--- title: Hellenic World author: Joshua J. Mark source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Hellenic World _Authored by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/)_ 'The [Hellenic](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) World' is a term which refers to that period of ancient [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) history between 507 BCE (the date of the first democracy in [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/)) and 323 BCE (the [death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/)). This period is also referred to as the age of Classical [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). The era should not be confused, however, with The [Hellenistic World](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) which designates the period between the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/) and [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/)'s [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of Greece (323 - 146 - 31 BCE). The Hellenic World of ancient Greece consisted of the Greek mainland, [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/), the islands of the Greek archipelago, and the coast of [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) primarily (though mention is made of [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) within the interior of Asia Minor and, of course, the colonies in southern [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/)). This is the time of the great Golden Age of Greece and, in the popular imagination, resonates as 'ancient Greece'. ### Democracy Established The great [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/)-giver, [Solon](https://www.worldhistory.org/solon/), having served wisely as Archon of Athens for 22 years, retired from public life and saw the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/), almost immediately, fall under the dictatorship of [Peisistratus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pisistratus/). Though a dictator, Peisistratus understood the wisdom of Solon, carried on his policies and, after his death, his son Hippias continued in this tradition (though still maintaining a dictatorship which favored the aristocracy). After the assassination of his younger brother (inspired, according to [Thucydides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Thucydides/), by a love affair gone wrong and not, as later thought, politically motivated), however, Hippias became wary of the people of Athens, instituted a rule of terror, and was finally overthrown by the army under Kleomenes I of [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) and [Cleisthenes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleisthenes/) of Athens. Cleisthenes reformed the constitution of Athens and established democracy in the city in 507 BCE. He also followed Solon's lead but instituted new laws which decreased the power of the artistocracy, increased the prestige of the common people, and attempted to join the separate tribes of the mountan, the plain, and the shore into one unified people under a new form of government. According to the historian Will Durant: > The Athenians themselves were exhilarated by this adventure into sovereignty. From that moment they knew the zest of freedom in action, speech, and thought; and from that moment they began to lead all Greece in [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/) and art, even in statesmanship and [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/). (126) This foundation of democracy, of a free state comprised of men who "owned the soil that they tilled and who ruled the state that governed them", stabilized Athens and provided the groundwork for the Golden Age. ### Great Minds of Greece The list of thinkers, writers, doctors, artists, scientists, statesmen, and warriors of the Hellenic World comprises those who made some of the most important contributions to western [civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/civilization/): The statesman Solon, the poets [Pindar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pindar/) and [Sappho](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sappho_of_Lesbos/), the playwrights [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/), Euripedes, [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/) and [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/), the orator Lysias, the historians [Herodotus](https://www.worldhistory.org/herodotus/) and Thucydides, the philosophers [Zeno of Elea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Zeno_of_Elea/), [Protagoras](https://www.worldhistory.org/protagoras/) of Abdera, [Empedocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empedocles/) of Acragas, Heraclitus, Xenophanes, [Socrates](https://www.worldhistory.org/socrates/), [Plato](https://www.worldhistory.org/plato/), and [Aristotle](https://www.worldhistory.org/aristotle/), the writer and general [Xenophon](https://www.worldhistory.org/xenophon/), the physician [Hippocrates](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hippocrates/), the sculptor [Phidias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Phidias/), the statesman [Pericles](https://www.worldhistory.org/pericles/), the generals [Alcibiades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alcibiades/) and [Themistocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/Themistocles/), among many other notable names, all lived during this period. The Golden Age of Greece, according to the poet Shelley, "is undoubtedly...the most memorable in the history of the world" for the accomplishments and advancements made by the people of that time. Interestingly, Herodotus considered his own age as lacking in many ways and looked back to a more ancient past for a paradigm of a true greatness. The writer [Hesiod](https://www.worldhistory.org/hesiod/), an 8th century BCE contemporary of [Homer](https://www.worldhistory.org/homer/), claimed precisely the same thing about the age Herodotus looked back toward and called his own age "wicked, depraved and dissolute" and hoped the future would produce