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Timeline: Greece

Years: c. 3500 BCE - 2011	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736445

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 3500 BCE	Olives are cultivated in Crete and will provide, in the form of olive oil, one of the main staples of Mediterranean trade Go to olive in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Neolithic Social and domestic Europe Society
c. 3000 BCE	The sculptors of the Cyclades produce stylized and formal figures, mainly female, in white marble Go to Cycladic art in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Sculpture Europe
c. 2000 BCE	Knossos, and other such palaces, are built for dynasties in Minoan Crete Go to Knossos in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Architecture Science Europe Trade is carried on from Crete round the Mediterranean as far west as Sicily and in the east down to Egypt Go to Minoan civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Sicily Europe Administrative records and accounts at Knossos are kept in a script, as yet undeciphered, known as Linear A Go to Knossos in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Europe
c. 1600 BCE	A bull-fighting fresco in the palace of Knossos is linked with the island's cult of the bull Go to Knossos culture in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Painting Religion Europe
c. 1525 BCE	The eruption of a volcano, on the island of Thera, entombs and preserves houses with frescoes in the Minoan city of Akrotiri Go to Thera in The Grove Encyclopedia of Classical Art and Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Painting Europe
c. 1500 BCE	Texts written at Mycenae, in the script known as Linear B, are the earliest surviving version of Greek Go to Linear B in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Europe
c. 1425 BCE	All the towns and palaces of Crete, except Knossos itself, are destroyed by fire - probably by invaders from Mycenae Go to Knossos culture in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Europe
c. 1400 BCE	The massive architecture of Mycenaean cities such as Tiryns is said in Greek legend to have been built by one-eyed giants, the Cyclopes Go to Tiryns in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Architecture Europe The so-called Treasury of Atreus, at Mycenae, is the most spectacular of the beehive tombs of this period Go to tholos in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Architecture Europe
c. 1300 BCE	Mycenae prevails as the dominant power throughout the Peloponnese and the entire Aegean Go to Mycenaean civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe The earliest known suit of armour, made of bronze, survives from a tomb in Mycenaean Greece Go to Mycenaean civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Science War Europe Mycenaean merchants trade as far west as Spain and have links with neolithic societies far away in the interior of Europe Go to Mycenaean civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Europe
c. 1200 BCE	Palaces in Mycenae are destroyed, probably by the so-called Sea Peoples from the west and south coasts of Turkey Go to Mycenaean civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE War Europe
c. 1150 BCE	Mycenae and other states of the Peloponnese are overwhelmed by invading Dorian Greeks Go to Dorians in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE War Europe
c. 1100 BCE	Athens, not reached by the invading Dorians, becomes a surviving outpost of Mycenaean civilization Go to Mycenaean civilization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Ancient Athens Europe
c. 900 BCE	With the encouragements of Athens, non-Dorian Greeks migrate to form colonies on the west coast of Anatolia Go to Anatolia in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Ancient Athens Europe
776 BCE	The traditional date for the first athletic contest at Olympia Go to Olympian Games in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Sports and games Europe Society
753 BCE	This year is later selected by Roman scholars as the date of the founding of Rome, becoming the first year (AUC 1) in Roman chronology Go to calendar, Roman in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Science Europe Italy
c. 750 BCE	Ionia emerges as a political entity, forming a league of twelve Greek cities in Asia Minor Go to Ionia in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Asia West Asia Turkey Europe The Etruscans establish Italy's first civilization, in the region between the Arno and the Tiber Go to Etruscans in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Europe Italy The Homeric texts, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are written down - probably in Ionia Go to Homer in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Greek literature Literature Poetry Europe The inhabitants of Sparta organize their society on military lines and consider themselves the descendants of the Dorians Go to Sparta in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Europe
c. 704 BCE	Wrestling is included in the Olympic games, followed by a terrifying form of all-in wrestling from 652 BC Go to wrestling in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Sports and games Europe Society
c. 700 BCE	The Greeks make the Phoenician alphabet much more flexible by the addition of vowels, from alpha to omega Go to alphabet, Greek in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE The Phoenicians Europe The island of Sicily is colonized from the eastern Mediterranean by both Phoenicians and Greeks Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Conquest and colonization The Phoenicians Sicily Europe Italy
688 BCE	Boxing is included in the Olympic games, with each bout going on until one fighter gives up Go to boxing in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Sports and games Europe Society
c. 667 BCE	Byzantium (the future Constantinople) is founded as a colony of Megara, a Greek city-state Go to Byzantium in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Turkey Europe
c. 650 BCE	The Greek city states make a habit of consulting the oracle at Delphi, hoping mainly for reassurance Go to Delphi in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Religion Europe The capitals of Greek pillars are by now in the two basic patterns of Doric and Ionic Go to architecture, orders of in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Architecture Europe The inhabitants of Messenia revolt against Spartan rule and are reduced, in retaliation, to the status of serfs or helots Go to helot in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Protest and rebellion Europe
c. 630 BCE	The Areopagus, named from the hill on Athens where it meets, is the council through which the nobles keep power in their own hands Go to Areopagus in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Ancient Athens Politics Europe
c. 625 BCE	Hereditary aristocrats hold nearly all political power and own most of the land in Attica Go to Areopagus in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Ancient Athens Europe
c. 600 BCE	The choros, originally danced in a circle by temple virgins, is the centrepiece of the developing Greek theatre Go to chōrus (‘dance’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Performing arts Dance Europe Frenzied dances, in honour of the god Dionysus, become part of Greek theatre - deriving probably from the northeast, in Thrace Go to Dionysus in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Performing arts Dance Europe The free smallholding peasants of Attica fall increasingly into debt, compelled to pay a sixth of all their produce to a creditor Go to hektēmoroi in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
