The 4th century BCE was a significant period in ancient history, spanning from 400 to 301 BCE. It was marked by the rise of powerful city-states, particularly in Greece, where the influence of Athens and Sparta shaped political and military dynamics. This era also saw the emergence of notable philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who laid the foundations for Western philosophy. In Persia, the 4th century BCE witnessed the decline of the Achaemenid Empire and the rise of Alexander the Great. His conquests expanded Greek culture across vast territories, leading to the Hellenistic period. This century was crucial for the development of art, science, and political thought.