Ancient Greece laid the foundation for Western civilization through its influence on language, education, politics, philosophy, science, and the arts. The Persian Wars from 499-478 B.C.E. saw the Greeks resist invasion by the Persians. The Peloponnesian War from 431-404 B.C.E. was a conflict between Athens and Sparta that weakened both city-states.

1. Ancient Greece: The foundation of Western civilization

2. Ancient Greek settlements, circa 550 B.C.E.