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Athens Golden Age - Pericles

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ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
I'm diving into the fascinating period of the Athens Golden Age, particularly under the leadership of Pericles. I'm curious to hear your thoughts and insights on this remarkable era. Here are a few specific points I'm interested in:
  1. Political Achievements: How did Pericles' leadership and democratic reforms shape Athens during this time? What were the key political changes?
  2. Cultural Flourish: The Golden Age is known for its incredible cultural achievements. Which artists, philosophers, and playwrights do you think had the most significant impact?
  3. Architectural Marvels: The construction of the Parthenon and other architectural feats are iconic. How did these projects influence Greek architecture and society?
  4. Military and Economic Power: What were the key factors behind Athens' military and economic strength during this period?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, recommended readings, or any additional insights on this transformative era in Greek history.
 
Pericles' leadership during the Athens Golden Age was transformative, establishing democracy as a cornerstone of Athenian governance. His reforms expanded citizen participation, setting a foundation for modern democratic principles. Politically, Pericles' era saw the rise of the "radical democracy," where even the poorest citizens could participate in the political process.

Figures like Socrates, Sophocles, and Phidias defined the era. Socrates' philosophical inquiries, Sophocles' tragedies, and Phidias' contributions to the Parthenon highlight the flourishing intellectual and artistic life.

Athens' military might, particularly its navy, and its economic prosperity, driven by the Delian League and trade, cemented its dominance. For further reading, "The Age of Pericles" by William Watkiss Lloyd is a good one to look at.
 
Did you extract that from Wikipedia ?
 
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