The Beginnings of Historic Greece (700 B.C.–600 B.C.)

Based on "The Historical Atlas" by William R. Shepherd, 1923

The period from 700 B.C. to 600 B.C. marks the dawn of what is known as Historic Greece, a time when the fragmented city-states (or poleis) of the Greek world began to develop the political, social, and cultural structures that would shape their future. This transformative era laid the foundation for the remarkable achievements of Classical Greece and saw the emergence of some of the defining features of Greek civilization.

The Context of Early Historic Greece

Following the Greek Dark Ages (c. 1100–800 B.C.), a period of decline and obscurity after the fall of the Mycenaean civilization, Greece began to recover. The centuries between 700 and 600 B.C. were marked by significant developments in governance, trade, warfare, and cultural expression. These changes set the stage for Greece's golden age and ensured its place in world history.

Key Developments of the Period

1. The Rise of the Polis (City-State)

One of the most distinctive features of Historic Greece was the polis, a self-governing city-state. Each polis was a political, religious, and cultural community, often centered around an acropolis (a fortified high point) and an agora (a public gathering space).

Some of the most notable city-states that began to emerge or grow in importance during this time include:

Athens, known for its early experiments with democracy and its cultural influence.
Sparta, which began to establish its militaristic and oligarchic society.
Corinth, a thriving commercial hub thanks to its strategic location between the Aegean and Ionian seas.

Each polis was fiercely independent, yet they shared common religious practices, language, and cultural traditions that fostered a sense of collective Greek identity.

2. Colonization and Expansion

The growing population and limited agricultural resources of mainland Greece spurred a wave of colonization. Greek settlers established colonies across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, spreading their culture and trading networks far and wide.

Key areas of colonization included:

Southern Italy and Sicily, where colonies like Syracuse and Tarentum flourished.
Asia Minor, especially along the Ionian coast, where cities like Miletus became centers of learning and trade.
North Africa, where the city of Cyrene was founded.

This expansion not only alleviated pressure on resources but also facilitated the exchange of ideas and goods with other cultures, such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians.

3. The Emergence of Governance Systems

The political landscape of Historic Greece was dynamic, with various city-states experimenting with different forms of governance:

Monarchy: Many city-states, such as early Sparta, retained kingship as a central form of rule.
Aristocracy: Wealthy landowning elites gained power in many poleis, often forming ruling councils.
Tyranny: In some cases, individuals seized power and ruled as tyrants, often with popular support to counter the aristocratic elites.

These experiments in governance laid the groundwork for later political innovations, particularly democracy in Athens.

4. Cultural and Artistic Growth

This period also saw the beginnings of Greece’s cultural revival, reflected in advancements in art, architecture, and literature:

Homeric Poetry: The epics attributed to Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were likely composed during this time, preserving the oral traditions of the earlier Mycenaean era and serving as foundational texts of Greek culture.
Pottery: Geometric patterns gave way to more detailed and narrative-driven styles in pottery, reflecting increased technical skill and artistic ambition.
Religion: The Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses began to take its canonical form, with temples and rituals central to polis identity.

5. Advances in Trade and Technology

Trade flourished during this time, both within the Greek world and beyond. Greek merchants exchanged goods like olive oil, wine, and pottery for raw materials such as metals, timber, and grain from neighboring regions.

Technological advances, such as the widespread adoption of iron tools and weapons, gave Greek city-states an edge in agriculture and warfare. The use of the Phoenician alphabet, adapted to suit the Greek language, revolutionized communication and record-keeping, paving the way for the literary achievements of the Classical period.

6. Conflict and Warfare

This period saw the development of the hoplite (heavily armed infantry soldier) and the phalanx formation, which became the hallmark of Greek warfare. These innovations reflected the increasing importance of citizen-soldiers in the defense of the polis, reinforcing the link between military service and civic identity.

Historical Significance

The period of 700–600 B.C. was a time of experimentation, adaptation, and growth. It was the age when Greece transitioned from a fragmented, post-Mycenaean society to a vibrant and cohesive civilization.

Key achievements of this era include:

The establishment of the polis as the central unit of Greek society.
The spread of Greek culture and influence through colonization.
Early developments in art, literature, and governance that would later define the Classical age.

These foundations ensured that, despite internal rivalries and external threats, the Greek world would thrive and leave an indelible mark on history.

The beginnings of Historic Greece were marked by a spirit of innovation and resilience. Out of the challenges of the Dark Ages, the Greeks forged a new identity and way of life that would shape the ancient world for centuries. As described in William R. Shepherd’s Historical Atlas, this era stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of a people whose legacy continues to inspire and educate.