Archaic period Ancient Greece

Greek city-states emerge from the Dark Ages

800 BCE

After the Greek Dark Ages, city-states like Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Argos emerged, marking the Archaic period. They developed independent political systems, cultures, and economies, boosted by trade and the Phoenician alphabet. Governance forms like monarchies, aristocracies, and oligarchies set the stage for future democratic and military developments. Key figures like Lycurgus of Sparta, who shaped its militaristic society, and Draco, known for his harsh legal code.

Archaic Period

Period: 800 BCE to 454 BCE

Greek poleis start establishing colonies around the Mediterranean and Black seas

750 BCE

Poleis began establishing colonies throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This expansion helped spread Greek culture, trade, and influence across a wide area. Notable colonies included those founded by Corinth, Miletus, and Phocaea. These colonies contributed to the growth of Greek commerce and interaction with other civilizations.

First Messenian War (Sparta defends Messenia)

700 BCE

The First Messenian War was a conflict in where Sparta fought to defend neighbouring region Messenia. Sparta sought to expand its territory and enslave the Messenians, turning them into helots (serfs). This war was key in shaping Sparta’s militaristic society, beginning the ongoing need for a strong, disciplined military to control both its own people and its conquered subjects. The helot system became central to Sparta's economy and military structure.

Earliest tyrants take over some Greek poleis, reforms of Spartan society begin attributes to Lycurgus

650 BCE

The earliest tyrants began seizing power in several poleis, overthrowing aristocratic rulers and implementing reforms to gain popular support. Notable tyrants like Pisistratus in Athens improved public welfare, but their rule was often marked by strong personal control. In Sparta, reforms attributed to the legendary figure Lycurgus began, shaping its militaristic society. Lycurgus established strict laws and the helot system, creating the foundation for Sparta's powerful, disciplined state.

Second Messenian War following an uprising of the Messenians

600 BCE

The Second Messenian War erupted after the enslaved helots in Messenia, revolted against their Spartan rulers. The Messenians aimed to regain their freedom, leading to brutal conflict. The war ended with Spartan victory (with their reliable military force), solidifying the helot system and further entrenching Sparta's militaristic society. This conflict also highlighted the tension between Sparta and its subject population.

Peloponnesian League created

550 BCE

In 550 BCE, the Peloponnesian League was formed, a military alliance led by Sparta. It was established to oppose the growing power of Athens and protect the Peloponnesian region from external threats like the Persian Empire. The league consisted of various city-states in southern Greece, including Corinth, Argos, and Elis.

Ionia becomes part of the Persian Empire

546 BCE

In 546 BCE, Ionia, a region in western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was conquered by the Persian Empire under King Cyrus the Great. The preiously autonomous Ionian city-states were added to Persia’s expanding empire. This shift marked the beginning of Persian control over Greek territories and contributed to tensions between the Greek city-states and Persia, eventually leading to the Greco-Persian Wars.

Tyranny of Pisistratus and his sons in Athens

546 BCE

In 546 BCE, after a series of failed attempts, Pisistratus seized control of Athens, establishing a tyranny. He ruled with a focus on stabilizing the economy, promoting public works, and strengthening Athens through the patronage of arts and culture. After Pisistratus's death in 527 BCE, his sons, Hipparchus and Hippias, continued his rule. While initially popular, their reign became increasingly harsh, leading to their eventual overthrow in 510 BCE.

Democratic reforms of Cleisthenes in Athens

508 BCE

In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes introduced significant democratic reforms in Athens, known as the "father of Athenian democracy." He reorganized the political structure, breaking up the power of traditional aristocratic families by creating new tribes based on geography rather than kinship. Cleisthenes also established the Council of 500, allowing broader citizen participation in government, and introduced ostracism to protect against tyranny. His reforms impacted Athens' democracy's directness.

Reforms of Solon in Athens

500 BCE

Athenian statesman (head politician) Solon introduced reforms to address economic and social inequality. He abolished debt slavery, restructured the economy, and introduced laws to limit power of aristocrats, allowing broader participation in politics. Though his reforms were initially unpopular among the elite, they laid foundations for Athens' democracy and stabilised Athens in general.

Ionian revolt against Persia

499 BCE

In 499 BCE, the Poleis of Ionia, under Persian rule, rose up against the Persian Empire. Triggered by oppressive Persian control and economic exploitation, the revolt saw support from Athens and Eretria. Led by Aristagoras of Miletus, the Ionians initially had successes, but Persia retaliated fiercely. The revolt was crushed by 494 BCE, but it sparked the Greco-Persian Wars, influencing later Greek resistance against Persia.

First Persian invasion of Greek mainland (including Battle of Marathon

490 BCE

Under King Darius I, the Persian Empire launched its first invasion of the Greek mainland. The Persians sought to punish Athens for its support of the Ionian Revolt. The invasion culminated in the famous Battle of Marathon, where a smaller Athenian force, aided by Plataea, decisively defeated the Persians. The victory at Marathon boosted Greek morale, delayed further Persian advances, and solidified Athens' status as a dominant power in Greece.

