Ancient Greece existed in three phases: Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic. The Archaic period lasted from the 8th century BCE to the 6th century BCE, when Greek civilization developed. During this time, the Greeks began to establish colonies around the Mediterranean Sea.
The Classical period lasted from the 5th century BCE to the 4th century BCE and is considered by many historians as the Golden Age of Greece. It was during this time that thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle developed their theories of politics and philosophy.
The Hellenistic period lasted from 323 BCE until 30 BCE when Alexander the Great died in Babylon. His empire was divided among his generals, who fought each other for control of his empire.
The most famous of these conflicts was called the Peloponnesian War, which lasted from 431 to 404 BCE and resulted in Athens’s defeat by Sparta.
The period after the war was known as the Classical Age, when Athens was at its height of power and influence. During this time, Athens produced many great philosophers and artists including Socrates, Plato.
The Golden Age of Pericles occurred during this period when Athens was at its peak in terms of culture and artistry as well as military power. This era ended abruptly with Athens’ defeat by Sparta at the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BC.
The Roman era was a time of great prosperity for Athens until its destruction by fire in AD 267. After this disaster, Athens declined rapidly as a political and economic center.
