Athens in the Golden Age of Pericles - Part 1

Herodotus was an ancient Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BCE. He was a young boy during the Persian War, and interviewed Greek veterans of the Persian War to get the information he needed for his history. The following is an excerpt from his book The Histories that describes the Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Multiple Choice

Based on this source, how many Persians do you think there were at the

Battle of Thermopylae?

• 2 million

• 350.000

• 200,000

• 800,000

Multiple Choice

Who is the historian? And when was the account

written?

• Ernle Bradford, 1980 CE

• Herodotus, 450 - 420 BCE

• Rupert Matthews, 2006 CE

• Ctesias, 389 BCE

Poll

Do you find this evidence reliable and

convincing?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

What was the significance of Athens becoming the leader of the Delian League after the Persian War?

• It allowed Athens to collect tribute from other city-states

• It marked the end of the Persian Empire

• It led to the establishment of democracy in Athens

• It resulted in a military alliance with Persia

Multiple Choice

What significant contributions did Pericles make to Athens during his rule?

• He ruled from 461-429 BCE

• He extended democracy to most adult males

• He rebuilt Athens after the war

• He was a famous philosopher

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of the Parthenon in ancient Greek architecture?

• It was a temple dedicated to Athena

• It served as a marketplace

• It was a royal palace

• It was a theater

Multiple Choice

What was the Parthenon used for?

• A museum

• A treasury & temple

• A marketplace

• A palace

Multiple Choice

Name this type of Greek architecture

• Corinthian

• Doric

• Ionic

Multiple Choice

Who was Phidias and what is he known for?

• A famous painter

• A renowned architect

• The greatest sculptor of Greece

• A philosopher

Multiple Choice

What was the significance of the Golden Age of Athens in relation to the Age of Pericles and the beginning of Western Culture?

• It marked the decline of democracy

• It was a period of cultural and political achievement

• It led to the rise of the Roman Empire

• It had no impact on Western culture

Multiple Choice

The Golden Age of Athens occurred under the leadership of--

• Alexander the Great
• Darius
• Pericles
• Socrates

How was direct democracy practiced in Ancient Greece?

At the center of most city-states was an acropolis, a fortified hilltop where temples and important buildings were located. Athens became known for its direct democracy, a system in which citizens voted on laws and policies themselves rather than electing representatives. However, not everyone could vote—only free male citizens could participate.

Other Greek city-states had different forms of government. An oligarchy was ruled by a small group of powerful people, while an aristocracy was led by noble families who claimed their right to rule through birth. Sometimes power was taken by force in a tyranny, where one person seized control. Two early Athenian leaders, Draco and Solon, tried to reform laws and reduce social conflict. Draco created a harsh legal code, while Solon made fairer laws that gave citizens more rights.

How was oligarchy practiced in Ancient Greece?

At the center of most city-states was an acropolis, a fortified hilltop where temples and important buildings were located. Athens became known for its direct democracy, a system in which citizens voted on laws and policies themselves rather than electing representatives. However, not everyone could vote—only free male citizens could participate.

Other Greek city-states had different forms of government. An oligarchy was ruled by a small group of powerful people, while an aristocracy was led by noble families who claimed their right to rule through birth. Sometimes power was taken by force in a tyranny, where one person seized control. Two early Athenian leaders, Draco and Solon, tried to reform laws and reduce social conflict. Draco created a harsh legal code, while Solon made fairer laws that gave citizens more rights.

How was aristocracy practiced in Ancient Greece?

At the center of most city-states was an acropolis, a fortified hilltop where temples and important buildings were located. Athens became known for its direct democracy, a system in which citizens voted on laws and policies themselves rather than electing representatives. However, not everyone could vote—only free male citizens could participate.

Other Greek city-states had different forms of government. An oligarchy was ruled by a small group of powerful people, while an aristocracy was led by noble families who claimed their right to rule through birth. Sometimes power was taken by force in a tyranny, where one person seized control. Two early Athenian leaders, Draco and Solon, tried to reform laws and reduce social conflict. Draco created a harsh legal code, while Solon made fairer laws that gave citizens more rights.

What is the definition of tyranny?

