Smarthistory – A beginner’s guide:Ancient Greece

The Greeks were united by a shared language, religion, and culture.

c. 700–146 B.C.E.

By around 500 B.C.E. “rule by the people,” or democracy, emerged in the city of Athens. Following the defeat of the Persian Empire, Greece (and Athens in particular) entered a golden age of art, literature, and philosophy.

Ancient Greece, an introduction

By The British Museum

Explore ancient Greece as it evolved from small city-states to an empire spanning the Mediterranean world.

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Introduction to ancient Greek art

By Dr. Renee M. Gondek

Learn how ancient Greeks mastered the human form and built soaring temples.

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Introduction to ancient Greek architecture

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

Learn about ancient Greek buildings and architectural styles, and how they wove into the everyday fabric of ancient life.

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Greek architectural orders

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

Identify the classical orders—the architectural styles developed by the Greeks and Romans used to this day.

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Olympic games

By The British Museum

Running, wrestling, and boxing: like today, athletic victory would bring you fame and prestige in ancient Greece.

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Contrapposto

By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker

The ancient Greeks mastered the naturalistic representation of the human body, and the Renaissance revived it.

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