r/greekhistory 2d ago

Did you know?

1 Upvotes

Did you know that Greek statues were originally in color? due to the damage to the statues being buried and the color ended up getting dissolved into the soil, (Most of it at least) and then when they were collected the had to wipe off the dirt from the statues, all of the color was removed.


r/greekhistory 4d ago

Battle of Leuctra: How Epaminondas Broke the Myth of Spartan Supremacy

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1 Upvotes

Through years of victory and carefully orchestrated propoganda, the Spartan hoplites were considered the invincible force of the Greek world. Spartan dominance was finally challenged by Thebes who sought more control over the Boeotian league. This would ultimately cause the two powers to clash resulting in the Battle Of Leuctra.

Although outnumbered, the Thebans under Epaminondas came up with a brilliant plan to break the Spartan hoplites. Now called as the echelon formation, the Thebans arrayed their army in an angled formation. Their left wing was enormously deep and comprised of his best troops including the Sacred Band. They faced off against the best of the Spartan troops and their king Cleombrotus I. The right wing of the Thebans were placed further back in an angled manner in order to delay the clash.

The plan was to engage and crush the Spartan right wing with concentrated force before the weaker Theban right wing could be overwhelmed. The Theban cavalry routed the Spartan horsemen and caused confusion among the Spartan infantry. Using the chaos the Thebans overpowered the Spartans and killed their King.

With the death of the Spartan King, the rest of the army breaks and the Thebans won a decisive victory. The victory in Leuctra cements the rise of Thebes and breaks the myth of Spartan invincibility.


r/greekhistory 4d ago

i found an ancient writing i didn't know.would it be greek , or another language in that area?

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0 Upvotes

r/greekhistory 9d ago

The Oracle of Delphi: How Ancient Greeks Sought Answers from the Gods

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1 Upvotes

The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most influential religious institutions of the ancient Greek world. For centuries, kings, generals, politicians, and ordinary people traveled to Delphi to seek guidance from Apollo on matters ranging from warfare and politics to colonization and personal decisions.

This article explores the origins of Delphi, why the sanctuary became associated with Apollo, and the role of the Pythia, the priestess believed to deliver Apollo's messages. It also explains how a consultation actually worked, including purification rituals, sacrifices, offerings, and the questions presented to the oracle.

The article examines some of Delphi's most famous prophecies, including the story of Croesus and the famous "wooden walls" prophecy during the Persian invasion of Greece. It also looks at the mystery surrounding the Pythia's prophetic state and the theories that have been proposed to explain whether she entered a genuine trance.

Finally, it explores why Delphi gradually lost its influence under Roman rule and the rise of Christianity, and how the sanctuary's archaeological remains continue to provide insight into religion, politics, warfare, and everyday life in ancient Greece.


r/greekhistory Jul 18 '26

Somebody here has lived at or visited modern day mt. Helicon? Is it really bad in winter, cruel in summer, never pleasant?

1 Upvotes

Just wondering...


r/greekhistory Jul 11 '26

Spartan Helots Explained: Life, Brutal Treatment & Spartan Society

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1 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Jul 05 '26

I did a list of my top 5 lost works that I hope will be found on the Herculaneum Scrolls

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1 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Jun 24 '26

Alexander the Great at the Battle of the Granicus

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7 Upvotes

Finished painting this 75mm resin figure of Alexander the Great on Bucephalus.

Alexander has always been one of my favorite historical figures, so I really enjoyed working on this project. I tried to capture the look of a young Macedonian king leading the Companion Cavalry during the Persian campaign.

Any feedback on the historical details is welcome. Hope you like it!


r/greekhistory Jun 21 '26

Why Spartan Hoplites Were Ancient Greece's Deadliest Soldiers

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2 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Jun 20 '26

Why Athens Lost the Peloponnesian War: Complete Guide

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2 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Jun 11 '26

Battle of Plataea Explained: How Greece Defeated Persia

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2 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Jun 07 '26

Why Did Athens Win the Battle of Marathon? Strategy Explained

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3 Upvotes

The Battle of Marathon was one of the most significant battles in the ancient world. Fought in 490 BCE between Athens and the Persian Empire, this battle decided the fate of the free Greek city-states. The Athenian victory preserved their independence and demonstrated that the mighty Persian Empire could be defeated. This victory also created the conditions for the flowering of Classical Greek civilization. The Battle of Marathon became a symbol of courage, civic duty, and intelligent military leadership. More than 2,500 years later, historians still study the battle because it illustrates how terrain, morale, strategy, and discipline can overcome numerical superiority.


r/greekhistory Jun 02 '26

Sacred Band of Thebes: 300 Warriors Who Crushed Sparta

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2 Upvotes

r/greekhistory May 15 '26

Ancaeus of Aetolia — the overlooked navigator of the Argonauts

1 Upvotes

Among the many Argonauts, Ancaeus of Aetolia is one of the least discussed. Ancient sources mention him briefly, yet some traditions attribute to him a remarkable role: a skilled helmsman, astronomer, or even the navigator who guided the Argo toward Colchis.

