Karl-Wilhelm Welwei reviews the entire history of ancient Greece based on the latest archaeological findings - from its beginnings to the end of the independence of the city-states through Alexander the Great. He illustrates how identities developed in the small-scale living environment after the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces. For the first time, not only the foreign policy crises such as the Persian Wars and the conflict between Athens and Sparta are the focus of consideration, but also the peripheral areas of Greek culture are taken into account. In addition to the history of events and the economic-social structures, the author discusses important aspects of Hellenic culture, particularly political thought. This is the first comprehensive representation of a fascinating historical epoch in a long time - a standard work for anyone who wishes to understand the transformed image of ancient Greece.