Ancient Greece was pivotal for the development of Western culture and society. As Europe moved into the Iron Age, Greece was a leading light in the progression of ancient civilisation. Athens is often credited as the key player in this advancement, but other Greek states like Corinth, Thebes, and even the warlike Sparta, also contributed. Ancient Greece improved almost ever y facet of the economy, society, militar y and politics. The Greek phalan x was one of the most feared militar y formations in the ancient world; Greek theatres held the best plays, and athletes competed at the pinnacle of ancient sport: the Olympics.