Exploring Greece and Your Greek Heritage

AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE PAGE TO LEARN HOW TO TRACE YOUR GREEK ANCESTRY

Greece, frequently called the birthplace of Western civilization, has a long and complex history that extends over millennia. Its story begins in the Neolithic period, around 7000 B.C.E., with the establishment of some of the earliest agricultural communities. The Minoan civilization on the island of Crete (circa 2700 to 1450 B.C.E.) is recognized as one of the first advanced societies in Europe, known for its impressive palaces and trade networks. Following this, the Mycenaean civilization emerged on the mainland (circa 1600 to 1100 B.C.E.), characterized by its fortified palace complexes and significant contributions to early Greek culture.

The classical period (5th to 4th centuries B.C.E.) marked a pinnacle in Greek history, highlighted by remarkable achievements in art, philosophy, and politics. This era saw the rise of city-states such as Athens and Sparta, which were often at odds but also contributed significantly to democratic governance and military strategy. During this period, philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle produced foundational ideas that continue to influence Western thought today.

Following the classical period, Greece experienced conquests by Macedonian King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, who expanded Greek culture across a vast empire stretching from Greece to Egypt and into Asia. The Hellenistic period that followed saw a blend of Greek culture with Eastern influences.

In 146 B.C.E., Greece fell under Roman control, marking a new chapter in its history in which it became an integral part of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome in the West during the 5th century C.E., Greece transitioned to Byzantine rule until it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the mid-15th century.

The modern state of Greece emerged in the early 19th century after a successful war for independence against Ottoman rule (1821-29). Since then, Greece has navigated multiple shifts in its form of government, culminating in the democracy it has today.

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This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian