17. The Russian wedding of Joseph and Mary in the 12th century as the starting point of our history In connection with what we learned above, we will express a number of general considerations arising from the New Chronology and our general reconstruction of history.1. The history of the Holy Family IS THE MOST ANCIENT

History of Ancient Greece indicates that the distinctive feature of its culture was humanism. The main object of attention was the citizen as a bearer of the best moral qualities. This attitude towards people is explained by the rich economic potential of Greek city-states and favorable opportunities for political and creative activity for citizens.

Why is it so important to us culture of ancient Greece? The answer is simple: it was the ancient Greek culture, formed more than three thousand years ago, that was the basis of Western civilization. The principles of democracy as the power of the people, public centers, types of literature, scientific discoveries and much more have entered modern life as its organic and integral part.

People visiting Greece today have the opportunity to see the “traces” left by history from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Using numerous artifacts found during archaeological excavations, scientists are reconstructing a picture of the life of the peoples who once inhabited this territory.

The first signs of human activity discovered on the territory of the Balkan Peninsula date back to Paleolithic era(about 120,000 - 10,000 BC). Next period – Neolithic(7000-3000 BC) - is already characterized by the presence of ancient stone dwellings, the remains of which were found in Thessaly, Macedonia and the Peloponnese.

In the Bronze Age(3000-1100 BC) the first urban centers appeared in the Aegean region, on Crete, mainland Greece, and the Cyclades islands. An important stage for the subsequent development of mankind was Minoan civilization in Crete (2000-1450 BC). Based on the surviving remains of frescoes (wall paintings), scientists have suggested that most of the population was apparently engaged in farming, fishing and hunting.

Life took place around the luxurious palaces, science and art flourished, and writing developed. During that period, tribal relations dominated, the development of metals began, navigation developed, and agrarian relations were determined. It is from this era that the history of the development of Greece begins.

After the collapse of the Minoan culture as a result of a volcanic eruption, Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the Aegean Sea during the last centuries of the second millennium BC. e.. The period is characterized by the settlement of the Balkan Peninsula by proto-Greek tribes, Achaeans and Ionians, who conquered the local peoples of the Pelasgians, Leleges and others.

They began to develop their culture, forming states - Mycenae, Tiryns, Knossos, Festus, Pylos, whose inhabitants were engaged in agriculture, crafts and hunting. The first acropolis was built during this era. And myths began to take shape in history, as part of the pagan religion; in our time, they have firmly entered the literature as a separate cultural and historical layer.

In 1200-1100 BC. Dorian tribes invaded the Balkan Peninsula from the north, which caused numerous wars and the end of the Mycenaean era. Crafts and arts such as fresco painting and gem making were forgotten. Only the potter's wheel, metal processing techniques, and the cultivation of olives and grapes were not lost.

The destruction of the Mycenaean centers led to the decline of civilization and the revival of tribal relations. Ruin and famine due to lean years provoked population migration to the coastal regions of Asia Minor and Cyprus (the first wave of Greek colonization).

The next two centuries (1150 - 900 BC) are considered “dark” in ancient Greek history, since no written sources of that time have been discovered. The Greeks lost their written language, and other peoples, such as the Egyptians or the Hittites, barely mention them.

But from the 8th century. BC. Greek history continued into a new era known as archaic period or Greek Revival. At the same time, serious social and political changes occurred. Ancient Greek city-states were created, governed by oligarchs - a group of the richest citizens. With the expansion of trade, the middle class (demos) - merchants and artisans - began to flourish. The population of Greece has grown and the standard of living has improved.

Greek city-states established colonies along the Mediterranean coast from Spain to northern Africa, including the Black Sea coastal strip (second wave of Greek colonization). Colonies were settled in places with natural harbors and lands suitable for growing grain crops.

The high standard of living contributed to the development of culture and art: the alphabet arose, the first sources of Greek literature were written down - Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. In 776 BC the First Olympic Games. This indicates that the Greek city-states not only fought among themselves, but also collaborated. The most powerful city-states at that time were Sparta, Thebes and Corinth.

