Sparta conquered Messenia in 725 BC and established itself as a military state by 650 BC, while Athens enacted Draco's legal code in 621 BC. Athens enacted democratic reforms in the 500s BC and dominated the Delian League in the 470s BC, during a time when the Persian Wars occurred in the 400s BC. Most importantly, Athens developed democracy which influenced other democracies.

1. Warring City-States Time Line
Chapter 5 Lesson 2
·725 BC Sparta—Conquers Messenia
·650 BC begins military state
·621 BC Athens-Draco’s code
·500s BC enacts democratic reforms
·470s BC dominates Delian League
·400s BC Persian Wars
Most important: development of democracy
in Athens, as t influenced other democracies