594 BCE	Solon is elected archon in Athens, immediately cancelling the debts of the peasants of Attica and making it illegal to enslave a debtor Go to hektēmoroi in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Europe Solon makes every Athenian citizen a member of the ecclesia, responsible for the election of archons, thus laying the first cornerstone of Athenian democracy Go to Solon (c. 630–c. 560 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
585 BCE	Thales of Miletus, traditionally the first philosopher, is credited with the prediction of a solar eclipse Go to Thales of Miletus (fl. 585 bc) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe
c. 560 BCE	Peisistratos seizes power in Athens and rules as a benevolent dictator for more than thirty years Go to Pisistratus (c. 600–c. 527 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Europe
c. 550 BCE	The painters of Greek vases develop the black-figure style, with the scene depicted in black silhouette against a red ground Go to black-figure vase painting in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Arts Decorative arts Europe The Greeks develop the Babylonian theme of the zodiac, naming it the zodiakos kyklos or circle of animals Go to zodiac in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Assyria and Babylon Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe The city-states of the Peloponnese unite in a defensive league under Spartan leadership Go to Peloponnesian League in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Europe The murals of Etruscan tombs, such as the Tomb of the Lionesses in Tarquinia, give a lively glimpse of an earlier tradition in Greek art Go to Etruscan style in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Italy An Etruscan dynasty rules in Rome and Etruscan influence is now dominant throughout central Italy Go to Etruscans in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Rome Europe Italy The hoplite - a Greek citizen, heavily armed in bronze and leather - proves a formidable fighting man Go to hoplite in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE War Europe The phalanx, though not originally devised in Greece, is a devastating formation on the battlefield when composed of hoplites Go to hoplite in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE War Europe The Greek city states pioneer the use of citizen armies, made up of free men who bring their own fighting equipment Go to hoplite in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE War Europe
c. 545 BCE	Cyrus annexes the Greek territory of Ionia as part of his empire, giving Persia a presence on the Aegean Go to Cyrus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
534 BCE	Thespis, traditionally considered the first actor, wins the drama competition in Athens Go to Thespis in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Europe
c. 530 BCE	The Greek colonists of Paestum, in southern Italy, build the first of their three superb temples Go to Paestum in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Architecture Italian architecture Europe Italy
c. 529 BCE	The Greek mathematician Pythagoras establishes himself, along with his followers, in southern Italy Go to Pythagoras (c.580–500 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Greek science Science Europe Italy
510 BCE	The Athenian ruler Hippias is toppled by the nobles of Attica, with the help of Sparta Go to Hippias in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe Hecateus, a geographer in Miletus, produces a map showing the Greek idea of the known world Go to Hecataeus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Greek science Science Europe The Roman senate becomes an executive body with two of its members elected annually as consuls, or joint heads of state Go to Roman Senate in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Europe Italy
508 BCE	Cleisthenes, brought to power by popular support, puts into effect a major programme of political reform in Athens See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Cleisthenes gives every Athenian citizen a voice in the demos, the local council at village or town level See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
c. 500 BCE	The Greeks are intrigued by the iron-attracting property of a mineral which they find in the district of Magnesia Go to magnetite in A Dictionary of Chemistry (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Greek science Science Physics Europe The Isthmian games at Corinth are by now a regular event, as are the Pythian games and the Nemean games Go to Isthmian Games in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Sports and games Europe Society The Greeks observe the strange effect of electricity, seen when amber (known to them as electron) is rubbed Go to amber in A Dictionary of Biology (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Greek science Science Physics Europe The new and more sophisticated fashion in Greek vases is the red-figure style Go to Greek pottery in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Arts Decorative arts Europe Parmenides is the first pure philosopher, using logic as a philosophical tool in his poem Nature See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Greek literature Literature Philosophy Europe The followers of Pythagoras discover the mathematical basis of the octave Go to octave in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Performing arts Music Europe Italy The Greeks add a third bank of oars to their war galleys, turning the bireme into a trireme Go to trireme in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE War Europe
499 BCE	The Greek cities of Ionia rebel against Persian rule, with the partial support of Athens Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 495 BCE	Pericles is born in Attica, the son of distinguished parents and the great-nephew of Cleisthenes Go to Pericles (c.495–29 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
493 BCE	After six years the Persians recover control of Ionia, but Athens is now identified as a target for invasion Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
490 BCE	Darius sends a fleet across the Aegean, carrying a large army of infantry and cavalry for an attack on Athens Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions The Persian fleet secures the Greek island of Euboea before making the short crossing to Marathon on the mainland – where they await the Greeks Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions Pheidippides, given the task of running from Athens to Sparta to request help against the Persians, completes the journey in two days Go to Pheidippides in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens Travel and transport War Europe Society Wars and Revolutions At Marathon the Athenian hoplites, heavily outnumbered, win a spectacular victory against the Persians – of whom the survivors escape in their ships Go to Marathon, battle of in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
487 BCE	Ostracism is introduced in Athens as a way of getting rid of unpopular politicians Go to o'stracism in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Democracy and dissent Europe
484 BCE	Aeschylus wins the prize for tragedy at the City Dionysia in Athens Go to Aeschylus (525?–456 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Poetry Europe
483 BCE	Themistocles persuades the Athenians to build up their fleet against the expected renewal of the threat from Persia Go to Themistocles (c. 528–462 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