At the center of most city-states was an acropolis, a fortified hilltop where temples and important buildings were located. Athens became known for its direct democracy, a system in which citizens voted on laws and policies themselves rather than electing representatives. However, not everyone could vote—only free male citizens could participate.

Other Greek city-states had different forms of government. An oligarchy was ruled by a small group of powerful people, while an aristocracy was led by noble families who claimed their right to rule through birth. Sometimes power was taken by force in a tyranny, where one person seized control. Two early Athenian leaders, Draco and Solon, tried to reform laws and reduce social conflict. Draco created a harsh legal code, while Solon made fairer laws that gave citizens more rights.

What role did mythology play in ancient Greek society?

Greek religion centered on mythology, a collection of stories explaining natural events and human behavior through gods and heroes. The Greeks believed their gods lived on Mount Olympus. Zeus, the king of the gods, ruled the sky and thunder. Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was one of the most admired deities. Myths helped explain the world and gave lessons about virtue, courage, and fate.

What contribution to Western thought did Socrates make?

Greek thinkers sought to understand the world through philosophy, which means “love of wisdom.” The philosopher Socrates encouraged students to question everything to seek truth. His student Plato founded the Academy in Athens and wrote about justice and government. Aristotle, Plato’s student, used logic and observation to study nature and human behavior—ideas that shaped Western science and education.

What contribution to Western thought did Plato make?

Greek thinkers sought to understand the world through philosophy, which means “love of wisdom.” The philosopher Socrates encouraged students to question everything to seek truth. His student Plato founded the Academy in Athens and wrote about justice and government. Aristotle, Plato’s student, used logic and observation to study nature and human behavior—ideas that shaped Western science and education.

What contribution to Western thought did Aristotle make?

Greek thinkers sought to understand the world through philosophy, which means “love of wisdom.” The philosopher Socrates encouraged students to question everything to seek truth. His student Plato founded the Academy in Athens and wrote about justice and government. Aristotle, Plato’s student, used logic and observation to study nature and human behavior—ideas that shaped Western science and education.

Which Ancient Greek wrote epic poems?

The Greeks loved stories. Homer, one of the greatest poets, wrote epic poems—long, heroic tales that celebrated bravery and adventure. His two masterpieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey, tell the stories of the Trojan War and the hero Odysseus’s journey home. Greek theater also flourished. Playwrights such as Aeschylus and Sophocles wrote tragedies—serious plays about human suffering and moral choices.

Which two Ancient Greeks were playwrights?

The Greeks loved stories. Homer, one of the greatest poets, wrote epic poems—long, heroic tales that celebrated bravery and adventure. His two masterpieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey, tell the stories of the Trojan War and the hero Odysseus’s journey home. Greek theater also flourished. Playwrights such as Aeschylus and Sophocles wrote tragedies—serious plays about human suffering and moral choices.

Who was the leader of Athens during the Golden Age?

During the Golden Age of Pericles, Athens reached its height of power and culture. Pericles, a strong and democratic leader, encouraged art, philosophy, and architecture. The most famous building from this period is the Parthenon, a temple on the Athenian acropolis dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess.

Which style of columns were simple and sturdy?

Greek architects developed three main styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric columns were simple and sturdy; Ionic columns were elegant with scroll-shaped tops; and Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with leaves and intricate designs. The sculptor Phidias created some of the most famous statues of the gods, including the great statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Which style of columns were elegant with scroll-shaped tops?

Greek architects developed three main styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric columns were simple and sturdy; Ionic columns were elegant with scroll-shaped tops; and Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with leaves and intricate designs. The sculptor Phidias created some of the most famous statues of the gods, including the great statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Which style columns were decorative with leaves and intricate designs?

Greek architects developed three main styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric columns were simple and sturdy; Ionic columns were elegant with scroll-shaped tops; and Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with leaves and intricate designs. The sculptor Phidias created some of the most famous statues of the gods, including the great statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Which Ancient Greek created statues?

Greek architects developed three main styles of columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric columns were simple and sturdy; Ionic columns were elegant with scroll-shaped tops; and Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with leaves and intricate designs. The sculptor Phidias created some of the most famous statues of the gods, including the great statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Which Ancient Greek created a theory of geometry still used today?

