Greek civilization began around 3000 BC with the Minoans, who were followed by the Myceneans, who lasted until 1100 BC.

After this, Ancient Greece entered a Dark Age that lasted  until 800 BC, when Greeks began to explore the sea.

Around 480 BC, a Golden Age that became known as Classic Greece, which is when it earned the name of  "the  birthplace of western civilization".

In 146 BC the Romans conquered the Greek Empire.

Around 300 AD, Greece became part of the Byzantine Empire.

Early 16th, century-came under Ottoman Turk rule.

Gained independence from the Turks in 1830.

Greece was occupied by the Nazis in WWII.

Comunism was defeated in Greece in 1949 and in 1952 Greece joned NATO.

For a short time after, military dictatorship took  over but ended in 1974 in with democratic elections creating a parliamentary republic.

In 1981, Greece joined the European Union.

In 2001, Greece joins the Euro.

In 2009, was a  Greek financial crisis.