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

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

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.

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

Milo of Croton reportedly ate 20 pounds of meat and drank 18 pints of wine a day to maintain his muscular physique.

His defiance later inspired leaders like Benjamin Franklin and Martin Luther King Jr.

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.

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Ancient Greece

The Cyclops May Have Been Inspired by Real Science

Could the Cyclops myth be rooted in real science? Discover how ancient fossils may have inspired the legend of the one-eyed giant.

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.

Ancient Greece

Homer's Ithaca May Be a Real Island

Explore the enduring mystery behind Odysseus' legendary island home.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Empires: Alexander and Egypt

Alexander the Great lays the foundation for Egypt in this exclusive scene from Ancient Empires.

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Ancient Greece

Ancient Empires: Alexander in India

Why did Alexander the Great fail in India? Learn more in this exclusive clip from Ancient Empires.

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Ancient Greece

Ancient Empires: Alexander the Great Decimates Persian Forces

The future of Macedon is at stake. See more in this clip from Season 1, Episode 1, "Alexander the Great."

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Ancient Greece

Curse Tablets: The Greeks' and Romans' Dirty Little Secret

Ancient Greeks and Romans left behind more than knowledge—thousands of eerie "curse tablets" reveal a darker side of their legacy.

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The Athenian philosopher Plato is one of the most important figures of the Ancient Greek world and the entire history of Western thought.

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