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757 BCE
The First Messenian War
Was between the Achaeans and the Dorians and ended circa. 724 with a Dorian (Sparta) victory who then enslaved/ forced the migration of the Achaeans -
754 BCE
Polydorus becomes king of Sparta
Was co-king with Theopompus and is thought to have changed Spartan law so the the kings/ Gerousia could veto decisions by the Apella (male citizen body) -
738 BCE
First Messenian War Alternate Start
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735 BCE
Macedonia Conquered by Perdiccas I of Macedon
He fled from Argos. Recorded by Herodotus -
734 BCE
Polydorus Sends Colonists to Italy
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733 BCE
Corinth Founds Colonies in Modern Day Sicily and Corfu
Syracuse in Sicily founded as well as another in Corcyra (an island in the Ionian Sea) -
720 BCE
Lelantine War Begins
Approximate- Conflict over fertile land between the city states of Chalcis and Eretria on the island of Euboea that were once allied. Due to their economic importance, other city states also joined the conflict on either side -
719 BCE
Polydorus Murdered by Polymarchus
Succeeded by Eurycrates -
690 BCE
Pheidon takes control of Argos as tyrant
Seized power with the help of the lower classes and increased Argos' power -
Period: 685 BCE to 665 BCE
Second Messenian War
Successful revolt of the Messenians who had been largely reduced to Helots under the Spartans -
660 BCE
Sparta Defeats Messenian Revolt
The Second Messenian War, 40 years after the first, and began with a slave revolt -
656 BCE
Cypselus become Tyrant of Corinth
After the assassination of the monarch, and one year of another royal's rule, Cypselus used his influence as Polemarch (Head of Military) to take power. His rule was supposedly prophesied by the Oracle of Delphi. His sons also became tyrants (Periander seen in image) -
Period: 645 BCE to 560 BCE
Sparta Continually Tries to Conquer Tegea
Tegea was a city state on Arcadia and eventually Sparta prevailed forcing them into a collaboration -
642 BCE
Battus Founds Cyrene in Libya
Or 634. He was the first Greek King of an area of Libya -
632 BCE
Cylon Attempts to Become King of Athens
He was an Athenian noble who seized the Acropolis was the support of Megara but was likely stoned to death -
622 BCE
Draconian Laws installed in Athens
Semi-Legendary- Draco created a constitution with very harsh punishments -
594 BCE
Solon Becomes Archon of Athens
Athens had 9 annual Archons who were the top of the political hierarchy -
590 BCE
The poet Sappho Flourished
Female poet from the island of Lesbos -
584 BCE
Solon Changes Athenian Law
Circa. He gained full legislative powers and cancelled debts and helped the poor. He changed the government from being ruled by Eupatridae nobility to wealthy citizens -
569 BCE
Pythagoras Is Born on the Island of Samos
He founded the Pythagorean Brotherhood which had a religious basis but also formed the foundation of Western philosophy. Also developed mathematics -
560 BCE
Peisistratos Takes Control of Athens Briefly
He created the faction of the 'Hillsmen' and convinced the people to allow him to have an armed group for protection. He then used this group to seize the acropolis and gain power. He was over thrown and then regained power by marrying Megacles' daughter before being exiled -
546 BCE
Peisistratus Takes Full Control of Athens
He invaded Attica and at Pallene defeated the Athenian army and took control until his death in 527 BCE. He unified Attica and Athens prospered -
545 BCE
Persian Conquest of Ionian Island City States
Included the siege of Eretria -
525 BCE
Persia Conquers Egypt
Cambyses II takes Egypt -
515 BCE
Hippias Becomes Ruler of Athens
Son of Peisistratus he was known for his cruelty -
508 BCE
Cleisthenes takes power in Athens
Considered the founder of Athenian democracy as he created reform meaning that political responsibility was based on citizenship rather than membership of a clan -
490 BCE
Battle of Marathon
At Marathon the smaller Athenian army defeated the Persian invaders despite the requested Spartan reinforcements taking too long.
