The Classical Age of Greece c. 500 – 336 BCE

Learning goals By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: make connections between the Ancient Greeks and modern Western civilization identify the reasons behind the emergence of Athens as a world power describe the achievements of the ancient Athenians in the fields of art, architecture and government

Minds on How could a stone have helped to decide the outcome of the Persian Wars, and help to shape modern Western Civilization???

Review – the Persian Wars fought between 490- 479 BCE smaller, disunited Greek force defeats a much larger unified Persian empire led to a sense of Greek ‘nationhood’, and the emergence of Athens as a political, military, and cultural center

Legacy…the Golden Age of Athens Athenians claim credit for the victory go on a massive building spree using funds from other Greek city-states (Delian League) Spartans watch carefully as their ‘allies’ begin to soar…

The Classical Age c.500-336 BCE HIGHLIGHTS: dominance of Athens as political and cultural power of Greece construction of Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens great literature, poetry, philosophy, drama, philosophical thinkers, historians and artists and perhaps their greatest legacy of all…

Athenian voting stones Flashback… Remember the stones? Any thoughts? The answer is…… DEMOCRACY!!! Athenian voting stones

Athenian Democracy Over 2400 years ago, the famous Greek general, Pericles, said, "It is true that we (Athenians) are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not the few, with equal justice to all alike in their private disputes." 

Characteristics of Athenian Democracy each year, 500 names were drawn from all the citizens of Athens to serve as law makers. all citizens of Athens were required to vote on any new passed voted using a stone or pottery shard majority ruled. women, children, and slaves were not citizens, and thus could not vote Intersting law: ‘ostraka’ - Greeks were able to ban a citizen for up to 10 years (ostracize)

How does it compare to today? 3 main areas: Scale – huge numbers in Greek juries, assemblies – limited in Canada Participation – Greek ‘direct democracy’ means all citizens involved on every matter Eligibility – only adult male citizens with property could vote scale participation eligibility

Classical Age Greek Art money devoted to building theatres, stadiums, gymnasia, sculpture… first to use 3-D on a flat surface by using different shades to give illusion of depth focus on the concept of the “ideal” (beautiful, life like youthful, calm expression) depictions of gods common statues of nude forms (detailed and proportional) pottery served a practical and religious purpose

Examples of Greek Architecture Parthenon Acropolis Statue of Athena Public buildings Columns Use of marble Frieze

Greek Columns Greeks developed three different orders Doric & Ionic = 6th century BCE Corinthian= 5th century BCE and was further developed and used by Romans The Doric style is rather sturdy and its top (the capital), is plain. This style was used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily. The Ionic style is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). This style was found in eastern Greece and the islands. The Corinthian style is seldom used in the Greek world, but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.