1 - 2 of 2 Posts

dpappas87

Active member
I recently came across a reference to the "Dorian Invasion" while reading about ancient Greek history, and I'm curious to learn more about this event. From what I understand, it seems to have been a significant period of upheaval, but the details are still a bit unclear to me.

Could anyone provide a detailed explanation or point me toward some reliable resources?

I'd appreciate any insights, book recommendations, or articles that could help me learn about it. Thanks in advance for your help!
 
The Dorian Invasion, around 1100 BCE, marks a significant period in ancient Greek history. It refers to the arrival of the Dorians, a Greek-speaking people, into the Greek mainland. This event is believed to have led to the fall of the Mycenaean civilization, causing widespread upheaval and a cultural shift known as the Greek Dark Ages. The Dorians brought new dialects, iron tools, and distinct pottery styles. For a detailed explanation, I recommend checking out "The Cambridge Ancient History" and the works of historian Robin Lane Fox.
 

Ancient Greek Drama Information and Thoughts

I’ve recently developed a fascination with Ancient Greek drama and its timeless themes. Plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes have captivated me, and I’d love to deepen my appreciation by experiencing a live performance in one of Greece’s historical theaters.

Has anyone attended a play in an ancient venue like the Theater of Epidaurus or the Odeon of Herodes Atticus? I’m curious about what the experience is like—are performances faithful to the original works or more modern adaptations? Also, are there specific times of year or festivals when it’s best to attend?

I’d appreciate any tips on how to book tickets, what to expect, or even recommendations on where to stay nearby. This would be a dream experience for me. :)

Ancient Greek New Year's Celebrations?

With the new year just around the corner, I started wondering how the ancient Greeks marked the occasion. Did they even celebrate a “new year,” and if so, when was it? I’ve read that different city-states had their own calendars, so it might have varied.

Were there any particular rituals, festivals, or traditions tied to the start of a new year in ancient Greece? For example, did they have special feasts, honor certain gods, or perform ceremonies for good fortune?

It’s fascinating how modern New Year’s traditions often connect to older practices, so I’d love to learn more about how the ancient Greeks might have welcomed new beginnings. If anyone has insights into their calendars, seasonal changes, or cultural practices around this time.

Understanding Greece's Place in the Byzantine Empire?

I’ve been trying to better understand the role of Greece within the Byzantine Empire and would love some insight from history buffs here. I know the empire was technically the Eastern Roman Empire, but culturally and linguistically, it seems like it became increasingly Greek over time. Was Greece seen as the heart of the empire? Or was it just one important region among many?

Also, how did life in mainland Greece compare to Constantinople or other key cities during that time? Were Greeks in the provinces considered culturally “Byzantine,” or did local identities remain strong?

I’d love to learn more about how Greece contributed politically, culturally, or spiritually during the Byzantine period. If anyone has good book recommendations or family stories tied to this era, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

Crash Course to Learning Greek Philosophy?

I’ve recently become really interested in Greek philosophy, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by where to start. There are so many philosophers, schools of thought, and ancient texts that I’m not sure how to structure my learning.

I’d love to get a crash course-style approach—something that gives me a solid foundation before diving deeper. Should I start with Plato and Aristotle, or go even earlier with the Pre-Socratics? Are there any beginner-friendly books, online courses, or videos that give a clear overview of key ideas?

Also, how much of the original texts should I read, or are there good modern summaries that explain them in a more accessible way?

If anyone has a structured learning path or recommendations for someone just starting out, I’d really appreciate it! Looking forward to your insights.

Battle of Marathon - It's Marathon Season!

With all the excitement around marathon season, I’ve been thinking about the original marathon — the legendary run from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. I know the basics: a messenger ran from the battlefield to Athens to announce victory over the Persians… but how accurate is that story, really?

I’d love to learn more about the actual Battle of Marathon. Why was it such a big deal in Greek history? How did the Greeks manage to defeat the much larger Persian army? And how did it end up inspiring the modern marathon race?

If anyone here is into ancient history (or just loves epic military strategies), I’d really appreciate any insights or reading suggestions.
Share and discuss Greek history!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top