Classical period The development of ancient Greece begins in the 5th century BC, when the greatest flourishing of the economy and culture of the Greek city-states occurred. At this time, the self-awareness of the inhabitants of different Greek states as a single Greek nation was taking shape. The unification of the city-policies led by Sparta ensures the victory of Greece in the Persian Wars: 490 BC. - Battle of Marathon; 480 BC - Battle of Salamis; 479 BC - Battle of Plataea.

In the post-war years of peace, the rebuilt city of Athens flourished, becoming the center of business and cultural life in Greece. All significant changes were carried out during the reign of Pericles (from 444 to 429 BC), a skilled politician and orator who enjoyed enormous popularity among the townspeople.

In 449 BC. Pericles proposed rebuilding the Acropolis fortress, and dedicating the erected temple of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, to the goddess Athena, the patroness of the city. And although the temple was badly damaged in the Middle Ages and Modern times, it is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and ancient buildings in the world.

During the period of its power, Athens attracted the best craftsmen of the time: artists, sculptors, architects. Art, architecture, philosophy, natural sciences, history and law were born and developed here. The greatest thinkers of the ancient world lived and worked in Athens, who perpetuated Greek science and culture for all subsequent centuries: the philosophers Socrates and Anaxagoras; historians Herodotus and Thucydides; poets Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

The power of Athens caused concern to other city-states who feared for their independence. Relations between Athens and its archrival Sparta steadily deteriorated. In 431 BC. bloodshed broke out Peloponnesian War, which lasted with short interruptions for about 30 years and disrupted the unity of the Greek world.

At the end of the war in 404 BC. Greece was once again fragmented, farms were ruined, and previous economic ties were severed. The country was faced with a series of internecine conflicts, during which the Greek city-policies did not notice the new enemy from Macedonia.

The Macedonians, led by Philip II and later his son Alexander, gained control over most of Greece within 20 years. Alexander the Great was a brilliant commander, possessed unprecedented energy and courage, which helped him create a powerful and loyal army. His troops invaded Western Asia, Egypt, Persia, Central Asia and part of India.

The eastern campaign in Persia allowed Alexander to create the greatest empire in the world and receive his Great Title. But this man was ruined by an irrepressible thirst for conquest. Finding ourselves in 324 B.C. in Babylon, the king fell ill and died at the age of 32.

After Alexander's campaigns, the cultural history of ancient Greece moved into the new Hellenistic era, which existed for 300 years. The separately developing Greek and ancient Eastern worlds became a single power. An interpenetration of ancient and Middle Eastern civilizations arose, which undoubtedly played an important role in the further development of world culture.

👁 Before we start...where to book a hotel? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 for a high percentage from hotels - we pay!). I've been using Rumguru for a long time
skyscanner
👁 And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip without any hassle? The answer is in the search form below! Buy now. This is the kind of thing that includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money 💰💰 Form - below!.

Really the best hotel prices

The history of Greece dates back to ancient times, its age exceeds four thousand years. This is the story of the formation of a nation that had a colossal influence on the entire civilized world.

Minoan period. Crete

The first mentions of historical facts related to the civilization of the ancient Greeks date back to the 6th century BC. They were found on the island of Crete and on the time scale correspond to the Neolithic era. The main factor that contributed to the intensive development of civilization was the extremely advantageous location of Greece along trade routes. A remarkable fact of those times is a pronounced matriarchy, the essence of which was the particularly high position of women in society, which largely ensured the growth and prosperity of culture on the island of Crete. The islanders traded with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Messapotamia. A distinctive feature was the very high level of development of life on the island, which was significantly higher than the standard of living on the Greek mainland. The end of this stage of Greek civilization was marked by an earthquake, which became the starting point for the complete destruction of Cretan civilization.

Achaean period

The time stamp corresponding to 1400 BC was marked by the arrival of the Iachean tribes on the Peloponnese peninsula. It was they who brought the cult of the Olympic gods and innovations in culture to Greece. The largest city of the Peloponnese, Mycenae, became the center of the most powerful state in the entire Mediterranean. It was this period of history that became the most legendary and has come down to us in numerous myths, legends and poems. The peak point of this period was the Trojan War, which began the process of collapse of the Mycenaean civilization and the entire Greek world of that time.

