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1375 BCE
Destruction of knossos palace on Crete
The palace on Crete was destroyed by what was thought to be either an invasion or natural disaster. Zeus and Europa son Minos lived in the temple. He was known for creating the minotaur. -
Period: 1275 BCE to 1285 BCE
Trojan War fought in western Anatolia
The Trojan war was a ten year conflict between Troy and Greece. The war started because the Trojan prince kidnapped Helen, the wife of the Greek King. The Trojan’s wall was nearly impossible to get through. But the Greek hero Odysseus made a wooden horse and filled it with Greek soldiers. When the Trojans took the horse inside the Greeks came out, opened the gate, and let the rest of the army into Troy. -
776 BCE
The first Olympic games are held
The first Olympic games were dedicated to honoring Zeus. Many sports took place during the games such as running, jumping, discus throw, wrestling, boxing, pankration, and lastly equestrian events. The games originally lasted only one day in 684 b.c. Then as time went on they were extended to three days, then to five. The Greeks practiced a polytheistic religion. Each god was responsible for and controlled certain elements of human nature. -
499 BCE
Ionian Revolt
The Ionians who who controlled by the Persian Empire revolt against the empire with the help of Athens. The Persian Empire defeated the Ionians, and were furious with Athens. Persia had tried 3 times to conquer Greece, but failed each time. Now after helping the Ionians revolt Persia and Athens went to war, thus starting the Persian Wars. -
Period: 499 BCE to 479 BCE
Persian War
The Persian War lasted 20 years. It was fought in Greece and the Persian Empire. There were three major battles fought during the Persian War. The battle of Marathon, the battle of Thermopylae, and the battle of Salamis. Marathon was won using the phalanx fighting formation utilizing long spears to hold back the enemy. The battle of Thermopylae was fought in a mountain pass held by 300 Spartans. In the end they lost because of a Greek traitor. The naval battle of Salamis ended the war. -
Period: 461 BCE to 445 BCE
The Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian war was fought between Athens and Sparta after the Persian war. Athens had grown rich and powerful after the victory against the Persians. Athens allied itself with other city-states which violated a treaty Athens had made with Sparta a while back. In the end Sparta won and Became the main power in Greece. -
Period: 336 BCE to 323 BCE
Alexander The Great’s Empire
Alexander rose to power his father King Philip II died. Alexander was a great conqueror. His empire spanned from Macedonia to Egypt and to India. He stopped once his soldiers no longer wanted to go on. Alexander brought new inventions to the battlefield such as, the siege tower, and a bridge that allowed his army to cross the water. Alexander the Great died from his wounds in battle and from natural causes. The Greeks used an alphabet that adapted from the one used by the Phoenicians. -
Period: 323 BCE to 146 BCE
Hellenistic Period
The Hellenistic Period began after the death of Alexander the Great. His empire was split amongst his three generals creating three dynasties. The hellenistic era was centered on art and displaying of wealth. Buildings such as the Parthenon and the Library of alexandria were built during this time period.