What is the history of Greece?

Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is known for its ancient civilization that has played a major role in shaping Western culture. The history of Greece can be traced back to the ancient times when it was known as the cradle of Western civilization.

The earliest known civilization in Greece was the Minoan civilization which flourished on the island of Crete from around 2600 BC to 1400 BC. The Mycenaean civilization followed this, which was centered in the Peloponnese region and lasted from around 1600 BC to 1100 BC.

Ancient Greece is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy and is famous for its philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It is also known for its epic poems such as The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer.

Greece was conquered by the Roman Empire in 146 BC and later became part of the Byzantine Empire in the 4th century AD. During the Ottoman period, which lasted from the mid-15th century to the early 19th century, Greece struggled for independence.

Greece finally gained its independence in 1832, and after a period of political instability and a brief monarchy, it became a republic in 1974. Today, Greece is a member of the European Union and NATO and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful islands, ancient ruins, and Mediterranean cuisine.