a better breed of man for Greece. Herodotus aside, however, it is generally understood that the Hellenic World was a time of incredible human achievement. [ ![Monolithic Columns, Corinth](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/1094.jpg?v=1744636579) Monolithic Columns, Corinth Mark Cartwright (Copyright) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1094/monolithic-columns-corinth/ "Monolithic Columns, Corinth")### Great Cities and Their Art Major city-states (and sacred places of pilgrimage) in the Hellenic World were [Argos](https://www.worldhistory.org/argos/), Athens, [Eleusis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Eleusis/), [Corinth](https://www.worldhistory.org/corinth/), [Delphi](https://www.worldhistory.org/delphi/), Ithaca, [Olympia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Olympia/), Sparta, [Thebes](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thebes/), Thrace, and, of course, Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. The gods played an important part in the lives of the people of the Hellenic World; so much so that one could face the death penalty for questioning - or even allegedly questioning - their existence, as in the case of Protagoras, Socrates, and Alcibiades. The Athenian statesman [Critias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Critias/), sometimes referred to as `the first atheist', only escaped being condemned because he was so powerful at the time. Great works of art and beautiful temples were created for the worship and praise of the various gods and goddesses of the Greeks, such as the [Parthenon](https://www.worldhistory.org/parthenon/) of Athens, dedicated to the goddess [Athena](https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/) Parthenos (Athena the Virgin) and the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Zeus](https://www.worldhistory.org/zeus/) at Olympia (both works which Phidias contributed to and one, the Temple of Zeus, listed as an Ancient Wonder). The temple of [Demeter](https://www.worldhistory.org/demeter/) at Eleusis was the site of the famous Eleusinian Mysteries, considered the most important rite in ancient Greece. In his works *The [Iliad](https://www.worldhistory.org/iliad/)* and *The [Odyssey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Odyssey/)*, immensely popular and influential in the Hellenic World, Homer depicted the gods and goddesses as being intimately involved in the lives of the people, and the deities were regularly consulted in domestic matters as well as affairs of state. The famous Oracle at Delphi was considered so important at the time that people from all over the known world would come to Greece to ask advice or favors from the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/), and it was considered vital to consult with the supernatural forces before embarking on any military campaign. ### Conclusion Among the famous battles of the Hellenic World that the gods were consulted on were the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of [Marathon](https://www.worldhistory.org/marathon/) (490 BCE) the Battles of [Thermopylae](https://www.worldhistory.org/thermopylae/) and [Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Salamis/) (480 BCE), [Plataea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Plataea/) (479 BCE,) and The [Battle of Chaeronea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Chaeronea/) (338 BCE) where the forces of the Macedonian [King Philip](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/King_Philip/) II commanded, in part, by his son Alexander, defeated the Greek forces and unified the Greek city-states. After Philip's death, Alexander would go on to [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) the world of his day, becoming [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). Through his campaigns he would bring [Greek culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Greek_Culture/), language, and civilization to to the world and, after his death, would leave the legacy which came to be known as the Hellenistic World. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Durant, W. *The Life of Greece.* Simon & Schuster, 1996.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B074QN6W9L/) - [Grant, M. *Readings in the Classical Historians.* Scribner, 1993.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0684192454/) - [Thucydides & Mynott, J. *Thucydides Histories.* Cambridge University Press, 2011.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0521847745/) - [Waterfield, R. *Athens: A History From Ancient Ideal to Modern City.* Basic Books, 2004.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/046509063X/) - [Waterfield, R. *Herodotus: The Histories.* Oxford University Press, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0375727671/) - [Worthington, I. *Alexander the Great - Man & God.* Routledge, 2004.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/140580162X/) ## About the Author Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-j-mark/38/614/339) ## Timeline - **11 Sep 490 BCE**: A combined force of [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) hoplites defeat the Persians at [Marathon](https://www.worldhistory.org/marathon/). - **c. 483 BCE**: [Themistocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/Themistocles/) persuades the Athenians to significantly expand their fleet, which saves them at [Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Salamis/) and becomes their source of power. - **Aug 480 BCE**: The indecisive [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Artemision between the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) and Persian fleets of [Xerxes I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Xerxes_I/). The Greeks withdraw to [Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Salamis/). - **Aug 480 BCE**: [Battle of Thermopylae](https://www.worldhistory.org/thermopylae/). 