Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, was the source of some of the greatest literature, architecture, science and philosophy in Western civilization, and home to beautiful historical sites like the Acropolis and the Cretan palace of Knossos.

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Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images.

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Greek mythology, and its ancient stories of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters, is one of the oldest and most influential groups of legends in human civilization.

In Plato's 'Republic,' the ancient Greek philosopher lays out five different forms of government, ranging from ideal to oppressive.

Athens developed a system in which every free Athenian man had a vote in the Assembly.

Here's how Alexander, one of history's most iconic military leaders, grew the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia and conquered the Persian Empire.

10 Amazing Ancient Olympic Facts

10 Amazing Ancient Olympic Facts

From naked athletes to foot-only races, these are 10 surprising facts you didn’t know about the ancient Olympics.

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Ancient Greece

The legendary Greek poet behind 'The Odyssey' and 'The Iliad' is often depicted as blind—was he even real?

Homer’s epic popularized a number of terms and phrases.

The law, prominently featured in Homer's epic, 'The Odyssey,' spells out how to treat strangers and guests.

Why was part of the ‘Iliad’ buried with a mummy? Plus, four more Homeric discoveries.

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Ancient Greece

The Gods of the Greek Pantheon

The myths of the Greek pantheon continue to inspire stories, symbols and traditions around the world.

Ancient Greece

The Origins of the Minotaur

Explore the origins, mythology and lasting legacy of one of ancient Greece's most famous monsters.

Homer's creatures drew on centuries of oral tradition, geography and mysteries of the natural world.

Ancient Greece

Inside the Search for the Ancient City of Troy

Was the legendary city of Troy just a myth, or was there truth behind Homer's epic tale?

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Ancient Greece

How the Odyssey May Have Influenced the Gospel of Mark

Surprising parallels link an ancient Greek epic to one of the earliest Christian narratives.

The island of Ithaca exists—is it the place Homer described?

Ancient Greece

'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' May Have Originated in the Odyssey

The common phrase may trace back to a perilous moment in Greek myth.

These ancient scripts offer tantalizing clues about civilizations we still don’t fully understand.

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The roots of the concept date back to ancient Greece and the Peloponnesian War.

The pre-wedding send-off traces back to ancient customs.

The conqueror's final resting place remains a mystery.

Alexander the Great was an ancient Macedonian ruler and one of history’s greatest military minds.

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