Rise of Greek Culture Tribute – payments paid to Athens by allies Golden Age of Athens – 479 - 431 BCE Grew rich from mining and trade Achievements in arts, philosophy, literature, and democracy

Rise of Greek Culture Pericles – leading Athenian; most powerful man in Athens Supported democracy; made changes that strengthened it Had government pay its officials

Rise of Greek Culture Pericles Considered by many to be father of Greek democracy Had the Parthenon built and much construction in Athens

Rise of Greek Culture Greeks worshiped 12 gods and goddesses called “12 Olympians” Each ruled a different aspect of life or nature Zeus was their leader Each city-state honored a different god Honored them at Olympic games every 4 years Immortal – live forever

Rise of Greek Culture Temple – place of worship Gods ruled from Mt. Olympus and were immortal City-states built temples to the gods Greeks also honored mythical heroes Achilles is an example from the Iliad

Rise of Greek Culture Sacred – honored, respected, admired, valued Oracle – person who could predict the future and give advice Oracle – sacred site where Greeks believed gods spoke Ancient Greeks would seek advice from oracles Believed oracles could reveal future & tell them what to do Often spoke in riddles Leaders sought help from oracles Most famous was Oracle of Delphi

Rise of Greek Culture Greek Science & Philosophy Greeks studied natural world Thales - early philosopher; believed water was basic material of the world Democritus - believed everything was made of tiny particles; he called them atoms; 400s BCE

Rise of Greek Culture Socrates – Taught during Golden Age; Met in Athens’ marketplace to discuss learning and ideas Questioned true meaning of justice, courage, freedom Asked Athenians to question their beliefs Famous for telling people to “Know Thyself”

Rise of Greek Culture Socrates’ ideas were a threat to many because he made them challenge what they believed In 399 BCE the leaders said he was dishonoring gods and misleading young people He was sentenced to death He was put in prison He chose to drink poison and end his life

Rise of Greek Culture Plato – left Athens after Socrates’ death Returned in 387 BCE and founded school for teaching philosophy, mathematics, biology, and astronomy School is believed to be the first university Wrote The Republic as a view of an ideal society

Rise of Greek Culture The Golden Rectangle – basic type of rectangle where long sides are about 1 2/3 the length of short sides. Commonly used in art and architecture to show balance

Rise of Greek Culture Dramas – Athenians were the first to write dramatic plays Famous for writing tragedies “Chorus” was small group of people who would sing or chant poems between scenes Comedies were also performed, making fun of well-known citizens and every day life Tragedy – serious story where main characters deal with terrible events Amphitheatre – large theatre, often outdoors

Rise of Greek Culture There were many city-states Each developed its own identity Education grew Trade grew The city-states competed with each other but called themselves “Hellenes”