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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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”