Homeric period

This period of Greek history is considered the most difficult in its history. It was characterized by the invasion of the Dorian tribes, which at the initial stage led to the degradation of the country, but later the culture of the Dorians merged with the Achaean, Cretan, Asian and other cultures, which ultimately led to the most important event - the appearance of the Greek language.

Archaic period

It was marked by the active development of all aspects of Greek life, including culture, art and economy. On the territory of Greece, cities - policies - grew like mushrooms, and in the Mediterranean region - colonies. Major political changes were taking place, an important result of which was the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta.

Classical era

Begins in 500 BC. Its beginning was associated with the war with the Persians, which lasted more than 20 years. Greece won thanks to the creation of a maritime union, headed by Athens. During that period, this city-state continued to strengthen its power. This was the golden period in the history of Athens, which resulted in its transformation into a work of art. This development of events did not suit Sparta at all, which led to the complete defeat of Athens after the twenty-seven year war that began in 431 BC. The dominance of Sparta as the most powerful polis of Greece until 337 BC, until all of Greece became part of the Macedonian Empire.

After the death of Alexander the Great and, as a consequence, the collapse of the empire. Thus began the Hellenistic period, marked by Roman occupation. The presence of the Romans had a great influence on Greek culture. This was especially clearly expressed in architecture.

Byzantine period, which came later, shaped the traditions of Christianity with the strengthening of the influence of the church on the state and the massive construction of temples and churches. The death of the greatest ruler of Byzantium, Justinian I, led to the gradual weakening of the power of the empire and its further capture by the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, which became another difficult one in the history of the Greeks.

Revolution

On March 25, 1821, a revolution occurred, which resulted in the declaration of independence and a civil war that ended in 1825.

In 1827, the country gained a president, and in 1830 Türkiye recognized its independence.

The period from 1830 to 1922 was a turbulent time in Greek history. This time was filled with political unrest and unrest. In 1922, the “Asia Minor Catastrophe” occurred, which resulted in the country gaining its current borders.

From 1941 to 1944, Greece was occupied by the Nazis, and from 1946 to 1949, civil war raged in the country.

👁 Do we book the hotel through Booking as always? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 for a high percentage from hotels - we pay!). I’ve been using Rumguru for a long time, it’s really more profitable 💰💰 than Booking.
👁 And for tickets, go to air sales, as an option. It has been known about him for a long time 🐷. But there is a better search engine - Skyscanner - there are more flights, lower prices! 🔥🔥.
👁 And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip without any hassle? Buy now. This is the kind of thing that includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money 💰💰.

The history of Great Hellas dates back to ancient times: it is about four thousand years old. Undoubtedly, Greek civilization is of great importance for the entire modern world. World art, science, politics, philosophy and languages ​​are closely connected with the culture and history of Greece.

Conventionally, the history of Greece can be divided into several stages, starting from the Minoan era, when, according to ancient evidence, Greek civilization arose on the island of Crete.

Minoan era

Crete Island (2800 - 1500 BC)

The history of Greece and Greek civilization begins on the island of Crete approximately in the 6th millennium BC, during the Neolithic era.
The favorable geographical position of Greece (at the intersection of trade and sea routes) undoubtedly served as one of the determining factors in its cultural and historical development, as well as the creation of a civilization that is still striking in its grandeur and elegance.

It is noteworthy that it was the feminine principle that ensured such rapid growth and prosperity of Cretan culture in the Minoan era. In those days, more than 4 thousand years ago, in Crete a woman occupied a particularly high position, which was lost in subsequent patriarchal centuries.
Crete tirelessly developed trade and cultural ties with its neighbors: the Cyclades Islands, mainland Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Syria. During this period, the level of development of life on the mainland lagged significantly behind that of Crete. The cities of Mycenae and Tiryns, located on the southern Peloponnese peninsula, then became cultural centers, largely imitating and duplicating the achievements of Minoan Crete.
From the first stage of its existence, Greek civilization was influenced by the elements, and the history of Greece was forever intertwined with maritime power, with the sea.
Around 1500 BC, not far from the island of Crete (in close proximity to the island of Santorini), a powerful earthquake occurred, which caused the irreversible process of collapse of the Cretan civilization.