481 BCE	Xerxes I, renewing the campaign of his father Darius against the Greeks, leads a large army round the Aegean and through Thrace Go to Xerxes I in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions The Greek city-states meet in Corinth to devise a joint strategy against the Persians Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Politics War Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 480 BCE	Kritios sculpts a naturalistic male nude, now the earliest surviving masterpiece in a central tradition of Greek art Go to Critius in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Arts Sculpture Europe 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas, die attempting to hold the pass of Thermopylae against the advancing Persian army Go to Leonidas (480 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions Athens, abandoned to the advancing Persians, is looted and destroyed Go to Greek-Persian wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions The Athenian fleet defeats a considerably larger Persian force in the narrow strait between Salamis and the mainland Go to Salamis, Battle of (480 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions
479 BCE	A Spartan army, led by Pausanias, wins a victory at Plataea, completing the rout of the Persians on the Greek mainland Go to Plataea, battle of (479 bc) in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions An Athenian force destroys at Mykale the remainder of the Persian fleet, ending the threat from them at sea Go to My'calē in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
478 BCE	Representatives of Athens and other Aegean city-states meet in Delos to form a coalition, later known as the Delian League Go to Delian League in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens Politics War Europe Wars and Revolutions The Delian League is formed for mutual defence, but also to liberate the Greek cities of Ionia from Persian rule Go to Delian League in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Ancient Athens Politics War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
477 BCE	A life-size bronze of a racing chariot, with its driver and horses, is presented to Delphi to commemorate a victory in the games Go to Delphi Charioteer in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Arts Sculpture Europe
472 BCE	The Olympic games are extended to five days, the first and last of which are taken up with religious ceremonies Go to Olympian Games in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Sports and games Europe Society
468 BCE	Sophocles wins the prize for tragedy in Athens, defeating Aeschylus in the competition Go to Sophocles in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Poetry Europe
c. 465 BCE	Pericles is one of a radical group in Athens, eager to curb the reactionaries controlling the Areopagus, and hostile to Sparta Go to Areopagus in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
464 BCE	An earthquake in Sparta leads to an uprising by the helots, who take up a defensive position on Mount Ithome Go to Ithō'mē, Mount in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Protest and rebellion Europe
463 BCE	Sparta appeals to its allies for help against the helots, and Athens - against the wishes of Pericles and his group - sends an army Go to Peloponne'sian War, First in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
462 BCE	With the army away, Pericles introduces full democracy for all Athenian citizens, enabling them to vote and participate in the administration of the state Go to Athenian democracy in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Sparta causes offence in Athens by dismissing the Athenian army without using them against the helots Go to Peloponne'sian War, First in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
461 BCE	Athens makes provocative alliances with two city-states opposed to Sparta Go to Peloponne'sian War, First in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe Pericles is given the task of constructing Athens' two famous Long Walls, stretching from the city to either side of the harbour at Piraeus Go to Long Walls in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens War Europe
c. 460 BCE	Herodotus, the 'father of history', writes his account of the Greco-Persian Wars from a vantage point in Asia Minor Go to Herodotus (c. 490–c. 425 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Greco-Persian Wars Literature War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions Simmering hostilities between the allies of Sparta and Athens develop into endemic conflict among the Greek city states of the Peloponnese Go to Peloponne'sian War, First in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
457 BCE	Athens completes its famous Long Walls, providing protected access between the city and its harbour, at Piraeus Go to Long Walls in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
454 BCE	Euripides enters the drama contest at the City Dionysia in Athens for the first time Go to Euripides (c.480–c.450 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Poetry Europe The Athenians transfer into their own keeping the accumulated treasure of the Delian League Go to Delian League in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Politics Europe Pericles' power is greatly increased when he is put in charge of the funds of the Delian league Go to Delian League in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
c. 450 BCE	Empedocles states that all matter is made up of four elemental substances - earth, fire, air and water Go to Empedocles of Acragas (c.495–c.435 bc) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek science Science Chemistry Europe The followers of Pythagoras maintain that the earth revolves on its own axis and moves in an orbit Go to Philolāus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe Italy The Sophists, professional philosophers, travel round Greece educating the sons of the rich Go to sophists in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Literature Philosophy Europe Pericles introduces payment in Athens for jury service so that no citizen is excluded by poverty Go to juries in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
448 BCE	In the Peace of Kallias the Persians acknowledge the independence of Greek Ionia, and agree not to bring their fleet into the Aegean Go to Callias, Peace of in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greco-Persian Wars Politics War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
447 BCE	The Athenians begin building the Parthenon, a temple to Athena, which they complete within ten years Go to Parthenon in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Architecture Europe Ictinos, the architect of the Parthenon, blends Doric and Ionic elements in a way which will later influence many other Greek temples Go to Ictīnus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Architecture Europe
c. 446 BCE	Phidias sculpts a huge statue of the goddess Athena, to be the central feature of the new Parthenon See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Arts Sculpture Europe An army commanded by a Spartan king turns back mysteriously during an invasion of Attica, leading to rumours that Pericles has bribed the king Go to Periclēs (c.495–429 bc) in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe Pericles negotiates a treaty, scheduled to hold for thirty years, establishing spheres of influence for Sparta (the mainland) and Athens (the Aegean coast and islands) Go to Thirty Years Peace in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens Politics War Europe Wars and Revolutions
443-429 BCE	Pericles is selected by the assembly as the leading general of Athens, a post to which he is re-appointed every year until his death Go to Pericles (c.495–29 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens War Europe
c. 440 BCE	Myron sculpts the Discus Thrower, an outstanding example of the Greek ability to suggest movement Go to Myron in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Arts Sculpture Europe Under Pericles, colonies and garrisons are established in strategic areas with the colonists remaining Athenian citizens Go to cleruchy in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe An extensive trading network, backed up by force, gives Athens control over the whole of the Aegean and the Black Sea Go to cleruchy in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
