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Periclean Athens

Periclean Athens. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12. A Spotlight on Athens. Athens vs. Sparta tension rose after Persian Wars (leading to Peloponnesian War) Pericles (494 – 429 BCE): Athenian statesman who pushed Athens’ imperialistic aggression

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Periclean Athens

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  1. Periclean Athens Western Civilization University High School 2011-12

  2. A Spotlight on Athens • Athens vs. Sparta tension rose after Persian Wars (leading to Peloponnesian War) • Pericles (494 – 429 BCE): Athenian statesman who pushed Athens’ imperialistic aggression • made Athens the centerpiece of ancient Greece • emphasis on art, literature • construction and development of the Athenian acropolis

  3. Architectural Program Under Pericles • Parthenon (construction: 447 - 438 BCE) • temple to Athena (goddess of military victory, justice) • replaced “pre-Parthenon”/“Older Parthenon” (destroyed by Persians in 480 BCE) • doubled as treasury for Athens

  4. Architectural Program Under Pericles • Statue of Athena inside the Parthenon • Created by sculptor Phidias

  5. Architectural Program Under Pericles • Temple of Athena Nike • “Nike” = “victory” • also on Athenian acropolis • location for much worship, sacrifice to Athena

  6. Architectural Program Under Pericles • Propylaea • entrance to the Athenian acropolis • large stone gateway made of white and gray marble • controlled entry to acropolis (runaway slaves, treasury, etc.)

  7. Architectural Program Under Pericles • Erechtheum • temple to Athena and Poseidon, made of marble • stored sacred artifacts, religious relics • supposed burial site of mythical kings and heroes

  8. Athens Under Pericles • Advances in: • architecture/development of Athens • art & sculpture • gods/goddesses in art  like humans (“anthropomorphic”) • celebrate the beauty of the ideal human form • drama & plays • paid for by wealthy citizens • dealt with the role of conflict in human lives • Sophocles: Antigone, Oedipus Rex • Euripides: themes of flawed character leading to downfall

  9. Daily Life in Athens Under Pericles • relatively few material possessions • Athenians were typically farmers in the countryside, craftsmen or public workers in the city • did have slaves, like most ancient civilizations • ate lots of grains (wheat, barley), lentils, olives, figs, grapes, wine • not much meat, except for religious festivals and Spartan soldiers • Spartan black broth: boiled pig legs, blood, salt, vinegar

  10. “Now I know why Spartans are so willing to die.” • Man from Sybaris (luxurious Italian city) • “Heretofore all Spartans shall eat in common at the mess halls in their town and village. No one, no matter who he is, will be allowed to eat at home, lying on expensive couches at splendid tables, giving himself over to his cook, who fattens him and ruins not only his mind but his body, which is weakened by indulgence and excess, so that it needs long sleep and warm bathing and freedom from work—all as if it were constantly sick.” [The kind of food that would be served at the public mess hall was next specified. It was very plain, of course.] “No one shall eat at home privately, secretly, before coming to the public tables. Everyone will be observed as he eats. Should he repeatedly show a lack of appetite, his domestic habits will be investigated. Signed: Lycurgus.”

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