidal waves and likely changing the tide of Minoan history.
- 1100–750 BC This period was known as the “Dark Ages” of ancient Greece because few written records remain of this time.
- 800 BC Greeks begin communicating with other civilizations of the Mediterranean.
- 750–500 BC The Archaic Period: The first city-states are formed, the Greeks begin trading with Asia and Greeks begin emigrating to islands across the Mediterranean.
- 776 BC The first Olympic Games are held.
- 700 BC Homer writes The Odyssey.
- 508 BC Democracy begins in Athens.
- 500–336 BC The Classical Age or “The Golden Age” of Greece is in full swing: tremendous advances in art, science, politics and culture take place in 100 to 200 years.
- 472–410 BC Theatre arrives in Athens and many of the most famous Greek plays are written during this period.
- 438 BC The Parthenon, devoted to the goddess Athena and one of the greatest architectural works of all time, is completed after nearly 10 years of construction.
- 431 BC War breaks out between Athens and Sparta (the Peloponnesian War).
- 404 BC Sparta claims victory over Athens.
- 399 BC Socrates, the self-educated stonemason who became one of Greece’s greatest philosophers, is condemned to death for his teaching methods.
- 356 BC Philip II becomes King of Macedonia and Macedonia soon after defeats Athens.
- 336 BC Phillip II is assassinated and Alexander the Great becomes King of Macedonia, ushering in the Hellenistic Age.
- 146 BC Rome conquers Greece, and Greece becomes part of the Roman Empire.