423 BCE	Socrates is now sufficiently prominent to be satirized in Clouds, a comedy by Aristophanes Go to Aristophanes (c.448–c.380 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Philosophy Poetry Europe
433 BCE	Pericles breaches his own Thirty Years Treaty, sending 30 triremes in support of a city state in dispute with Corinth, an ally of Sparta Go to Thirty Years Peace in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens War Europe Sparta demands withdrawal of the Athenian ships from the Peloponnesian coast, but Pericles will offer only independent arbitration Go to Peloponnesian War in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe
431 BCE	A sudden attack on Plataea (an ally of Athens) by Thebes (an ally of Sparta) begins the Second Peloponnesian War Go to Peloponnesian War in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions The renewal of the Peloponnesian War prompts Thucydides to begin a great work of contemporary history Go to Thucydides (c.460/455–c.400 bc) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Peloponnesian Wars Literature War Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 430 BCE	Phidias creates a massive statue of Zeus, covered in gold and ivory, to stand in the temple at Olympia See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Seven Wonders of the World Arts Sculpture Europe A plague strikes Athens in the second year of the Peloponnesian War Go to Peloponnesian War in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
429 BCE	Pericles dies in Athens of the plague Go to Pericles (c.495–29 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Europe
427 BCE	Athenians vote to kill all the men on the captured island of Mytilene, but the next day change their mind - almost too late Go to Peloponnesian War in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 425 BCE	Aristophanes wins first prize in Athens for his comedy The Acharnians Go to Aristophanes (c.448–c.380 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Poetry Europe
c. 420 BCE	The Greek philosopher Democritus declares that matter is composed of indivisible and indestructible atoms Go to atomism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek science Science Chemistry Europe
416 BCE	The Athenians, capturing Melos, kill all the males of the island and sell the women and children into slavery Go to Mēlos in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery War Europe Society Wars and Revolutions
414 BCE	The Persians, renewing their interest in the Aegean, fund the Spartans in the building of a fleet to match that of Athens Go to Peloponnesian War in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) West Asia Turkey Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 410 BCE	The Greeks develop the three classical styles of column, the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian Go to architecture, orders of in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Architecture Europe
409 BCE	A Carthaginian army lands near Marsala to begin the long involvement of Carthage in Sicily Go to Sicily in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Italy
405 BCE	The last remaining Athenian fleet is surprised and destroyed by the Spartans in the Hellespont Go to Aegospotami, Battle of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions
404 BCE	The famous Long Walls of Athens, her impregnable defence, are dismantled by the Spartans in the final act of the Peloponnesian War Go to Long Walls in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Peloponnesian Wars Ancient Athens War Europe Wars and Revolutions
401 BCE	Greek mercenaries, on the losing side at Cunaxa, begin a long journey home - described by Xenophon in the Anabasis Go to Ana'băsis (‘Cyrus' expedition inland’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek literature Literature War Europe
c. 400 BCE	Hippocrates, on the Greek island of Kos, founds an influential school of medicine Go to Hippocrates in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Greek science Science Medicine Europe
399 BCE	Socrates, convicted in Athens of impiety, is sentenced to death and drinks the hemlock Go to Socrates (469–399 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Literature Philosophy Social and domestic Europe Society
396 BCE	The Romans capture the nearby Etruscan town of Veii, beginning a long process of territorial expansion Go to Veii in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Italy
390 BCE	Celtic tribes , pushing south through the Alps, reach Rome and sack the city Go to Celt in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Celts Politics Rome Europe Italy Society
387 BCE	Plato establishes a school in Akademeia, a suburb of Athens Go to Academy in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Literature Philosophy Europe
c. 380 BCE	Central to Plato's philosophy is the theory that there are higher Forms of reality, of which our senses perceive only a transient shadow Go to Plato (c. 429–c. 347 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek literature Literature Philosophy Europe A Greek text, attributed to Polybus, argues that the human body is composed of four humours Go to four humours in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek science Science Chemistry Life sciences Europe
371 BCE	A Spartan army is overwhelmed at Leuctra by a smaller number of Thebans under Epaminondas Go to Leuctra in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War Battles Europe
367 BCE	Aristotle, at the age of seventeen, comes to Athens to join Plato's academy Go to Aristotle (384–322 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek literature Ancient Athens Literature Philosophy Europe
359 BCE	Philip II succeeds his father Amyntas III on the throne of Macedonia, the northernmost kingdom of Greece Go to Philip II (382–336 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
356 BCE	Philip II sets about making Macedon the most powerful state in Greece Go to Philip II (382–336 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Alexander the Great is born in Pella, the capital of his father Philip II, at the heart of the expanding Macedonian kingdom Go to Alexander III (356–323bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
c. 350 BCE	Eudoxus of Cnidus proposes the concept of transparent spheres supporting the bodies visible in the heavens Go to Eudoxus of Cnidus (c.400 bc–350 bc) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe Private financiers in Athens give loans, take deposits, change money from one currency to another and arrange credit for travellers Go to credit in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Ancient Athens Commerce and industry Europe Society The earliest description of a pulley appears in a Greek text Go to pulley in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe
348 BCE	The citizens of Olynthus abandon their houses, with elaborate mosaic floors, when their city is attacked by Philip of Macedon Go to Olynthus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Arts Europe
343 BCE	Aristotle is employed in Macedon as tutor to the 13-year-old heir to the throne, Alexander Go to Aristotle (384–322 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Europe Hephaestion, Alexander's closest lifelong friend, may have been among the small group taught by Aristotle Go to Hephaestion (324 bc) in Who's Who in the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Social and domestic Society Homer's Iliad becomes a profound source of inspiration to Alexander, who will keep scrolls of the text in his tent during his conquests Go to Iliad, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
c. 340 BCE	The theatre at Epidaurus is the earliest and best surviving example of a classical Greek stage and auditorium Go to Epidaurus, Theatre of in The Oxford Companion to Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Architecture Performing arts Theatre Europe Alexander the Great, at the age of sixteen, conducts his first successful military campaign – against the Thracians Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War Europe The Macedonians develop the catapult as a siege engine for the armies of Philip II and Alexander the Great Go to artillery in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Weapons Europe