Achaean period (1400-1100 BC)

Around 1400 B.C. The northern Achaean tribes (Achaeans) came to the Peloponnese Peninsula and assimilated. There is still debate about their origin. According to one version, these are the Greek people of Northern Greece, and according to another, they are tribes that came from Central Europe. In any case, there is evidence that it was the Achaeans who brought with them the pagan cult of the Olympian gods and new elements of culture.
As a result, Mycenae significantly increased its influence and became the most powerful power in the entire Mediterranean. It was a truly legendary period, much of which became known thanks to Homer's poems and numerous myths about the heroes and gods of ancient Greece.

The culminating moment in the history of the Achaean period was undoubtedly the Trojan War, which served as the first step towards its oblivion.
The story of Helen, described in detail by Homer, led to the collapse of the entire Greek world and the beginning of many years of war.
The forces of the powerful Mycenaean civilization were so exhausted that it could not even withstand the attacks of the semi-wild northern tribes of the Dorians, or, as they were then called, “Round Heads”. The era came to an end around 1100.

Homeric period

The origin of the Dorians still remains a mystery of history. But according to legend, they were descendants of Hercules.
This troubled period was one of the most difficult in the history of Greece. At first, after the invasion of the Dorian tribes, the country embarked on the path of degradation, but soon gradually began to “gain momentum”, synthesizing a completely new civilization from the remnants of the Mycenaean, Cretan, Achaean, Asian and Dorian cultures.
During this period, the Greek language was formed. It was at this time that the great Homer created his immortal poems, filling them with all the colors of his era.

Archaic period

This time was characterized by intensive development of the country's economy, as well as its culture and art. Cities-polises are growing throughout Greece, and Greek colonies are growing throughout the Mediterranean. In addition, this era is associated with significant changes in the political system.
A striking event of that time was the Peloponnesian Union, which was led by Sparta, famous for its strict laws of Spartan life, which, in fact, contributed to the strengthening of its position among other city-policies.
The struggle for leadership between Athens and Sparta developed further during the classical period.

Classical era

The classical period in Greek history begins with the war with the Persians in 500 BC, which lasted more than 20 years. Only thanks to Athens, which created a naval alliance and took command in the fight against the Persians, Greece managed to achieve a final victory in this brutal war.

Gradually, Athens strengthened its power, which allowed the city's inhabitants to use significant resources to create their great masterpieces. The best master artists, architects and sculptors are invited to Athens to implement Pericles' plan to transform the city into a "work of art." In addition, science, art and philosophy are developing rapidly. This time can rightfully be considered the “golden age” in the history of Athens.
Naturally, this situation did not suit Sparta, which was the reason for the start in 431 BC. The Peloponnesian War, which ended 27 years later with the complete defeat of Athens.
As a result of the war, Sparta became the most powerful polis in Greece, forcing other cities to comply with their military orders. And only with the unification of Greece under the hegemony of Macedonia, internecine wars began to subside. So in 337 BC. Greece was united into the Macedonian Empire.

After the assassination of Philip II, the place of ruler was taken by his son, Alexander, who created a powerful empire in just 9 years. His main goal was to end forever the centuries-old war between Greece and Persia. Hoping for peace agreements, he married Persian princesses - the daughters of Greece's enemies. The successes of Alexander’s numerous victories, about which legends were made, turned his head. He proclaimed himself the god Zeus-Amonn, and did not want to stop there. But long years of battles exhausted his army and caused a wave of misunderstanding, both among the soldiers and among his entourage. Alexander died at the age of 33, without leaving an heir.

Hellenistic period

Undoubtedly, the death of Alexander significantly accelerated the collapse of the great state, which had already begun.
The commanders of Alexander's army divided the empire among themselves: Greece and Macedonia went to Antiparus, Thrace to Lysimachus, Asia Minor to Antigonus, Babylonia to Selevecus, Egypt to Ptolemy.
From a new threat - the Roman aggressor - the first in 148 BC. Macedonia and Greece fell, and the kingdom of Ptolemy in Egypt resisted the invader the longest, lasting until 30 BC.

