Archaic period (Greece)

The period in Greek history before the Classical period, usually dated from about 750 to 480 BC. The Greeks expanded throughout the Mediterranean, consolidated the city-state (polis) and established important pan-Hellenic sites, such as Olympia (the four-yearly Olympic Games) and Delphi (the oracle). The period also saw the birth of Greek orders of architecture, the first marble sculptures and early lyric poetry.