338 BCE	Philip of Macedon defeats Athens and Thebes at Chaeronaea, giving him control of Greece Go to Chaeronea in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Ancient Athens War Battles Europe
337 BCE	Philip of Macedon persuades most of the Greek city-states, brought together in Corinth, to agree to a military alliance with himself as leader Go to Corinth, League of in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Europe The League of Corinth resolves to launch a war against Persia, with Philip II in command of the confederate forces Go to Corinth, League of in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War
336 BCE	An advance guard of 10,000 troops sets off towards Persia in the spring, with Philip due to follow later with the main army Go to Philip II (382–336 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War At a summer feast to celebrate the wedding of his daughter, Philip of Macedon is murdered by one of his courtiers Go to Philip II (382–336 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE The League of Corinth elects Alexander to take his father's place as leader of the campaign against Persia Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War
335 BCE	Before departing for the east, Alexander destroys Thebes and enslaves the Thebans for rebelling against the League of Corinth Go to Thebes in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe
334 BCE	The 21-year-old Alexander the Great marches east with some 5000 cavalry and 30,000 footsoldiers Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War Indulging in a moment of romantic tourism, Alexander visits Troy at the start of his Persian campaign Go to Troy in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Asia West Asia Turkey Alexander, recreating a classic Greek ceremony, runs naked in Troy to the supposed tomb of Achilles to place a garland Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
332 BCE	Alexander moves south through Syria and Palestine, excluding the Persian fleet from their familiar harbours Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War Lebanon and Syria Alexander the Great's army arrives in Egypt and the Persian governor of the province rapidly surrenders Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Egypt While in Egypt, Alexander founds Alexandria – the best known of the many towns he establishes to spread Greek culture Go to Alexandria in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 330 BCE	Aristotle tackles wide-ranging subjects on a systematic basis, leaving to his successors an encyclopedia of contemporary thought Go to Aristotle (384–322 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Greek literature Greek science Literature Philosophy Science Europe As a conclusive end to the long rivalry between Greece and Persia, Alexander destroys the great palace of Xerxes at Persepolis Go to Persepolis in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War Iran (Persia)
327 BCE	Alexander takes a major new step, leaving Persian territory and moving through the mountain passes into India Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan
325 BCE	In the Indian monsoon Alexander's Greek troops have finally had enough and threaten to mutiny unless he turns for home Go to Alexander the Great (356–323 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE War India (the subcontinent)
324 BCE	Back in Persia, to emphasize that Greece and Persia are now one, Alexander marries eighty of his senior officers to Persian wives Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Iran (Persia)
323 BCE	Alexander the Great, still only 33, dies in Babylon following a banquet Go to Alexander III (“The Great”) in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Assyria and Babylon Politics Dynasties and royalty Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Alexander's generals decide that the joint heirs to his throne shall be his half-brother (Philip III) and his posthumous son by Roxana (Alexander IV) Go to Philip (2) Arrhidaeus (c. 357–317 bc) in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
from 323 BCE	The spread of Greek rule by Alexander introduces the Hellenistic age, which will last for three centuries Go to Hellenistic Age (323–30 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa Central Africa North Africa Egypt Asia Central Asia West Asia
317 BCE	Philip III is killed on the orders of Olympias, the mother of Alexander Go to Philip (2) Arrhidaeus (c. 357–317 bc) in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
312 BCE	The first Roman road, the Via Appia, links Rome with Capua Go to via Appia in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Travel and transport Technology Engineering Rome Europe Italy Society
c. 310 BCE	Alexander IV and his mother Roxana are murdered by order of Cassander (by now the self-proclaimed king of Macedonia) Go to Cassander (297 bc) in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE
c. 300 BCE	The Greek author Theophrastus writes On the History of Plants, the earliest surviving work on botany Go to Theophrastus (c. 372 bc–287 bc) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Greek science Science Life sciences Europe The flexibility of the Roman legion transforms the Greek phalanx into an even more effective fighting machine Go to Roman legion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE War Europe Italy Vesta, goddess of the hearth, is served in Rome by virgin priestesses who tend the sacred flame in her shrine Go to Vestal virgin in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Religion Rome Europe Italy Epicurus postulates a universe of indestructible atoms in which man himself is responsible for achieving a balanced life Go to Epicureanism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Greek science Science Chemistry Europe
299 BCE	The Roman siege technique is improved by the 'tortoise' which protects the attacking force Go to testudo in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Weapons Europe Italy
292 BCE	The Colossus, a giant statue of Helios the sun god, is erected beside the harbour of Rhodes Go to Colossus in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Seven Wonders of the World Arts Sculpture Europe
281 BCE	Pyrrhus lands in Italy, with 25,000 men and 20 elephants, to fight for the Greek colony of Tarentum against the Romans Go to Pyrrhus of Epiros (319–272 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Italy
c. 270 BCE	On the small Greek island of Samos an astronomer, Aristarchus, comes to the startling conclusion that the earth is in orbit round the sun Go to Aristarchus of Samos (c.320–c.250 bc) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe
264 BCE	A clash in Sicily, between Rome and Carthage, leads to the First Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Rome Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions The first gladiatorial contests in Rome are part of the entertainment at a funeral, and soon become popular Go to gladiator in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Performing arts Rome Europe Italy
260 BCE	A Carthaginian quinquereme, captured by the Romans, is used as the model for the first Roman fleet - constructed in two months Go to quinquereme in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
c. 250 BCE	Archimedes (it is said) leaps out of his bath shouting eureka ('I have found it') when he perceives how to test for relative density Go to Archimedes' principle in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Greek science Science Physics Europe The Romans evolve a system of numerals which, until the end of the Middle Ages, is a handicap to western arithmetic Go to Roman numeral in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Science Europe Italy To help the king of Syracuse extract water from the hold of a ship (so the story goes), Archimedes invents the screw now known by his name Go to Archimedes' screw in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe Italy
