Events with tag - Ancient Greece

January 1, 2001 BC

Oracle of Dodona

The Oracle of Dodona was one of the oldest and most revered prophetic sites in ancient Greece, dating back to 2000 BCE. Located in Epirus, this sacred sanctuary served as a vital spiritual center where priests interpreted Zeus's messages through rustling oak leaves, bronze vessels, and sacred doves.

January 1, 1601 BC

Ancient City of Mycenae

Mycenae, established around 1600 BCE, was a mighty fortress city that dominated Bronze Age Greece. Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, it featured impressive cyclopean walls, the iconic Lion Gate, and sophisticated urban planning, serving as the heart of Mycenaean civilization until its decline around 1100 BCE.

January 1, 1101 BC

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was a magnificent structure in ancient Ephesus that underwent multiple reconstructions from 1100 BCE until its final destruction in 268 CE.

July 1, 777 BC

First Ancient Olympic Games

The first documented Ancient Olympic Games were held in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece, beginning as a religious festival honoring Zeus. The initial competition featured a single event - the stadion race, a 192-meter footrace won by Koroibos of Elis.

January 1, 701 BC

Homer's Iliad and Odyssey Composition

Between 750-650 BCE, Homer composed The Iliad and The Odyssey, transforming ancient Greek oral traditions into written epics during a period of significant cultural development. These masterworks, featuring tales of the Trojan War and its aftermath, were first documented on pottery fragments around 725-700 BCE.

January 1, 601 BC

Establishment of Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora of Athens was established around 600 BCE as the central public space of the city-state, marking Athens' transformation from scattered settlements into an organized civic center. Located northwest of the Acropolis, it served as the primary gathering place for commerce, politics, and social interaction for nearly 1,200 years.

January 1, 531 BC

Pythagoras Establishes School in Croton

Pythagoras establishes his renowned mathematical and philosophical school in Croton, southern Italy, creating one of the most influential centers of learning in the ancient world. The school combined mathematical study with religious and philosophical teachings.

January 1, 514 BC

Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Construction of the fourth and most significant Temple of Apollo at Delphi began in 513 BCE, funded by the Alcmaeonid family. Located on Mount Parnassus, it served as the home of the legendary Oracle of Delphi and became one of ancient Greece's most important religious sanctuaries.

January 1, 509 BC

Birth of Democracy in Ancient Athens

In 508 BCE, Athens established the world's first democratic system under Cleisthenes' leadership, transforming from aristocratic rule to a revolutionary form of government that would influence civilizations for millennia to come.

August 17, 481 BC

Battle of Thermopylae

A historic battle where 300 Spartans and 7,000 Greeks defended against massive Persian invasion force of 300,000 at a narrow mountain pass in Greece, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice against overwhelming odds.

September 28, 481 BC

Battle of Salamis

A pivotal naval battle in 480 BC where the Greek fleet led by Themistocles defeated the larger Persian armada of Xerxes I in the narrow straits between Piraeus and Salamis Island, marking a turning point in the Second Persian invasion of Greece.

September 17, 480 BC

Battle of Plataea

A decisive victory by Greek forces over the Persian Empire in 479 BCE that marked the end of the Persian invasion of Greece and secured Greek independence. The battle saw 110,000 Greek troops defeat a Persian force of 300,000 under the leadership of Spartan regent Pausanias.

January 1, 461 BC

Hippocrates Begins Medical Practice

Hippocrates of Kos begins his medical career, introducing systematic observation and natural explanations for diseases, revolutionizing medicine by moving away from supernatural beliefs to evidence-based practice. His methods and ethical principles, including the famous Hippocratic Oath, became the foundation of modern medicine.

January 1, 457 BC

Completion of Temple of Zeus at Olympia

The magnificent Temple of Zeus at Olympia, one of ancient Greece's most remarkable architectural achievements, was completed in 456 BCE after 16 years of construction. The temple served as the centerpiece of the sacred sanctuary of Olympia and housed the legendary statue of Zeus.

January 1, 448 BC

Construction of the Parthenon

The Parthenon, Ancient Greece's most magnificent temple, began construction in 447 BCE and was completed in 438 BCE. This architectural masterpiece, dedicated to goddess Athena, was built under Pericles' leadership by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with artistic supervision from Phidias.

