Greece has been called the birthplace of Western civilization. However, its plunge into illiteracy during a dark age that lasted centuries has made much of its early history an intriguing mystery. This volume examines what historians know and what they can only surmise based on the archaeological record. In-depth sidebars highlight interesting facts, and full-color photographs allow readers to imagine ancient Greece at the height of its glory. Additionally, a thorough timeline gives readers a clear idea of the sequence of events in ancient Greece, and a glossary of new terms gives readers a better understanding of this amazing civilization.