241 BCE	A Roman naval victory at Trapani, off the northwest tip of Sicily, completes the blockade of the Carthaginians and ends the First Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions At the end of the First Punic War, Sicily becomes Rome's first overseas province Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Sicily Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
227 BCE	Sardinia and Corsica are annexed by Rome, becoming the second Roman overseas province Go to Sardinia in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
c. 220 BCE	The Greek mathematician Eratosthenes calculates the circumference of the world with the help of shadows and camels Go to Eratosthenes of Cyrene (275–195bc ) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Greek science Science Europe
218 BCE	Hannibal crosses the Alps with his elephants, beginning the Second Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
216 BCE	Hannibal destroys a Roman army at Cannae, in the most severe defeat ever suffered by Rome Go to Cannae, Battle of (216 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
202 BCE	Hannibal suffers his first decisive defeat by a Roman army, at an unidentified site in north Africa called Zama Go to Zama, battle of in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Africa North Africa Wars and Revolutions
201 BCE	Carthaginian Spain is handed over to Rome to become two new provinces, at the end of the Second Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Rome Europe Spain Wars and Revolutions
196 BCE	The Romans, after defeating Macedon, announce at the Isthmian Games that all Greek states are now free under Roman protection Go to Flāminī'nus, Titus Qui'nctius (c.229–174 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Italy
188 BCE	Sparta's ancient political system comes to an end, but the ordeal by flogging lingers on as a tourist attraction in the temple of Artemis Go to Spartan cults in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Social and domestic Europe Society
c. 185 BCE	Plautus and Terence, in the second and third century BC, create a Roman drama based on Greek originals Go to Plautus, Titus Maccius (c.250–184 bc) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek literature Latin literature Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Europe Italy
149 BCE	Rome picks a quarrel with Carthage to begin the Third Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
146 BCE	Carthage is destroyed by the Romans at the end of the Third Punic War Go to Carthage in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
c. 140 BCE	The Greek astronomer Hipparchus is credited with the invention of the astrolabe, measuring the angle of sun or star above the horizon Go to Hipparchus of Nicaea (c.190–c.120 bc) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe
139 BCE	A secret ballot is instituted for Roman citizens, who mark their vote on a tablet and place it in an urn Go to elections and voting in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Italy
c. 130 BCE	The Greek astronomer Hipparchus, mapping the stars, observes but cannot explain the precession of the equinoxes Go to precession of the equinoxes in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe Hipparchus proposes a grid of 360° of latitude and longitude for mapmaking Go to Hipparchus of Nicaea (c.190–c.120 bc) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek science Science Europe
129 BCE	Hipparchus completes the first scientific star catalogue, mapping some 850 stars Go to Hipparchus of Nicaea (c.190–c.120 bc) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe
c. 100 BCE	A Venus is carved in marble, and centuries later becomes an ideal of female beauty after being found on the island of Milo Go to Venus de Milo in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE 1st century BCE Arts Sculpture Europe
86 BCE	Sulla, campaigning to the east, besieges Athens and then allows his army to loot the city Go to Sulla, Publius Cornelius (c.138–78bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Italy
81 BCE	Cicero, whose speeches become models of oratory, makes his first appearance in a Roman court Go to Cicero, Marcus Tullius in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Europe Italy
75 BCE	To improve his skills as an orator, Julius Caesar travels to Rhodes to study with Cicero's teacher, Apollonius Molon Go to Apollonius (9) Molon in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Italy Julius Caesar, captured by pirates on his way to Rhodes, warns them that he will crucify them - and later keeps his word Go to crucifixion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Europe Italy
73 BCE	A rebellion by Spartacus and other slaves from a gladiators' training camp at Capua lasts for two years before it is suppressed Go to Spartacus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Italy
60 BCE	Julius Caesar persuades Pompey and Crassus to join him in a political alliance to their mutual advantage, known now as the first triumvirate See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Europe Italy
58 BCE	At the end of his year as consul, Caesar travels north to become governor of northern Italy and southern France Go to Caesar, Julius in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe France Italy Julius Caesar begins the long slow process of pushing Roman occupation steadily northwards in France (or Gaul) Go to Gallic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Europe France
55 BCE	Julius Caesar makes the first of his two invasions of Celtic Britain Go to Gallic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman Britain Celts Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles Europe Society Britain
54 BCE	Julius Caesar returns to Britain for a second visit, this time reaching north of the Thames into the kingdom of Cassivellaunus Go to Cassivellaunus in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman Britain Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles Europe Britain
53 BCE	The death of Crassus at Carrhae brings to an end the first triumvirate Go to Crassus, Marcus Licinius in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Italy
52 BCE	The Celtic leader Vercingetorix inflicts an unaccustomed defeat on Julius Caesar, at Gergovia, but is captured later in the year Go to Vercingetorix in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Celts Politics Conquest and colonization Battles Europe France Society In his winter quarters Julius Caesar writes The Gallic War, an account of his own achievements in suppressing the Gauls Go to Gaul in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Literature Politics Conquest and colonization Europe France
c. 50 BCE	Gladiators have metal studs on their boxing gloves, and a public bout is expected to go on until the loser dies Go to boxing in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Sports and games Europe Italy Society
49 BCE	Julius Caesar crosses the river Rubicon (the southern boundary of Gaul) with his army – and in doing so launches a civil war See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Italy
48 BCE	Julius Caesar defeats his rival Pompey at Pharsalus, in Greece, and makes himself master of the Roman world Go to Pharsalus, Battle of (48 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Europe Italy
46 BCE	Vercingetorix is a prize exhibit in Caesar's great triumph in Rome, but the Celtic chieftain is strangled once the procession is over Go to Vercingetorix in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Celts Politics Europe Italy Society