January 1, 433 BC

Completion of the Parthenon

The Parthenon, ancient Greece's most iconic temple, was completed in 432 BCE after 15 years of construction. This architectural masterpiece, dedicated to goddess Athena, featured intricate marble work, sophisticated engineering, and elaborate sculptural decorations.

April 1, 432 BC

Start of the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War began in 431 BCE when Sparta declared war on Athens, marking the start of one of ancient history's most significant conflicts that would reshape the Mediterranean world.

December 1, 432 BC

Pericles' Funeral Oration

In winter 431 BCE, Athenian statesman Pericles delivered a powerful funeral oration honoring soldiers fallen in the first year of the Peloponnesian War. The speech, preserved by Thucydides, became one of history's most influential addresses, celebrating Athenian democracy and values.

August 15, 406 BC

Battle of Aegospotami

The Battle of Aegospotami was a crucial naval battle fought in 405 BCE between Athenian and Spartan fleets near the Hellespont. The Spartan victory, led by Admiral Lysander, effectively ended Athens' naval supremacy and led to the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

February 15, 400 BC

Death of Socrates

Socrates, one of history's greatest philosophers, was executed in Athens in 399 BCE after being convicted of corrupting youth and impiety. He chose to accept death by drinking hemlock poison rather than flee into exile, becoming a symbol of intellectual integrity and philosophical courage.

May 15, 400 BC

Death of Socrates

Socrates, the renowned Greek philosopher, was executed by drinking hemlock poison in Athens prison after being convicted of corrupting youth and disregarding city gods. Despite having opportunities to escape, he accepted his fate, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his principles.

January 1, 388 BC

Founding of Plato's Academy

Plato established the Academy in Athens in 387 BCE, creating the first organized institution of higher learning in the Western world. Located in a sacred grove of olive trees, it operated continuously for over 900 years until its closure in 529 CE.

July 6, 372 BC

Battle of Leuctra

The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE marked a turning point in ancient Greek history when Theban forces under Epaminondas defeated the previously invincible Spartan army using revolutionary military tactics. This historic victory ended Spartan hegemony over Greece.

November 5, 334 BC

Battle of Issus

A pivotal battle in 333 BCE where Alexander the Great's 40,000-strong Macedonian army defeated Darius III's Persian force of over 100,000 soldiers near modern-day southern Turkey, marking a crucial turning point in the conquest of the Persian Empire.

January 1, 291 BC

Founding of the Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria, established around 295-285 BCE during Ptolemy I Soter's reign, became the ancient world's greatest center of learning. Housing over 200,000 scrolls, it served as a premier research institution that attracted scholars from across the Mediterranean.

251 BC

Archimedes' Eureka Moment

In 250 BCE, Greek mathematician Archimedes discovered the principle of water displacement while taking a bath, leading to one of history's most famous scientific breakthroughs. This discovery helped him solve King Hiero II's challenge of determining if his crown was pure gold without damaging it.

August 9, 49 BC

Battle of Pharsalus

A pivotal battle in 48 BCE where Julius Caesar's 22,000 troops defeated Pompey's larger force of 45,000 soldiers, effectively ending the Roman Civil War and transforming the Roman Republic.

August 2, 338

Battle of Chaeronea

The Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE marked a crucial turning point in ancient Greek history, where Macedonian forces under Philip II and young Alexander defeated Greek city-states, ending their independence and establishing Macedonian dominance.

January 1, 343

Aristotle Tutors Alexander the Great

In 343 BCE, Aristotle began tutoring 13-year-old Alexander the Great at the Macedonian court, establishing one of history's most influential teacher-student relationships that would shape the ancient world.

July 4, 362

Battle of Mantinea

The Battle of Mantinea was a decisive battle in ancient Greece where Theban forces under Epaminondas defeated Sparta but lost their leader, effectively ending Theban supremacy and paving the way for Macedonian dominance.

March 23, 1900

Discovery of Palace of Knossos

Sir Arthur Evans began systematic excavations of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, revealing one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. The massive complex spanned 150,000 square feet and provided unprecedented insights into ancient Minoan civilization.