1. Pericles- in 461 BC the Greeks elected him to the assembly. He kept getting reelected year after year and in essence became the leader of Athens. He so dominated Athens, that is was called "The Age of Pericles" for 32 years.
He had 3 goals: 1. strengthen Athenian democracy 2. build a commercial empire 3. glorify Athens.
To attain goals he: 1. paid many public officials 2. strengthened navy 3. beautified Athens.
2. Art in Athens
Giant statue of Athens stood in the Parthenon-such Greek statues are called "classical art" -- serene faces, grace of the human body in motion-perfectly formed. For example "Athena" - the goddess of Athens.
New style of architecture--columns, walls and roof created a large interior.
3. Drama-
drama was for civic pride and to glorify the gods.
Great dramatists: Achilles, Sophocles, (wrote Oedipus)
most dramas were "tragedies" (strength leads to pride which leads to downfall).
plays were not just entertainment but education! Citizens were very encouraged to come. (even paid sometimes!) Displayed important issues like war and gods.
4. Athens and the Golden Age-
a city of shop owners and artisans.
100,000 slaves in Athens(slaves worked side by side with free men)
rich owned about 50 slaves, poor owned about 2 slaves.
women stayed home. If they had to leave, they wore veils. Very few legal rights. Could not own land.
5. Sparta defeats Athens-
In 431 BC, Sparta marched through and burned Athens territory of food supply.
Sparta was strongest on land, Athens strongest at sea.
Causes of Athens defeat-
plague - it killed 1/3 of Athens population!
Sparta destroyed a huge (27,000 soldiers) fleet of Athenians at sea near Sicily.
Finally in 404 BC, Athens surrenders
This period of warring was called "THE PELOPONESIAN WAR"
Because of such sadness, the dramatists developed "comedies"