1. Early Greek civilization was dominated by Crete (the Minoan civilization) and independent city-states (most prominently, Mycenae). This age was brought to a close by the Dorian invasions around 1100, which ushered in a Dark Age of some 300 years.
2. Greek civilization revived after 800, as indicated by the flowering of Homeric epic poetry, the establishment of numerous Greek colonies, the development of an unusual religion, and the creation of uniquely Hellenic literature and art.
3. Greek political, social, and economic life was centered around the polis, whose organization and government evolved into different forms over time. The two most prominent city-states were Sparta and Athens.
4. The Greeks unified themselves and gained stunning victories over the invading Persians, thereby preserving their independence.
5. After the Persian Wars, Athens rose to dominance in the Greek world, attaining its height during the Age of Pericles.
6. The Peloponnesian War proved disastrous for Athens and many other Greek city-states.
