Rise

Ancient Greece began over 3,000 years ago in the land we now call southern Europe, stretching around the Aegean Sea. It was a country of mountains, sunny coasts, and more than 2,000 islands! Because of all these mountains and islands, Greece didn’t have one big empire — instead, it had many city-states, each with its own government, army, and traditions.

The two most famous city-states were Athens and Sparta. Athens sat near the sea, full of sailors, traders, artists, and thinkers. Sparta, far to the south, stood in a wide valley surrounded by mountains — a city built for warriors. Together, Athens and Sparta helped shape the ideas, inventions, and courage that made Ancient Greece one of the greatest civilizations in history.