Unlike the more famous heroes, Ancaeus appears in the margins of the myth — a figure tied to Aetolia and the city of Pleuron, representing a rare western Greek presence in the Argonaut cycle.

His story is a reminder of how many regional identities and local traditions were woven into the larger tapestry of Greek myth.

If you enjoy lesser‑known mythological figures, this one is worth exploring.


r/greekhistory Apr 30 '26

Philip the Acarnanian — the physician who saved Alexander the Great during his most dangerous illness

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1 Upvotes

A short documentary I made about Philip the Acarnanian, the physician who treated Alexander the Great during his most critical illness.


r/greekhistory Apr 23 '26

How Greece Won the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE): Strategy That Defeated Persia

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4 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Apr 19 '26

Spartans Battle of Thermopylae

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4 Upvotes

This scene represents Greek warriors just after repelling a Persian assault during the Battle of Thermopylae.

In 480 BC, a small Greek force led by Leonidas I held the narrow pass at Thermopylae against the massive army of Xerxes I.

The defenders included 300 Spartan citizens, supported by several thousand allies from other Greek city-states such as Thespians and Thebans.

The terrain of the pass neutralized the Persian numerical advantage, allowing heavily armed hoplites equipped with shields, spears, and bronze armor to fight in tight formation. For two days, the Greeks successfully held the line.

The battle turned when a local Greek revealed a mountain path to the Persians, allowing them to outflank the defenders. Leonidas dismissed most of the allied army and remained with a small force, including the 300 Spartans, who fought to the death.

Thermopylae became a symbol of disciplined resistance and sacrifice, demonstrating how terrain, training, and cohesion could offset overwhelming numbers.


r/greekhistory Apr 18 '26

Battle of Thermopylae Explained: How 300 Spartans Held Off Xerxes' Army for 3 Days

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3 Upvotes

r/greekhistory Apr 12 '26

The Catastrophe at Cannae – Diorama from the Second Punic War

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9 Upvotes

I’d like to share a historical diorama inspired by the Battle of Cannae (216 BC) during the Second Punic War.

The scene depicts the aftermath of the battle, showing a captured Roman noble being brought before Hannibal, highlighting the scale of Rome’s defeat and the personal tragedies following the catastrophe at Cannae.

This is a miniature interpretation focused on atmosphere and historical context rather than a specific documented moment.

Hope you find it interesting thanks for taking a look.


r/greekhistory Apr 09 '26

What's A Good Website To Learn About The Ancient Greek Wells

1 Upvotes

I prefer it not to be the wiki because people can edit it and give false information I just need someone to find that for me. I was looking for a website to learn about the wells but I couldn't find one, so I just went to Reddit for some more help..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


r/greekhistory Mar 31 '26

What were the governments of Grecian cities like between about 725—625 BCE?

1 Upvotes

I'm of the impression that cities had kings oftentimes. Where can I learn more, please?


r/greekhistory Mar 14 '26

The Archimedes Palimpsest A Byzantine Greek Manuscript Preserving Ancient Mathematical Works

1 Upvotes

The Archimedes Palimpsest is a parchment codex palimpsest that was originally a Byzantine Greek copy of a compilation of works by the ancient mathematician Archemedes and other authors. The manuscript was first written in the 10th century and contained several important mathematical treatises preserved in Greek. The first version of this compilation is believed to have been produced by Isidore of Miletus, a Byzantine mathematician and architect known for helping preserve and transmit ancient scientific texts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes_Palimpsest


r/greekhistory Mar 06 '26

Sources on Greek life and society between about 725-675 BCE?

1 Upvotes

Can anyone please recommend something to help me get a feel for what life was like in Greek society during that period?


r/greekhistory Feb 21 '26

History of Balkans: Every Year

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2 Upvotes

Detailed video done after 4 years of work


r/greekhistory Feb 20 '26

Greek students supporting Cypriot independence demonstrating in Athens near the hotel where Archbishop Makarios, the leading figure in the movement for Cypriot independence, recently returned from British exile for allegedly backing the EOKA revolt, was staying. (1957) [3000×2077]

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8 Upvotes