The civilisation found in Ancient Greece is a major focus of KS2 history - and not without good reason. Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of Western civilisation.
Ancient Greece covers the Archaic Period before the beginning of democracy in Athens, the Classical period which flourished during the 5th to 4th centuries BC and the Hellenistic Period between Alexander the Great and the Roman conquest. Classical Greek culture had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire and consequently on much of Europe. It brought us philosophy, mathematics and theatre in addition to the myths and stories known and loved by many. For this reason Ancient Greece is often called 'the birthplace of Western civilisation'.
See how much you know about the birthplace of Western civilisation by taking this quiz all about Ancient Greece.
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You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Ancient Greece
The Greeks themselves called their land Hellas and themselves Hellenes
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Crops do not grow very well in Greece except olives
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The mountains made it difficult to travel over Greece
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The Minoans took their name from the mythical King Minos who was said to have built a labyrinth to house the Minotaur
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Rome was in modern day Italy
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The Classical Period of Ancient Greece is said to have begun with the defeat of the invading Persian army
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The Persians were beaten at the Battle of Marathon, the Battle of Salamis and the Battle of Plataea
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The Egyptian city of Alexandria is named after him
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Legend has it that the Greek messenger Pheidippides ran to Athens with news of the victory and so ran the very first 'marathon'
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The Romans adopted much of the culture of the Ancient Greeks
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