Roman period

It is noteworthy that several decades before the arrival of the Roman conquerors, the Greek rulers themselves invited Roman liberators.
Similar to the Russian princes, who “used” the Golden Horde in internecine wars as a military force, the Greeks turned to Roman legionnaires. For which, in fact, they paid the price when Roman troops occupied Greece and Macedonia, announcing the creation of a province on their territory, which should be subordinate to the Roman governor.
It was the Romans who became the receivers of Greek culture, bringing it to the present day. Elements of Roman architecture undoubtedly bear the character of the masters of Ancient Greece. Like most great civilizations, Roman civilization suffered self-destruction due to idleness, corruption, and self-interest.

Byzantine period can be characterized as a period of formation of the traditions of Christianity, with the construction of numerous churches and monasteries throughout the country. The influence of the church on public life and the political system is increasing.
Under Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire reached the apogee of its development, becoming the most powerful power in the Mediterranean. Having existed until 1453, the great civilization fell under the onslaught of Turkish invaders, coming under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman period of Greece is considered one of the most difficult in its history. Even though the Turks left the Greeks freedom of religion, the Greek people never stopped fighting for their independence.

Revolution

The start date of the revolution is considered to be March 25, 1821. The Orthodox Church played a leading role in it, when the revolutionary flag was raised by the patriarch. After a year of difficult and bitter struggle, the National Assembly proclaimed the independence of Greece. However, internal disagreements in the country led to the outbreak of the Civil War of 1823 - 1825.
2 years later, in 1827, the first president of Greece was elected by the National Assembly, and Russia, England and France became the guarantors of the autonomous status of Greece.
In 1830, in accordance with the Treaty of Adrianople, Türkiye recognized the independence of the Greek State.

New time

The period from 1830 to 1922 in Greece is considered a time of unrest and political unrest.
Under the influence of the leading world powers, which contributed to the acquisition of long-awaited freedom, Greece was obliged to listen to their opinion. So, in 1862, George I, Prince of Denmark, became the President of Greece, thanks to which the Ionian Islands, Thessaly, and part of Epirus were returned to the country.
At the beginning of the 20th century, during the Balkan War of 1912-13, Greece again faced an expansion of its historical territory, when the islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete, Epirus and Macedonia were annexed to it, and at the end of the First World War, Greece received Izmir and Thrace.
The year 1922 was marked by the so-called “Asia Minor Catastrophe,” when Greece had to forget about its imperial plans to liberate part of Asia Minor (along the coast) from Turkish rule and regain its former glory.

Modernity

One of the main problems of this period was the arrival of a huge number of refugees from Asia Minor, which reached truly incredible proportions.
In October 1940, Italian fascists invaded Epirus but were defeated. The victory over the Nazi invaders who occupied Greece in 1941 was difficult. Thanks to the People's Liberation Army led by the Communists, the Greek mainland was liberated in 1944.
1946-1949 - the time of the civil war.

Since 1952, a new stage of development began in Greece. Joining NATO.
In 1967, a military coup took place, leading to the rule of a junta (military dictatorship). After 7 years, the time of the “black colonels” was over: a civilian government came to power again.
1922-1974 characterized by aggravation of contradictions in society. During this period there were 14 putschs and coups d'état. As a result, Greece was divided into several political camps: communists, military, monarchists and supporters of American policies.
And only by 1974 the country realized: only by uniting, Greece will be able to develop further as a full-fledged European state.

On December 8, the first truly democratic referendum took place, during which citizens voted against the monarchy. In Greece, there was a consolidation of democratic forces under the sensitive leadership of Kostas Karamanlis, who served as President of the Hellenic Republic from 1980 to 1995.
In 1981, Greece joined the European Economic Union, and the Socialist Party won local elections. Its famous leader, Andreas Papandreou, becomes the country's prime minister, remaining in power for the next 7 years.