Ancient Greece, flourishing between 800 BCE and 146 BCE, laid the foundations of Western civilization through philosophy, democracy, and the arts. The Greeks created a rich mythology featuring deities such as Zeus, Hera, and Athena, whose stories defined their worldviews. Heroes like Achilles and mythical beasts like the Minotaur became central to their narratives.nnGreek myths were highly influential, shaping not only their own culture but also that of Rome and the broader Mediterranean. Stories from the Iliad and the Odyssey, featuring figures like Hercules and Medusa, continue to inspire modern literature and cinema.