- Athenians studied arithmetic , literature, music, and physical education
- Athenians were allowed to develop their own individual talents
- Athens became a limited democracy
- the Athenians were the first ones credited with establishing government with democratic elements.
- Athenian democracy was limited in comparison with today's standards. Only men could participate: women were seen as inferior beings who needed moral guidance
- slaves could not participate in the government: no political rights or personal freedoms were granted to them
- citizenship was severely restricted
- economy was agriculturally based : +80% of grain +Trade was highly important
Family Life:
- Athenians placed more emphasis on family life than Spartans
- poorer Athenian families lived and worked together and spend more time as a family unit than wealthier Athenian families
- Athenian boys went to school from ages 6-14 for additional schooling
- at age 18 they attended military school until 20 war and decline
- the pelopanesian war ended Athenian greatness , caused the decline of Athens economy and damaged their democratic government
- even though Athens lost the pelopanesian war the city remained a culture Nd intellectual center
Persian Wars
- 490 B.C.-479 B.C.
Pelopanesian War
- 431 B.C. - 404
- Greek colonies developed as trading centers for fish , fur, metals, honey, gold, amber, slaves.
-Cause : Persia overtook lonia, a region where Greeks lived. The loinian Greeks revolted, Athens sent them aid. King Darius of Persia puts down rebellion but vows revenge on Greece.
- Battle of marathon :
Greeks outnumbered 25000 to 10000. Greek phalanxes superior and win. Sends Pheidippides to run to Athens to tell victory so that Athens will not give up city-state to Persia . Pheidippides runs 26 miles to deliver message, dies at end.
- Battle of Thermopylae :
King xerxes