Greece is the first area in Europe where advanced early civilizations emerge, beginning with the Cycladic civilization on the islands of the Aegean Sea at around 3000 BCE, the Minoan civilization in Crete (2700–1500 BCE) and then the Mycenaean civilization on the mainland (1900–1100 BCE).

The period between 1200 and 800 BCE is known as the Greek Dark Ages following the supposed Dorian invasion, which marks the end of the Mycenean era.

Two of the most celebrated works of Greek literature, the Illiad and the Odyssey by Homer, are created during this period.