A Time of Glory in Athens

 Analyze the roles of Athens and Sparta in the wars with the Persian Empire  Identify the difference between direct democracy and representatives democracy

 Direct Democracy – every Athenian who was a free male over 18 years old an equal vote in the assembly  Veto – to reject it  Representative Democracy – democracy in which citizens elect other people to make decisions for them

 The Greek city-states united to fight the Persian Empire  In the Battle of Marathon, the smaller Athenian-led force defeated the Persians

 Emperor Xerxes, 4 th king of Persia, almost conquered the Greeks  In key victories, however, the Athenian navy defeated the Persians at sea, and the Spartans beat them on land  Athenian navy led the Persian navy into a narrow strait. There, the lighter, faster Athenian ships could turn quicker than the Persian ships  This advantage allowed the Greeks to defeat the Persians in battle

 Cleisthenes’ reforms led to a direct democracy, now citizens could make decisions about their government  Pericles’ reforms allowed all citizens to take part in the democratic system  Modern reformers also work for the rights of all citizens

 During the Golden Age of Athens, leaders built grand public buildings to celebrate Athenian democracy and culture  It was a time of artistic, scholarly and economic growth  Pericles wanted to make Athens a model for respected Greek political, economic, and social structures  He spent money on public projects and supported the arts, culture, science, and other intellectual activities

 Greek city-states united to fight the Persians in the Persian wars  Greek victories led to a time of growth and wealth for Athens and its early democracy  This began a period of cultural achievement called the Golden Age of Athens.  These enduring contributions continue to influence people

 What caused the Greek city-states to unite? ◦ A common enemy, Persia, was trying to invade their lands  How were the roles of Athens and Sparta in the Persian Wars alike and different? ◦ They both fought to defeat the Persians. Athens won victories at sea, while Sparta won them on land  What are the key differences between a direct democracy and a representative democracy? ◦ In a direct democracy, all citizens vote directly in one place. On a representative democracy, citizens elect others to carry out these activities  What contributed to the rise of the Golden Age in Athens? ◦ End of the war, pride, tribute, strong leaders