The historical period recognized for advancements in education and intellectual thought in ancient Greece is the Classical Era. This period, particularly during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, saw the rise of great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their contributions to fields such as ethics, politics, and metaphysics laid the groundwork for Western philosophy and education systems. The establishment of institutions, such as the Academy and the Lyceum, emphasized the value of inquiry and knowledge, profoundly influencing subsequent civilizations.