Who Were the Ancient Greeks and How Did Greek Mythology Inspire Western Civilization?

The ancient Greeks lived throughout the Greek peninsula and islands and along the nearby coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.

They thrived from 800 B.C. until 133 B.C., when Roman armies conquered Greece.

During those centuries, the Greeks created a glorious civilization of art, literature, and architecture that still inspires and influences Western civilization today.

The myths they told are among the most colorful, beautiful, and challenging stories ever created.