Discovery of silver at Laurion in Attica

483 BCE

Large silver deposits were discovered at the Laurion mines in Attica, near Athens. The discovery was a significant for Athens, providing sudden and immense wealth. Under the leadership of Themistocles, the silver was used to fund the construction of a powerful navy to build 'triremes' (cool boats) strengthening Athens' military capabilities. This naval fleet would play a crucial role in the defeat of the Persians in the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE), securing Athens' dominance in the Greek world.

Hellenic League created

481 BCE

In 481 BCE, the Hellenic League was formed as a defensive alliance of Greek city-states to resist the advancing Persian Empire under King Xerxes. The league was led by Sparta, with Athens and other city-states joining forces. The creation of the league unified Greece in the face of a common enemy, setting the stage for major battles like Salamis and Plataea.

Second Persian invasion of Greek mainland (including battles of Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, Plataea and Mycale

480 BCE

In 480 BCE, King Xerxes I of Persia launched his second invasion of Greece. Major battles: Thermopylae: King Leonidas of Sparta and his small force defeated Artemisium: Naval battle fought alongside Thermopylae, defeated Salamis: The Greek fleet, led by Athens, victorious!! turning point in the war. Plataea: The Greeks, led by Sparta, victorious! ending the threat on land. Mycale: Naval conflict, Greeks victorious causing Persian retreat from Greece.

Delian League established

478 BCE

In 478 BCE, the Delian League was established as a coalition of Greek city-states to continue resistance against Persia following the Persian Wars. The league's primary goal was to secure mutual defense and protect Greek territories from further Persian aggression. Member states contributed ships or money to the alliance, with Athens gradually assuming control. Over time, the Delian League transformed into an Athenian empire, contributing to Athens' rise as the dominant power in Greece.

Revolt of Naxos

469 BCE

In 469 BCE, the island of Naxos, a member of the Delian League, attempted to withdraw from the alliance and regain its independence. Athens, seeking to maintain control over the league, responded by besieging the island and forcing Naxos to remain a member, using military force to suppress the revolt. This event marked the growing Athenian dominance within the Delian League, signaling the shift from a voluntary alliance to an increasingly coercive empire under Athens.

Battle of Eurymedon (Dalian League victory against Persia)

466 BCE

In 466 BCE, the Battle of Eurymedon took place, where the Delian League, led by Athens, achieved a significant victory over the Persian Empire. The Greek fleet, commanded by the Athenian general Cimon, decisively defeated the Persian navy while the Greek infantry destroyed their land forces. This victory crippled Persian naval power in the Aegean, solidifying Athens' leadership within the Delian League and marking a turning point in the struggle for control over the eastern Mediterranean.

Revolt of Thasos

465 BCE

In 465 BCE, Thasos, a member of the Delian League, revolted against Athenian control. The island aimed to regain its independence, particularly over its valuable silver mines. Athens, under the leadership of Cimon, responded by besieging the city and forcing Thasos to surrender. The revolt marked a further shift in the nature of the Delian League, as Athens increasingly used force to maintain its authority over member states, demonstrating the growing tension between Athens and its allies.

Earthquake and helot revolt in Sparta

464 BCE

In 464 BCE, a powerful earthquake caused severe damage to Sparta. This event weakened the city and triggered a massive helot revolt. taking advantage of the chaos to rebel. The revolt was supported by neighboring Messenians. Despite Spartan efforts, the revolt lasted for several years and significantly strained Sparta's military resources. This crisis exposed vulnerabilities in Sparta's system and had long-lasting effects on its dominance in Greece.

Ostracism of Cimon

461 BCE

In 461 BCE, Cimon, an influential Athenian general and politician, was ostracized, (exiled for ten years by a public vote.) Cimon had been a leading figure in the Delian League, advocating for pro-Spartan policies, but his political views increasingly clashed with Athens' growing democratic and anti-Spartan sentiments. His ostracism marked a shift in Athenian politics, as the more radical faction led by Pericles gained power, pushing Athens toward greater imperialism and democracy.

Reforms of Ephialtes and Pericles in Athens

460 BCE

In 460 BCE, Ephialtes and Pericles implemented significant reforms in Athens. Ephialtes reduced the power of the aristocratic Areopagus Council, transferring its authority to the popular Assembly and other democratic bodies. Pericles, building on these reforms, expanded citizens' involvement in politics, notably through pay for public officeholders, enabling poorer citizens to participate. These changes strengthened Athenian democracy and consolidated Pericles' leadership in Athens.

Treasury of the Delian League moves to Athens

454 BCE

In 454 BCE, the Treasury of the Delian League was moved from the island of Delos to Athens. This decision reflected Athens' growing dominance within the league, as it increasingly controlled both the military and financial aspects of the alliance. The move allowed Athens to secure greater access to the league's funds, which were used to fund the construction of its navy and monumental projects, cementing Athens as the central power in the Aegean and further consolidating its empire.