Knossos

Ancient Greece

By mdkgaither
  • Period: 2700 BCE to 1400 BCE

    Minoan Civilization

    Minioan civilization began on the island of Crete where it established large palaces that also acted as centers for community needs, such as food distribution.
  • 1800 BCE

    Linear A Writing System

    Linear A Writing System
    A crude writing system developed by the Minoans has linguists continuing to work to decode it today.
  • Period: 1400 BCE to 1200 BCE

    Mycenaeans

    During the Second Palatial Period of Minoan culture, early Greek legends began developing that are recognizable to many people today, such as the Theseus and the Minotaur. A combination of discovered art and a labyrinthine design of the palace at Knossos contributed to such legends developing. Epic paintings, pottery and signet rings have been found to document Mycenaean civilization.
  • Period: 1250 BCE to 1130 BCE

    Trojan War

    The legendary war between Troy and the Mycenaeans was believed to have taken place in what is now modern day Turkey.
  • 1200 BCE

    Linear B Writing System

    Linear B Writing System
    As the Minoan civilization declined and Mycenaeans developed a more logical writing system that has been decoded today.
  • Period: 1200 BCE to 800 BCE

    Greek Dark Ages

    Most buildings in Greece were destroyed during this time period, possibly by the mysterious "sea peoples." Little evidence exists to prove a definitive answer. Other possibilities for the decline of civilization have been the notorious natural disasters of southern Europe. Greek civilization became illiterate as they focused on survival.
  • Period: 1100 BCE to 735 BCE

    Period of Migration

    Farming villages developed and evolved into cities such as Athens (the Ionians) and Sparta (the Dorians). Villages advanced into more complex cities states with their own unique governments.
  • 800 BCE

    Polis

    Polis
    Many cities ruled by oligarchs and tyrants developed throughout Greece.
  • Period: 800 BCE to 500 BCE

    Rudimentary democracy is born

    During the time period, the basic belief that citizens have a voice and say in the public arena begins to take shape.
  • 776 BCE

    The First Olympics

    The First Olympics
    Athens rewarded their top athletes that competed in military-like exercises with a olive oil, glory and free housing.
  • 700 BCE

    Homer

    Homer
    The famous Greek poet wrote his most famous pieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey during this time. Homer's epic poems have inspired many stories, plays and screenplays.
  • 600 BCE

    Expansion of Greek Influence

    Greek culture began to spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean as the Greeks specialized in crops and needed to trade for non-specialized goods.
  • Period: 560 BCE to 510 BCE

    Peisistratid Tyrants

    Under the leadership of Peisistratos, direct control of Athenian trade and economic policies were assumed under one person. His son Hippias would continue his father's legacy until being deposed by Alcmaeonid family.
  • 508 BCE

    Cleisthenes begins modern democracy

    Cleisthenes begins modern democracy
    Cleisthenes breaks up the power equally amongst 10 tribes and earns the historical nickname "Father of Modern Democracy." Beginning with him, all free men are allowed to hold office and serve on juries. Citizens are considered equal in the eyes of the law and everyone may speak their mind in the public arena. The idea of 10 year ostracism was developed to prevent any one person from assuming too much power.