45 BCE	Julius Caesar's new calendar is introduced, at a time when its predecessor has become out of step with the seasons by three months Go to calendar, Roman in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Science Astronomy and space Europe Italy
44 BCE	On March 15, the Ides of March, Julius Caesar is stabbed to death during a meeting of the senate Go to Caesar, Julius (100–44 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe Italy Octavian, an 18-year-old student in Apollonia, hears that he has been named by his uncle, Julius Caesar, as his successor and heir Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Italy
42 BCE	Octavian and Mark Antony defeat the armies of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi, after which Brutus and Cassius commit suicide Go to Mark Antony (83–30 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE War Battles Europe Italy
37 BCE	Virgil's reputation is established by his ten Eclogues, influenced by the Italian countryside in the region of his birth near Mantua Go to Virgil (70–19 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Poetry Europe Italy
c. 34 BCE	Maecenas buys a farm for Horace, in the Sabine hills near Tivoli - the most fruitful of his many acts of patronage Go to Maecenas (d. 8 bc) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Europe Italy
31 BCE	Octavian defeats the forces of Antony and Cleopatra (both are at sea with their fleets) in a battle off the Greek coast at Actium Go to Actium, Battle of (31 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE War Battles Europe Italy
27 BCE	Octavian is given the life-long title of Augustus by the senate in Rome, becoming in effect the first Roman emperor Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Italy Empires Livy begins writing and publishing his History of Rome, a task which will occupy him for forty years Go to Livy (59 bc–17ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Italy Empires
23 BCE	The first three books of Horace's Odes are published, written on his Sabine farm Go to Horace (c.65℃08 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Poetry Europe Italy Empires
c. 20 BCE	The excellence of the arts, particularly literature, during the reign of Augustus Caesar causes it to be remembered as a golden age of culture Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Italy Empires A collection of witty love poems, entitled Amores, brings Ovid an early success Go to Ovid (43 bc–ad 18) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Poetry Europe Italy Empires Augustus Caesar puts a team of surveyors to work mapping the empire's 50,000 miles of roads, a task which will take them twenty years Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Politics Europe Italy Empires Roman author Vitruvius writes De Architectura, now generally known as The Ten Books of Architecture Go to Vitrū'vius Po'llio in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Europe Italy Empires
19 BCE	Virgil dies just after completing the Aeneid, and imperial command from Augustus Caesar prevents his executor from destroying the epic Go to Aeneid in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Italy Empires
c. 10 BCE	The period of stability achieved during the reign of Augustus Caesar has been given the name Pax Romana ('Roman peace') Go to Pax Augusta (‘The Augustan [or Roman] Peace’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Commerce and industry Europe Italy Society Empires
14	The death of Augustus introduces half a century of chaos, as the members of his family compete ruthlessly for power Go to Tiberius in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Italy Empires
c. 50	The Thessalonians receive the first of Paul's epistles - the earliest text in the New Testament, written in Greek Go to Paul, St (c.65 ce) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Religion Christianity Europe A working week of seven days is adopted in Rome, based on the seven known planets (whose names provide the days) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Social and domestic Europe Italy Society Empires
c. 60	St Peter, believed to have come to Rome as leader of the Christian community, is subsequently considered the first pope Go to Peter, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Italy St Paul arrives in Rome a prisoner, but then spends two years freely preaching Christianity Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Religion Christianity Rome Europe Italy Empires
64	A great fire in Rome is popularly believed to have been started by Nero, whom legend also accuses of fiddling while the city burns Go to Nero (54–68 ce) in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Social and domestic Rome Europe Italy Society Empires Early Christian tradition states that both Peter and Paul meet death in Rome as martyrs, possibly as a result of the fire of AD 64 Go to Nero (54–68 ce) in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Religion Christianity Rome Europe Italy
66	Nero comes to Athens to give some of his officially celebrated performances at the Greek games Go to Nero, Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus (c. 37–68 ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Ancient Athens Performing arts Europe Italy Empires
79	A sudden eruption of Vesuvius buries the town of Pompeii in volcanic ash, in places twelve feet deep Go to Vesuvius in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Social and domestic Europe Italy Society Empires
80	The Colosseum is inaugurated by the emperor Titus with games lasting 100 days, in which some 9000 large animals are killed Go to Colosseum in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Sports and games Europe Italy Society Empires
98	Tacitus begins his career with two specialized but influential works of history, one on Britain and the other on Germany Go to Tacitus, Cornelius (c.ad 55–after 115) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Italy Empires
c. 120	The Pantheon, roofed with the most spectacular dome of antiquity, is built in Rome by Hadrian Go to Pantheon in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Rome Europe Italy Empires
c. 125	Suetonius, librarian to Trajan and personal secretary to Hadrian, is well placed to research his racy Lives of the Caesars Go to Suetonius (ad c.70–c.140) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Italy Empires
c. 250	The Christians of Rome use the catacombs as tomb chambers, and decorate the walls with murals on New Testament themes Go to catacombs in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Arts Painting Italian painting Religion Christianity Italian art Rome Europe Italy
274	The emperor Aurelian, grateful for the apparent assistance of a Syrian sun god, establishes the cult of the Unconquered Sun - whose birthday is December 25 Go to Aurelian (c.215–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Roman empire Religion Asia West Asia Europe Italy Empires
312	Constantine, preparing for battle against a rival at the Milvian Bridge, orders his men to wear a Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, on their shields Go to Christogram in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe Italy Empires After winning the battle at Milvian Bridge, Constantine marches into Rome and is formally acknowledged by the Senate as Augustus of the west Go to Milvian Bridge in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Rome Europe Italy Empires
c. 315	Constantine founds several churches in Rome, among them the first St Peter's Go to St Peter's, Rome in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Italy Empires
325	Constantine executes Licinius in Thessalonica on a charge of attempted rebellion, a year after defeating him in battle Go to Licinius (308–324) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Europe Italy Empires
c. 350	Greece begins to find a new and influential role in a Christian context, through the Byzantine empire Go to Constantinople in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Byzantine empire Politics Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Empires
