Section III: The Golden Age of Athens (Pages 117-117)

1. Section III: The Golden Age of Athens(Pages 117-117) This section is about: How Athens, under Pericles expanded its democratic government, prospered economically, and experienced a golden age in which architecture, literature, and philosophy flourished. How the Peloponnesian War brought an end to Greek unity. E

2. When the Persian Wars were over, Athens was messed up. But in a short time they were the richest, most powerful city-state in Greece. One way that got rich was by demanding tribute from the other members of the Delian League. This led to the birth of the Athenian Empire (their “classical age”). Politics, Art, and Literature flourished, there was order, balance, and harmony in Athens. It’s also called the Age of Pericles (Athens ruler at the time). E

3. Pericles believed in a direct democracy With many people active in government. They served in the assembly – or on a jury – a group of people who make a decision (they even got paid for it). This was done “by lot” – picked at random. They used a lot of juries (200-25000 per day). Even though anyone could become a public official, you had a better chance if you were rich (they had better knowledge, experience, and time) The assembly also had the power to hold an “unpopularity contest” to get rid of people 1 2 E

4. As he was a great speaker, Pericles… Convinced Athenians to re-build Athens (from tribute money and Athenian silver mines) Other city-states didn’t like their money going to that, but Pericles said Athens could use it’s money any way it wanted to (since he was protecting them with part of it). Money (a tax? paid for “protection”) E

5. Athens’ Golden Age culture Greek citizens developed their own styles of architecture, art, and literature. Athens experienced a “Golden Age.” Athens was a place for artists, writers, and thinkers to dare to ask questions. They weren't depending on the gods for their answers – they wanted to find out why for themselves. 3 E

6. Architecture and Art A time when they built magnificent temples for their gods and for public / commercial uses (Homes were pretty basic though). A lot of great paintings, sculpture, and ceramics comes from this time (with heroic acts of the gods, historical events, and daily life). Humans in art at this time were not shown as they really were, but in nearly ideal and perfect form. E

7. Earliest Greek writing was done in poetry,but one of their great innovations was drama (usually in open air theaters – done by men) Plays could be tragedies or comedies. Tragedies explored deep ideas and conflicts (with lots of suffering and misery). Comedies often poked fun at leaders and their policies. They even had drama contests – with rules to make them fair. The Father of History (Herodotus) would even research the past to make sure he had good plays. E

8. The Three Great Thinkers were Philosophers who asked: Where did the world come from?” and What is the world made of?” E

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10. 4 Plato Aristotle Socrates 5 6 E

11. The Peloponnesian War Many of the great men of Athens fought in the Peloponnesian War. Athens vs. Sparta Sparta led an army into Attica (an area near Athens). The Athenians didn’t fight – they retreated back to their walled city (bad idea). A plague broke out in Athens and many died (while the Spartans were destroying the surrounding countryside). Even Pericles died from the plague during this time. 7 8 E

12. Fighting continued for 8 more years There was peace for a while – until the Athenians invaded Sicily (where they were defeated). Athens was having struggles back home for power (an oligarchy even took over for a while). Finally, the Spartans surprised and destroyed the Athenian Navy and Athens was starved into surrender by a Spartan blockade. Even though the war was over, there would not be Greek unity (not 1 big empire). 9 10 E

13. Finish the bottom of page "E" Horrible Histories: Socrates Death E