Question

Describe the Golden Age in Athens. When was it and what events conspired to create it? Who is Pericles and what were his contributions (both politically and culturally) to Athens?

Answer 1

The Golden Age of Athens also known as age of Pericles refers to the time period when Athens reached the height of it's power and prosperity. This golden age started in 478 B.C. and lasted till 431 B.C.

Athens just came out of Persian war and they were begining their rise to power. Their accomplishments in many areas influenced every aspect of society. Before the golden age, Athens was not a superpower, it didn't had democracy and oligarchy prevailed in it. In 447 B.C. the oligarchs of Thebes conspired against the Democratic faction existing there. Athenians wanted their immediate surrender but after the Battle Od Coronea, Pericles was forced to concede the loss of Boeotia in order to recover the prisoners taken into that battle.

Pericles was a very influential and prominent Greek Statesman, general and orator of Athens during the Golden Age Of Athens.

Pericles rose as an influencial person in politics and sponsored many social programs and enacted laws that let the poors attend the theatre for free . After the death of Ephialites, Pericles rose as very powerful leader of democratic Party and the Athens. Before that there was the leadership of Denian League. Pericles also shifted the headquarters of Denian League from neutral island of Delos to Athens as a symbolic gesture of power.

Pericles also contributed much to cultural programs including the sponshorship of buildings, arts and education in Athens. At that time Athens was developed as the intellectual center of the ancient world. Athens developed it's Acropolis, holding most important markets, buildings and temples. These buildings introduced many artistic and architectural styles. Most notable of them was Parthenon, a very massive temple of Athens complete with a colossal statue to the goddess. It was ornamented by the finest marbles.