The Greek civilization started to decline in about 1100 BCE due to the Dorian invasion, which was a migration of the Dorian people into Greece. The Dorians were a warrior people who conquered all of Greece, but settled mainly in areas around Sparta, Crete, and Rhodes. They brought with them new laws and customs that differed from those of their predecessors, who were called Mycenaeans or Aegean Greeks (although no one knows exactly where they came from). The Mycenaeans had been ruled by kings but now there were only aristocrats (nobles) who governed their own lands as well as certain parts of their neighbors’ territories (for example Argos). Also, there was now an upper class of rich landowners who owned large estates called poleis (poleis); these included Sparta, Corinth and Athens (Athens).
The Greeks were divided into two groups called “Dorians” and “Achaeans,” who were both descended from common ancestors but had different cultures and customs.
The period from 1000 to 800 BC is known as the Dark Ages because there are few written documents from this time period that have survived. Only after 800 BC did Greek civilization begin to flourish again with new cities being built and trade routes being established.
The Dorian invasion had a profound impact on the Greek people. They brought with them new ideas and customs which they spread throughout Greece, including an appreciation for warfare and athletic competitions such as wrestling, boxing and running races.
