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1200 BC The Oracle of Delphi Founded
Forces/Pressures: There was no strict religion, so that pushed scholars to visit Delphi. Transformation: Delphi became a showcase of art and culture, and all Greek states sent gifts there to keep the Oracle on their side. -
1600-1200 BC End of Mycenean Civilization
Forces/Pressures: The civilization was destroyed by a large volcano that erupted. Some say that the specific reason why it disappeared is still under debate. Transformation: After them, Greece went into a long 'Dark Age'. -
776 BC The Origin of The Olympic Games
Forces/Pressures: The origin of the games is not precise; there are two different legends. The first claims that the games were created by Heracles, who brought a sacred olive tree to Olympia, while the other is that the hero Pelops created the festival after defeating King Oenomaus in a chariot race. Transformation: Olympia became famous for its temples and monuments, and the games became a central aspect of Greek culture. -
700 BC Homer writes The Illiad and The Odyssey
Forces/Pressures: The Illiad and The Odyssey were first set down in writing shortly after the Greek alphabet was created. The great epics were passed on through generations from travelling bards who earned a living reciting them. Transformation: Two great tales of ancient Greece were written that descibed all that had happened in Greek mythology. -
534 BC The Origins of Theater
Forces/Pressures: A Greek man named Thespis would jump to the back of a cart and recite poetry as if he were the different characters. Transformation: In doing this, he became the world's first actor, and, therefore, created theater. -
507 BC Revolution in Athens
Forces/Pressures: Cleisthenes's arch enemy, Isagoras, continued to dismantle the last vestiges of the city's traditional government. Transformation: The riot turned into a full-scale revolt, so Cleithenes was asked to create democracy. -
491 BC Darius of Persia Demands Greek Submission
Forces/Pressures: The Persians invaded Marathon with 600 ships, 20,000 or more foot soldiers, and 800 cavalry. The Athenians sent Phidippedes to run to Sparta and seek their help, but when he got there, they were having a religious festival, and they wouldn't send help until it had ended. The Athenians had to face the Persians alone. They were victorious. Transformation: The Athenians had achieved an impossible victory. Over six thousand Persians were killed, and only 192 Greeks died.
