The Iliad and the Odyssey, traditionally attributed to Homer, take shape around the 8th century BCE and become foundational works of Greek literature.
Approximate date.
According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in 753 BCE; the Romans later counted years from this date.
Traditionally, the first Olympic Games were held at Olympia in 776 BCE, a date later Greeks used for reckoning time.
Traditionally, the Romans expel King Tarquin the Proud and establish a republic led by elected consuls.
Cleisthenes reorganizes Athenian citizens into new tribes and broadens political participation, often seen as the birth of Athenian democracy.
Athenian forces defeat the first Persian invasion of Greece.
The Greek fleet, urged on by Themistocles, defeats the Persian navy, turning the tide of Xerxes' second invasion of Greece.