Timeline


 * < **776BC** ||< 776BC was the year of the 1st Olympic games. The games were held every 4 years in Olympia, in honour of the god Zeus. Some of the sports included wrestling, jumping, javelin and chariot racing. A crown of olive branches was awarded to the winner. ||
 * < **650BC** ||< During 650BC to 580BC the 'city-state' Corinth (named after the word 'currant'!) was taken over by Kypselos and he made himself the ruler. This kind of leader is called a tyrant. When Kypselos died, his son Periander took over the role of tyrant. ||
 * < **508BC** ||< In 508BC 'democracy' began in Athens. We still use this term today meaning 'ruled by the people'. Male citizens were given the chance to vote in order to decide how the city-state should be run. This is often said to be one of their greatest ideas. ||
 * < **500BC** ||< 500BC was the start of the 'Classical Period' in Greece. At this time there was a lot of interest in arts, imagination and buildings especially in the city-state Athens. This period continued until 323BC ||
 * < **490BC** ||< In 490 and 480BC the Greeks defeated Persian invaders at the battles of Marathon (490BC) and Salamis (480BC). The Greek victories kept the growing Persian Empire in check. ||
 * < **472BC** ||< In 472BC Greek theatres first became popular in Athens. Greeks found entertainment by visiting theatres to see magicians, jugglers and plays. The actors often wore masks to show the audience if they were happy or sad. ||
 * < **432BC** ||< In 432BC the Parthenon in Athens was finished. This huge temple was built to house a statue of the Goddess Athena. She was put there to look over and protect the city-state. ||
 * < **338BC** ||< In 33 BC Philip II, the king of Macedonia, took control of Greece. After his death, his son Alexander the Great took the throne. ||
 * < **146BC** ||< In 146BC Rome conquered Greece - Greece becomes part of the Roman empire. ||