The first Greeks (18th-12th century B.C.E.): The Mycenaeans: early Greek civilization: Interpretative essay / by Carol G. Thomas -- The archaic age (8th-6th century B.C.E.): Epic poetry, polis, and tyranny: political revolutions and development of ethnic Greek identity: Interpretative essay / by F. E. Romer -- The Olympic games and the rise of Greek religious institutions: Interpretative essay / by Jennifer Larson -- Sparta and Athens: political conservatism and political experimentation: Interpretative essay / by Donald Lateiner -- The rise of Political and cultural imperialism (5th century B.C.E.): The Persian wars: Interpretative essay / by Steven Hirsch -- Athenian imperialism and cultural expansion: the Delian league, the Parthenon, and drama : Interpretative essay / by Robert Garland -- The Peloponnesian war: the challenge to Athens and the triumph of Sparta: Interpretative essay / by John W. I. Lee -- Transition and expansion of empire (4th-1st century B.C.E.): The death of Sokrates and the development of Greek philosophy: Interpretative essay / by Walter G. Englert -- Makedonian conquests: Philip of Makedon and Alexander the great: Interpretative essay / by Joseph Roisman -- Hellenistic empires: spread of Greek culture and rule to the death of Kleopatra: Interpretative essay / by Carl G. Johnson -- Appendices: Glossary of terms -- Timeline of events -- Greek gods and goddesses.