Once the conflict between Greece and Persia had ceased in 479 BCE, Athens found themselves following a new leader, an Athenian statesman, Pericles, who had a fervent interest in advancing Athens. Under Pericles’ leadership, Athens experienced a period of time in the 5th century where they were regarded as the cultural, intellectual and commercial heart of the Hellenic world. Their hegemony and superiority contributed to the creation of a Golden Age, a valid title, which is currently embraced by historians. Athens flourished with culture during this time period, especially with the construction of the world’s most renowned Acropolis. Athens was also responsible for the development of democracy. Additionally, Athens had a substantial amount
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(Merriam Webster, 2016) While the concept of democracy was established between 510-508 B.C.E., Pericles was the leader who helped it find its grounding as when he came into power, the system was still fragile. Unlike today’s society where the population can vote, regardless of race or gender, Athens’ system was that only male citizens had the chance to vote, earning the name of ‘radical democracy’. While Pericles’ involvement in the transformation of democracy fundamentally altered the governing system, not everyone was a fan of Pericles’ actions. A democratic government basically meant that citizens of the lower class had a say in political matters which angered the higher class who originally had the upper hand in these matters. Ancient historian, Thucydides initially admired Pericles for his career, but criticised the concept of democracy. Thucydides is recorded to have stated in The History of the Peloponnesian War, “As for democracy […], as I have more cause to complain about it.”. (Thucydides) This quote shows evidence that Thucydides was against democracy due to his connections to wealthy Athenians at the time. Ancient sources, like Aristotle, seem to be anti-democracy and in their writings outline the negative aspects of democracy, most likely due to their wealthy backgrounds.
Fifth century Athens was a time of cultural, intellectual and commercial advancement for Greece, earning this time period the worthy title of a ‘Golden Age’. Pericles’ power helped Athens progress and become Greece’s leading city-state. Pericles was ultimately accountable for the construction of the Acropolis which is one of Greece’s eminent architectural
(Merriam Webster, 2016) While the concept of democracy was established between 510-508 B.C.E., Pericles was the leader who helped it find its grounding as when he came into power, the system was still fragile. Unlike today’s society where the population can vote, regardless of race or gender, Athens’ system was that only male citizens had the chance to vote, earning the name of ‘radical democracy’. While Pericles’ involvement in the transformation of democracy fundamentally altered the governing system, not everyone was a fan of Pericles’ actions. A democratic government basically meant that citizens of the lower class had a say in political matters which angered the higher class who originally had the upper hand in these matters. Ancient historian, Thucydides initially admired Pericles for his career, but criticised the concept of democracy. Thucydides is recorded to have stated in The History of the Peloponnesian War, “As for democracy […], as I have more cause to complain about it.”. (Thucydides) This quote shows evidence that Thucydides was against democracy due to his connections to wealthy Athenians at the time. Ancient sources, like Aristotle, seem to be anti-democracy and in their writings outline the negative aspects of democracy, most likely due to their wealthy backgrounds.
Fifth century Athens was a time of cultural, intellectual and commercial advancement for Greece, earning this time period the worthy title of a ‘Golden Age’. Pericles’ power helped Athens progress and become Greece’s leading city-state. Pericles was ultimately accountable for the construction of the Acropolis which is one of Greece’s eminent architectural