Section Three: Classical Greece

Objectives Examine the Age of Pericles, when Athens became the center of Greek culture. Analyze how the creation of an Athenian empire led to war with Sparta.

I. The Challenge of Persia The Ionian Greek cites in western Asia Minor revolted against the Persians in 499 B.C. Darius, the Persian ruler, sought revenge

Persian Empire

The Challenge of Persia Athenians defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon, only 26 miles from Athens Xerxes, Persian king vowed revenge

Xerxes

The Challenge of Persia A Greek force of about 9 thousand held off the Persian army for two day at the pass of Thermopylae The 3 hundred Spartans in the Greek army were especially brave The swifter Greek navy outmaneuvered the Persian ships & defeated their navy

II. The Growth of the Athenian Empire Formed the Delian League, a defensive alliance headquartered on the island of Delos Expelled the Persians from all Greek city-states Athenians created an empire

The Growth of the Athenian Empire Under Pericles 461 to 429 B.C. Expanded its empire Democracy & culture thrived *Age of Pericles, saw the height of Athenian power & brilliance

Pericles

III. The Age of Pericles Direct democracy, the people participated in government decision making through mass meetings Every male citizen could participate & vote on major issues Most residents were not citizens

Thucydides : Pericles' Funeral Oration from the Peloponnesian War Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors', but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few.

Thucydides : Pericles' Funeral Oration from the Peloponnesian War Then, again, our military training is in many respects superior to that of our adversaries. Our city is thrown open to the world, though and we never expel a foreigner and prevent him from seeing or learning anything of which the secret if revealed to an enemy might profit him.

The Age of Pericles Made lower-class male citizens eligible for public office & paid office holders Developed ostracism to protect themselves from overly ambitious politicians Used the Delian League’s treasury to rebuild Athens

The Age of Pericles Art, architecture & philosophy flourished “School of Greece”

Pericles in the Parthenon

IV. The Great Peloponnesian War Greek world divided between the Athenian Empire & Sparta Great Peloponnesian War broke out in 431 B.C. The Athenians stayed behind their walls

The Great Peloponnesian War 430 B.C. a plague broke out in Athens 1/3 of the people were killed Pericles died in 429 B.C.

The Great Peloponnesian War Athenians fought on for about 25 years *Athens was finally defeated in 405 B.C. Navy defeated & walls torn down

The Great Peloponnesian War War weakened the Greek city-states Sparta, Athens & Thebes struggled for domination Ignored the growing power of Macedonia

V. Daily Life in Classical Athens Only male citizens had political power Foreigners were protected by laws & shared some responsibilities Athens had about 100,000 slaves

A. The Athenian Economy Based largely on farming & trade Grapes & olives Imported 50 to 80% of its grain

B. The Family & the Role of Women Could participate in religious festivals, but not public life Could not own property & always had a male guardian Expected to be a good wife, bear children & keep up the household

The Family & the Role of Women Girls did not get a formal education & married around 14 or 15