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2000 BCE
The first Greeks
It was about 2000 BC when the first wandering tribes began to settle in Greece. -
1194 BCE
The Trojan War
This war was between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Trojan War began in 1194 BC and ended in 1184 BC when the people of Greece used a wooden horse to invade the city of Troy. -
850 BCE
The first alphabet
Greeks were the first European country to create an alphabet. From then, other alphabets were created throughout Europe. The Greek alphabet consist of 24 letters, unlike our 26 letter alphabet. The shape of the letters makes it clear that the Greeks created the alphabet under the influence of the Phoenician script. -
776 BCE
The first Olympic Games
The first Olympic games were held on this day. The event was held at a place named Olympia and was dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. Just like our modern Olympics, it was held only once every four years. Some of the events that took place in the older Olympics included:
- A 200-metre sprint
- Longer distance runs
- Boxing
- Equestrian
- Pankration
- Pentathlon -
508 BCE
Democracy is first introduced
Democracy is commonly used in many of today's nations. Unlike today where almost everyone can vote, in Ancient Greece women, slaves and poor people were unable to vote. This left only rich men being permitted to vote. The word democracy comes from the two Greek words; Demos - Meaning people and Kratos - Meaning power or rule, together it basically means - Rule of the people. -
490 BCE
The fist Persian war
The first Persian war began in 490 and ended in 479. At the time, the Persian empire was largest, most powerful empire. They were in control of land starting from Egypt, and stretching all the way to India. The Persian defeated the Ionians (The Greeks that lived on the coast of Turkey) , so they decided to get revolt, getting the help from Athens and other Greek cities. They sent ships and other weapons, but were very quickly defeated. -
479 BCE
The second Persian war
After the Greek cities fought the Persians, the Persians decided to conquer other Greek cities. They landed about 25 miles from Athens, ready to fight. Although the Persians outnumbered the Athens soldiers, they underestimated the fighting capability of the Greek soldiers. They fought at the coastline, killing 6,000 Persian soldiers, only 192 Greek soldiers died. After the battle the Greek soldiers ran 25 miles back to Athens, to protect the city. The war ended with the Athenian victory. -
461 BCE
The Peloponnesian war
The Peloponnesian war was between the city of Sparta and Athens. Both cities had different alliances, so the war involved a large amount of Greece. They fought in the war for nearly 3 decades and was won by the Spartan empire. After the war ended both cities were deprived of money, and military supply. They would never regain the military power they once acquired. -
336 BCE
Alexander the Great
After his father, Phillip II, king of Macedon is assassinated, Alexander the Great becomes king. He is known to have been one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. -
333 BCE
The battle of Issus
Alexander the Great defeats the Persians at Issus and was handed over Egypt by the Persian Satrap. While in charge of Egypt, Alexander builds his own capital named Alexandria -
146 BCE
Romans take over
When the Romans invaded, they took control of Greece. It was at this time when most of Ancient Greece culture had come to an end.