Greek scientists also made important discoveries. Pythagoras developed the Pythagorean Theorem, which is still used in geometry today. Euclid, known as the “Father of Geometry,” organized mathematical knowledge into a system still taught today. Archimedes studied physics and invented tools like the water screw and compound pulley. Hippocrates, often called the “Father of Medicine,” believed that diseases had natural causes and established an ethical code for doctors.

Which Ancient Greek was known as the “Father of Geometry”?

Greek scientists also made important discoveries. Pythagoras developed the Pythagorean Theorem, which is still used in geometry today. Euclid, known as the “Father of Geometry,” organized mathematical knowledge into a system still taught today. Archimedes studied physics and invented tools like the water screw and compound pulley. Hippocrates, often called the “Father of Medicine,” believed that diseases had natural causes and established an ethical code for doctors.

Which Ancient Greek studied physics and invented tools?

Greek scientists also made important discoveries. Pythagoras developed the Pythagorean Theorem, which is still used in geometry today. Euclid, known as the “Father of Geometry,” organized mathematical knowledge into a system still taught today. Archimedes studied physics and invented tools like the water screw and compound pulley. Hippocrates, often called the “Father of Medicine,” believed that diseases had natural causes and established an ethical code for doctors.

Which Ancient Greek created a code of ethics for doctors?

Greek scientists also made important discoveries. Pythagoras developed the Pythagorean Theorem, which is still used in geometry today. Euclid, known as the “Father of Geometry,” organized mathematical knowledge into a system still taught today. Archimedes studied physics and invented tools like the water screw and compound pulley. Hippocrates, often called the “Father of Medicine,” believed that diseases had natural causes and established an ethical code for doctors.

What were the long-term consequences of the Persian Wars?

In the 5th century BCE, Greece faced a powerful enemy—the Persian Empire. The Persian Wars united the city-states against a common foe. Victories at battles such as Marathon and Salamis gave Greece confidence and pride. Afterward, Athens formed the Delian League, an alliance of city-states meant to defend against future attacks.

What were the long-term consequences of the Peloponnesian War?

However, growing power created jealousy. Sparta and its allies formed the Peloponnesian League, which eventually fought Athens in the long and devastating Peloponnesian War. Historian Herodotus, often called the “Father of History,” wrote about the Persian Wars, while Thucydides documented the Peloponnesian War with a focus on human nature and politics.

What is the definition of Hellenic?

The period of classical Greek civilization is called Hellenic, meaning purely Greek. After years of internal fighting, the Greek city-states became weak. In the north, Philip of Macedon saw an opportunity. He conquered Greece and united it under his rule. His son, Alexander the Great, went on to build one of the largest empires in history. As Alexander conquered Egypt, Persia, and parts of India, Greek culture mixed with Eastern traditions. This blending of cultures is known as the Hellenistic period.

Cities like Byzantium (later known as Constantinople) became centers of trade and learning during this era. Greek art, science, and philosophy spread across the known world, influencing cultures for centuries to come.

What was the Hellenistic period?

The period of classical Greek civilization is called Hellenic, meaning purely Greek. After years of internal fighting, the Greek city-states became weak. In the north, Philip of Macedon saw an opportunity. He conquered Greece and united it under his rule. His son, Alexander the Great, went on to build one of the largest empires in history. As Alexander conquered Egypt, Persia, and parts of India, Greek culture mixed with Eastern traditions. This blending of cultures is known as the Hellenistic period.

Cities like Byzantium (later known as Constantinople) became centers of trade and learning during this era. Greek art, science, and philosophy spread across the known world, influencing cultures for centuries to come.

How did it contribute to the spread of Greek culture?

The period of classical Greek civilization is called Hellenic, meaning purely Greek. After years of internal fighting, the Greek city-states became weak. In the north, Philip of Macedon saw an opportunity. He conquered Greece and united it under his rule. His son, Alexander the Great, went on to build one of the largest empires in history. As Alexander conquered Egypt, Persia, and parts of India, Greek culture mixed with Eastern traditions. This blending of cultures is known as the Hellenistic period.

Cities like Byzantium (later known as Constantinople) became centers of trade and learning during this era. Greek art, science, and philosophy spread across the known world, influencing cultures for centuries to come.