300 Spartans under King [Leonidas](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Leonidas/) and other [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) allies hold back the Persians led by [Xerxes I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Xerxes_I/) for three days but are defeated. - **Sep 480 BCE**: [Battle of Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Salamis/) where the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) naval fleet led by [Themistocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/Themistocles/) defeats the invading armada of [Xerxes I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Xerxes_I/) of [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/). - **479 BCE**: [Xerxes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Xerxes_I/)' Persian forces are defeated by [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) forces at [Plataea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Plataea/) effectively ending [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/)'s imperial ambitions in [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **c. 469 BCE - 399 BCE**: Life of [Socrates](https://www.worldhistory.org/socrates/). - **c. 449 BCE**: Peace is agreed on by [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) and [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/), sometimes referred to as the [Peace of Callias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peace_of_Callias/). - **447 BCE - 432 BCE**: The construction of the [Parthenon](https://www.worldhistory.org/parthenon/) in [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates under the direction of [Phidias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Phidias/). - **c. 445 BCE**: Leucippus of Abdera, the philosopher, is said to have conceived of the atomic universe. His pupil is [Democritus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Democritus/). - **440 BCE**: The sophist [Protagoras](https://www.worldhistory.org/protagoras/) of Abdera, claiming 'man is the measure of all things', visits [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **431 BCE**: The playwright [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/) publishes his [Medea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medea/). - **431 BCE - 404 BCE**: The 2nd [Peloponnesian War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnesian_War/) between [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) and [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) (the [Delian League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Delian_League/) and the [Peloponnesian League](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnesian_League/)) which involved all of [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **430 BCE**: The [plague](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/plague/) decimates [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **429 BCE**: The [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Pericles](https://www.worldhistory.org/pericles/) from the [plague](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/plague/). - **c. 424 BCE - 423 BCE**: [Plato](https://www.worldhistory.org/plato/) is born at [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/), [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). - **404 BCE**: End of the [Peloponnesian war](https://www.worldhistory.org/Peloponnesian_War/), [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) defeated By [Sparta](https://www.worldhistory.org/sparta/) at Aigospotamoi, Rule of [the Thirty Tyrants](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Thirty_Tyrants/) in Athens. - **403 BCE**: Restoration of the democracy in [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/), [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of the tyrant [Critias](https://www.worldhistory.org/Critias/). - **401 BCE**: Retreat from [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/) of [Xenophon](https://www.worldhistory.org/xenophon/) and the ten thousand mercenaries. - **399 BCE**: Trial and [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of the philosopher [Socrates](https://www.worldhistory.org/socrates/), who taught in the court of the [Agora](https://www.worldhistory.org/agora/). - **384 BCE**: Birth of the philosopher [Aristotle](https://www.worldhistory.org/aristotle/), tutor to [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/), in Stagira ([Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/)). - **380 BCE**: [Plato](https://www.worldhistory.org/plato/) founds his Academy outside of [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/). - **21 Jul 356 BCE - 11 Jun 323 BCE**: Life of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). - **2 Aug 338 BCE**: The [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Charonea gives [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) to the Macedonian victors. [Agora](https://www.worldhistory.org/agora/) takes on Macedonian characteristics. - **336 BCE - 323 BCE**: Reign of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). - **334 BCE - 323 BCE**: Campaigns of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). - **330 BCE - 64 BCE**: [Hellenistic Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) in [Byblos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byblos/). - **323 BCE**: [Death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/), beginning of The [Hellenistic Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/) / The [Hellenistic World](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). ## Cite This Work ### APA Mark, J. J. (2009, September 02). Hellenic World. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic\_World/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) ### Chicago Mark, Joshua J.. "Hellenic World." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 02, 2009. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic\_World/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/). ### MLA Mark, Joshua J.. "Hellenic World." *World History Encyclopedia*, 02 Sep 2009, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic\_World/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 02 September 2009. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. 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