Ancient Civilizations: Greece  From the cities and towns in Asia, many of travelers followed trade routes and ended up in cities along the Mediterranean Sea in what is now Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.  As the cultures and dynasties of Asia had developed, so too were civilizations around the Mediterranean.  From the cities and towns in Asia, many of travelers followed trade routes and ended up in cities along the Mediterranean Sea in what is now Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.  As the cultures and dynasties of Asia had developed, so too were civilizations around the Mediterranean.

Ancient Greece and Mediterranean Source:

Greece Today

Ancient Civilization: Greece  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western civilization about 2,500 years ago. The magnificent achievements of the ancient Greeks in government, science, philosophy, and the arts still influence our lives.

Greek Art

Greek Architecture

Ancient Greek Timeline  BC Minoan Age  BC Mycenaean Age  BC The Dark Ages  BC Archaic Period  BC Classical Period  BC Hellenistic Period  BC Minoan Age  BC Mycenaean Age  BC The Dark Ages  BC Archaic Period  BC Classical Period  BC Hellenistic Period Source:

Ancient Civilization: Greece  It was during the Archaic and Classical periods of Greek Civilization that critical developments took place which formed the basis of the Greek civilization.

The City State  Greek civilization developed chiefly in small city- states. A city-state (polis) consisted of a city or town and the surrounding villages and farmland. The Greek city-states were fiercely independent and often quarreled among themselves. But their small size and constant rivalry had certain advantages.

550 BC was during the Archaic Period of Greek History. During this period of time the Greeks began exploration for agricultural land. Sea trade increased substantially throughout the Mediterranean, and colonization of new regions began. It is estimated that around this time period, there were nearly 700 different city states of Greek population. The trade with other nations changed the Greek culture as reflected in the artwork, pottery, statues, and by the adoption of coinage. Source: City States in the Archaic Period

Athens and Sparta  Citizens of a city-state were strongly patriotic, and many citizens took part in public affairs. The most advanced city- states established the world's first democratic governments. The best- known city-states were Athens and Sparta.

The City State  The ancient Greek city-state never became united into a nation. However, a common language, religion, and culture, bound the people together.  The Greeks called themselves Hellenes and their land Hellas. They thought of themselves as different from all other peoples, whom they called barbarians.  The ancient Greek city-state never became united into a nation. However, a common language, religion, and culture, bound the people together.  The Greeks called themselves Hellenes and their land Hellas. They thought of themselves as different from all other peoples, whom they called barbarians.

Characteristics of Ancient Greece  The ancient Greeks prized their freedom and way of life. This way of life stressed the importance of the individual and encouraged creative thought. Greek thinkers laid the foundations of science and philosophy by seeking logical explanations for what happened in the world around them.

Greek Contributions  Greek writers created new forms of expression, which explored human personalities and emotions. Greek civilization reached its height in Athens during the mid-400’s BCE, a period of outstanding achievement known as the Golden Age.