Minoans in Ancient Greece (3000 B.C.E.) to the rise of Democracy (488 B.C.E.)

Evidence of Fortification

3000 BCE

Some of the earliest proof of walls/fortress in Greece show up in Dimini( modern day Diminio) near the port town of Volos. Reminiscences of a courtyard and smaller buildings were found which show evidence of a community system.

Minoans in Ancient Greece (3000 B.C.E.) to the rise of Democracy (488 B.C.E.)

Period: 3000 BCE to 488 BCE

Urbanization and Development in the Aegean (Cycladic Islands and Crete)

2000 BCE

The constant use of the olive and the vine and other cereals are seen by this period of time. The fast expansion of metallic elements and other alloys can also be seen to increase. This allowed the urbanization in the Aegean Sea. Many other new settlements came about in the Cycladic Islands and the island of Crete. Discoveries of burial grounds and other settlements can help us understand and assume that flourishing economies were present during this time.

The use of Marble developed

2000 BCE

A marble industry begins in the Cyclades Island where evidence of quarries come about in the islands of Naxos and Paros. Most evidence of use fo marble were used in burial stones or burial plates.

Height of Minoan Civilization in Crete

1700 BCE

Minoan civilization developed in the island of Crete. the height and glory of the Minoan Civilization was between the years 1700 and 1100 B.C. Evidence has been found of the Minoans being a political and economic power in Ancient Greece. They also had some development in the arts and had a well developed type of agricultural system. The Minoans had a written system in the form hieroglyphic script as well as a Linear A script which resembled to modern letters.

Founding of the Olympic Games

776 BCE

The Olympic games are founded in 776 BCE. They start being organized every four years honoring Olympian Zeus. In the beginning of the first Olympic games, the games were just done in one day and only after about 100 years later did they add chariot races and horse races.

Homer writes The Odyssey.

750 BCE

Homer writes the Iliad and the Odyssey. The Odyssey is one of the oldest works of literature. It is about the Greek hero Odysseus and his journey to get home after the Trojan War where he lives many adventures.

The Influence of Poetry

650 BCE

Poetry flourishes in the Greek region. Famous poets like Archilochos from the area of Paros is seen as one of the greatest innovators in the Greek language. Many poets influenced their society and community through poetry. Tyrtaeus is sad to have encouraged the Spartans to fight in the Second Messenian War.

Foundation for Democracy is Placed

594 BCE

One Athenian ruler by the name of Solon changes the Draconian law code and creates the foundation for democracy in Athens. Solon creates new laws and liberates the poor from debts which helps the peasants free themselves from feudalism. Solon's goal was to stimulate the areas trade and economy.

Democratic Constitution in Athens is Established

508 BCE

Kleisthenes, a lawmaker and politician from Athens agrees with Solon's ideas of a democracy and establishes the democratic constitution at Athens.

Persia attempts to conquer Greece

480 BCE

The Persian Empire sees the Greek Isles as potential conquered territory. The Greeks are successful in pushing back two attempts by the Persians to conquer Greece.