Relief of a charioteer

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The Archaic period witnessed pivotal advancements in Greek politics, international relations, economics, warfare, and culture. It paved the way for the Classical period by setting crucial precedents in both governance and cultural development. The Greek alphabet emerged during this era, alongside the earliest surviving works of Greek literature, monumental sculpture, and red-figure pottery that began to flourish in Greece. Additionally, the hoplite solidified its position as the backbone of Greek armies. In Athens, Solon's reforms spearheaded the implementation of the city-state's earliest democratic institutions, while Cleisthenes' later reforms ushered in Athenian democracy with characteristics reminiscent of the Classical period. Meanwhile, Sparta underwent significant transformations under Lycurgus' reforms, including the establishment of the Peloponnesian League and the subjugation of Messenia, ultimately solidifying Spartan dominance over the region through the institution of helotage.