Archaic Greece

Archaic Greece (circa 800-500 BCE) was a transformative period marked by the rise of city-states, known as "poleis," such as Athens and Sparta. It saw the development of new forms of government, including democracy in Athens, and significant advances in art, philosophy, and trade. Key cultural developments included the establishment of the Olympic Games and the creation of the Greek alphabet. This era set the foundation for Classical Greece, influencing Western civilization profoundly through its contributions to literature, philosophy, politics, and the arts.