393	The ancient games at Olympia, with an unbroken tradition of more than 1000 years, are brought to an abrupt end by the emperor Theodosius Go to Olympian Games in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Sports and games Europe Society
529	Justinian closes down the schools of Athens, famous for their tradition of pagan philosophy Go to pericope in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Greek literature Byzantine empire Ancient Athens Literature Philosophy Persecution and repression Europe Empires
1204	Venice takes the useful islands of Corfu and Crete as part of the spoils of the fourth crusade Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Venice Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
1309	The Knights of St John capture the island of Rhodes, which they rule as their own sovereign state for more than two centuries Go to Hospitallers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Europe
1460	The Turks complete the occupation of Greece, which remains within the Ottoman empire until the nineteenth century Go to Ottoman empire in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Empires
1571	Galleys are rowed into battle for the last time at Lepanto, ending a fighting career of some 2500 years Go to galley in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Battles Europe
1821	An uprising in Greece against Turkish rule is followed by the massacre of several thousand Muslims Go to Greek War of Independence (1821–32) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires
1823	Lord Byron arrives in Greece to support the cause of Greek independence Go to Byron, George Gordon in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Europe
1824	Lord Byron dies of a fever in Greece, in Missolonghi, at the age of thirty-six Go to Byron, George Gordon in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Europe
1827	Britain, France and Russia, supporting Greek independence, defeat the Turkish and Egyptian fleets at Navarino Go to Navarino, Battle of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires
1832	Greece wins independence from the Turks, with the 17-year-old Otto of Bavaria as king Go to Greek War of Independence (1821–32) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Turks Ottoman empire Europe Empires
1847	Don Pacifico's house in Athens is burnt by an anti-Semitic crowd, provoking an international incident Go to Don Pacifico affair in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Persecution and repression Europe
1864	The island of Corfu is ceded by Britain to the kingdom of Greece Go to Corfu (Greece) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Empires
1885	A secret revolutionary group (Union and Progress, later known as the Young Turks) is formed in Salonika in the Ottoman empire Go to Young Turks in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires
1896	The first modern Olympic Games, organized by Pierre de Coubertin, are held in Athens Go to Olympic Games in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Sports and games Europe Society
1904	Constantine Cavafy prints fourteen of his poems in a pamphlet for private distribution Go to Cavafy, Constantine (1863–1933) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature Poetry Europe
1910	Constantine Cavafy prints a few more of his poems to add to the fourteen privately printed in 1904 Go to Cavafy, Constantine Peter (1863–1933) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature Poetry Europe
1912	An Albanian uprising against the Ottoman empire is so successful that the Albanians are able to capture Skopje in Macedonia Go to Macedonia, Republic of in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Empires
1913	The Treaty of Bucharest assigns to Greece nearly all the Greek-speaking regions in the Balkans and Mediterranean Go to Balkan Wars (1912–13) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Europe
1915	October 5 - French and British troops land at Salonika and push north to relieve Serbia Go to Salonika campaign (1915–Nov. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1916	June 27 - Greece joins the Allies by declaring war on Bulgaria Go to Greece in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1918	September - the Allies, with Serb troops in the vanguard, press north from Salonika into Serbia Go to Serbia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
c. 1935	A collection of Constantine Cavafy's poems is published in Alexandria in an undated edition Go to Cavafy, Constantine Peter (1863–1933) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature Poetry Africa North Africa Egypt Europe
1940	October 28 - Italian troops cross the Albanian border in the hope of a blitzkrieg against Greece Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900
1941	Greek soprano Maria Callas sings her first Tosca, in the opera house in Athens Go to Callas, Maria (1923–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe April 7-28 - German troops move on from Yugoslavia into Greece, driving a small British force from the mainland across the sea to Crete Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 30 - German forces evict the British from the island of Crete after a week-long battle Go to Crete in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1942	June 9 - Hitler orders a massacre at Lidice, a village near Prague, in retaliation for the death of Heydrich Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (1904–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1944	October 18 - Athens is liberated and the Greek government-in-exile returns, with George Papandreou at its head Go to British expedition to Greece in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 December 3 - civil war breaks out in Greece between rival groups of partisans resisting demobilization Go to Greek civil war (1944–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1954	George Grivas leads a guerrilla movement, EOKA, fighting for Cyprus's independence from Britain and union with Greece Go to EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires
c. 1955	Archaeologists at Olympia excavate the workshop of the Greek classical sculptor Phidias Go to Phidias (c.430 bc) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Science Europe
1965	Maria Callas gives her last performance, as Tosca at Covent Garden in London Go to Callas, Maria (1923–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1967	A coup in Greece brings in an incompetent and repressive military junta that becomes known as the 'Greek colonels' Go to Greek colonels in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Europe
1968	Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis marries Jacqueline Kennedy, widow of the assassinated president Go to Onassis, Aristotle Socrates (1906–1975) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Social and domestic Europe Society North America United States
c. 1977	Royal tombs are excavated at Vergina, in Macedonia, probably including that of Philip of Macedon Go to Vergina, Macedonia, Greece in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Science Europe
2010	Greece is promised an EU and IMF bail-out package of 45 billion euros to cope with its high level of national debt Go to International Monetary Fund in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Commerce and industry Europe Society Severe austerity measures in Greece persuade Germany to back an increased EU and IMF bail-out package of 110 billion euros Go to International Monetary Fund in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Commerce and industry Europe Society
2011	Eurozone leaders agree a second bail-out package for Greece of €109 billion Go to Eurozone in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Commerce and industry Europe Society

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date: 12 May 2025

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