How did the Ancient Greeks become so powerful?
The growth trajectory of Ancient Greece
Origins of Ancient Greece
In the beginning there was no settled population in Hellas, rather a series of tribes who were constantly migrating throughout Ancient Greece as they came under attack from more powerful foes. Due to this constant threat of invasion the tribes did not build cities or establish commerce rather relying on subsistence farming to survive. The lack of stability prevented the early Ancient Greeks from producing a surplus and fortifying their agriculture system. Furthermore as they only produced what they consumed they were more willing to relocate when an enemy appeared.
The parts of Ancient Greece with the most fertile soil were the location of most conflicts and tribes were constantly gaining and losing control of these areas. Conversely areas with poor soil such as Attica were rarely threatened by invasion and Attica was inhabited by the same ethnic group throughout the history of Ancient Greece.
Thucydides mused that what may have been a contributing factor to the weakness of the early Greek tribes was a lack of unity among them. Thucydides points out that the first time in Greek history where the Greek people unite is the Trojan War. Thucydides argues that only after the Trojan War did the concept of a Hellenic nation start to develop.
Piratical Period
As the early Greeks developed their shipbuilding skills and increased their communication ability via the sea they became a sea-faring people. Minos of Cyclades is considered to be the first Greek to establish a navy which he used to control most of the Hellenic sea. During this period piracy became a common profession amongst Greeks. The unfortified coastal Greek settlements proved ripe pickings for the pirates who became rich and powerful through their acquired booty. In this age pirates were not looked down upon rather they were respected and considered honourable as their hard fought bounties were used to enrich their home cities. Thucydides references old poets who would often write “Are you pirates” when city dwellers would encounter men who arrived by sea. He writes the phrase wasn’t used as an insult and pirates would proudly proclaim their profession when asked.
During this period robbery via land attacks was also common. The lack of protection of Greek houses and cities made robbery tempting. The Ozolian Locrians and the Aetolians maintained the old tradition of robbery throughout Ancient Greek history. The threat of attack resulted in Ancient Greeks always being armed with weapons. Only once relative stability reached Hellas did the Greeks stop carrying weapons at all times.
As the Greeks became more wealthy due to piracy and seafaring trade they were able to use the riches captured to develop their cities. The newly acquired capital was used to build walled cities, improve their agricultural practices leading to the generation of surplus supplies and trade with their neighbours. The transformation led to Ancient Greeks living a more settled modern existence.
Period of Colonisation
As Ancient Greek cities became more developed and their seafaring methods continued to improve they were no longer content to raid other states. Instead they began conquering and colonising other states in a bid to further enhance their cities’ power and wealth. The Corinthians were the first Greek state to significantly advance shipbuilding, constructing the first triremes. As the Greek states established powerful navies they were able to drive pirates from the sea, allowing them to establish stable settled colonies along the coast. The Conrinthians became very wealthy in this period due to their establishment of a safe sea and land trading route. The Athenians colonised Ionia and most of the islands. The Peloponnesians established colonies in Italy and Sicily. As acquiring wealth became the chief driving force during this period the old form of hereditary monarchy gave way to tyranny. The period of colonisation succeeded the Trojan War and led to Greek cities growing significantly in power and influence as their revenues increased and their navies and armies were further developed.
Emergence of Sparta and Athens as the two Superpowers
As Sparta emerged as a powerful state due to its obsession with war and ground force superiority they began exporting their constitution throughout Hellas. Sparta, motivated by its hatred of tyranny used its new won influence to transition Hellas away from tyrannies by insisting that their allies be ruled by Oligarchies. During the Persian War, being the strongest state at the time, Sparta led the defence of Hellas and its efforts were a major factor in Hellas successfully repelling Persia. Athens’ decision to abandon their city and take to their ships proved to be an ingenious move and their efforts particularly in the Battle of Salamis led by Athenian general Themistocles played a major role in the defeat of Persians. Following the withdrawal of the Persians from Hellas, Athens and Sparta stood well above the rest of the Greek states. The remaining Greek states began allying themselves to either Athens and Sparta. The remaining history of Ancient Greece is based on an ongoing battle between Athens and Sparta for control of Hellas.
