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Dorian Culture

By , About.com Guide

Definition: The Dorians were an Iron Age ethnic group in classical Greece, and some scholars (led by the writer Thucydides) believe they are in part to blame for the downfall of the Mycenaean age and the entry of Greece into the "dark ages". Even though many scholars don't believe a Dorian invasion led to the downfall of classical Greece, the chief city state of the Dorians was Sparta, rival to Athens.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

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