Democracy and Greece's Golden Age

During class today, we took a pop quiz. Some people got 100%, but I certainly didn't. After the pop quiz, we took notes in our books on Ancient Greece.

Pericle's Plan for Athens
- A states man named Pericles led Athens during the Golden Age
- He was popular for 32 years (461-429 BC)

Three Goals

  1. Strengthen Athens' Democracy
  2. Hold + Strengthen the empire
  3. Glorify Athens
Stronger Democracy
- To strengthen Athens' democracy, Pericles increased the number of paid public officials
     - most positions in public office = unpaid
          - wealthy Athenian citizens afford to hold public office
     - Now poorer citizens can run for office
- Athens engaged in self government that any other state
- Most democratic government

Athenian Empire
- Athens helped organize Delian League
- League Treasury to pay for a stronger army
- Some states in Pelopponesus resist Athens and form other alliances

Glorifying Athens
- League Treasury money used to beautify Athens

Glorious Art and Architecture
Pericles goal was to use great art and architecture to create the Parthenon

Architecture and Sculpture
- Parthenon=masterpiece of design
     - Built to honor Athena, a goddess of beauty and wisdom
     - Mainly sculpted by Phidias
- Create serene sculptures
     - IDEAL beauty NOT realism

Drama and History
Expression of civic pride + tribute to gods

Tragedy and Comedy
Tragedy-serious drama about common themes such as love, hate, war, and/or betrayal
Comedy-play containing scenes filled with slapstick and crude humor
     - often made fun of politics and respected people

History
- Herodotus pioneered accurate reporting of events
     - wrote books of the Persian War (considered first works of history)
- Thucydides believed certain types of events and political situations recur over time and aid in understanding the present

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