The ancient Greek civilization lasted for approximately 1,500 years. It began around 1200 BCE with the onset of the Greek Dark Ages and continued until the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. This period is often divided into several distinct eras:
- Greek Dark Ages (c. 1200–800 BCE): This era followed the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization and was characterized by a decline in population and cultural activity.
- Archaic Period (c. 800–500 BCE): During this time, Greek city-states (polis) began to form, and the foundations of Greek culture, including the development of the Greek alphabet, were established.
- Classical Period (c. 500–323 BCE): This is often considered the golden age of ancient Greece, marked by significant achievements in art, philosophy, and politics. It included the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and the rise of Athens and Sparta as dominant city-states.
- Hellenistic Period (323–31 BCE): Following the death of Alexander the Great, Greek culture spread across the Mediterranean and into Asia, blending with local traditions to create a new Hellenistic culture.
The ancient Greek civilization came to an end with the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BCE, although Greek culture continued to influence the Roman Empire and later civilizations.