PERICLEAN ATHENSWestern Civilization

University High School2011-12

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 made Athens the centerpiece

of ancient Greece emphasis on art, literature construction and

development of the Athenian acropolis

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

Architectural Program Under Pericles Statue of Athena inside the

Parthenon Created by sculptor Phidias

Architectural Program Under Pericles Temple of Athena

Nike “Nike” = “victory” also on Athenian

acropolis location for much

worship, sacrifice to Athena

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.)

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

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

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

“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.”