Greek city-states

Greek city-states was a state in Balkans and Greece (Europe) that lasted from c. 800 to 338 BCE, about 462 years. Its people spoke Greek languages (Mycenaean, Classical, Hellenistic, Byzantine, modern Greek).

Hundreds of independent poleis that founded colonies across the Mediterranean, beat Persia at Marathon and Salamis and produced philosophy, drama and democracy. Philip II of Macedon defeated them at Chaeronea in 338 BCE.

See Greek city-states on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 800 to 338 BCE
Duration: 462 years
Type: State
Region: Balkans and Greece, Europe
Language family: Greek
Capital: Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes

Came from

Greek Dark Ages c. 1100 to 800 BCE

Events in Europe during its time

776 BCE First Olympic Games
753 BCE Traditional founding of Rome
508 BCE Athenian democracy
480 BCE Battle of Salamis

Neighbours in Europe

Roman Republic 509 to 27 BCE
Athens 508 to 322 BCE
Sparta c. 900 to 192 BCE
Etruscan civilization c. 720 to 90 BCE
Kingdom of Macedon c. 700 to 168 BCE
Syracuse c. 734 to 212 BCE
Roman Kingdom c. 753 to 509 BCE
Bosporan Kingdom c. 480 BCE to 370 CE
Phoenician colonies in Iberia c. 800 to 237 BCE
Massalia c. 600 to 49 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE, North and West Africa
Neo-Assyrian Empire 911 to 609 BCE, Middle East
Achaemenid Empire 550 to 330 BCE, Middle East

Questions

When did Greek city-states exist?

c. 800 to 338 BCE, about 462 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Greek city-states?

Balkans and Greece, in Europe. Its capital was Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes.

What language did Greek city-states speak?

Greek. This family includes Mycenaean, Classical, Hellenistic, Byzantine, modern Greek.

What came before Greek city-states?

Greek Dark Ages.