City-States at War
The Persian Wars
Between 550 B.C. (B.C.E.) and 330 B.C. (B.C.E.), the Persian Empire spanned across regions, threatening Athens and Sparta. For more than fifty years, from 499 B.C. (B.C.E.) to 449 B.C. (B.C.E.), the Persian Wars took place in various locations throughout Greece and Asia Minor. Prior to this series of conflicts, the Athenians and Spartans considered each other an enemy. In this interactivity, you will learn how the Persian Wars united these two city-states against a common enemy, and solidified their control over the Aegean Basin. The wars allowed Athens to preserve its independence and further innovations in culture and government. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
The name of the plain of Marathon may seem familiar to you. In modern times, the word marathon describes a competitive race of 26.2 miles. According to Greek legend, a road messenger named Pheidippides was sent the 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens after the Battle of Marathon. Upon his arrival in Athens, he announced, "Nenikekamen," or "We won!" After Pheidippides let others know of the Greek victory, he died from exhaustion.
The Golden Age of Pericles
A bust of Pericles based on the original
by the Greek sculptor Kresilas The Greeks felt great pride after defeating the Persians. From about 479 B.C. (B.C.E.) to 431 B.C. (B.C.E.), Athenians turned their pride into a time of achievement known as the Golden Age. An orator and general named Pericles led Athens during much of this time. Before this period, the government in Athens was a direct democracy; however, not many Athenian males were considered citizens. Under Pericles' leadership, citizenship was extended to lower-class males. In addition, city officials received a salary, making it possible for poorer people to take office and be equally represented in government. The leaders who ran the daily business of the Athenian government were elected officials, and could be removed from office after their term.
During the Persian Wars, the Persians destroyed much of Athens. Pericles sought to repair and rebuild many of the roads, buildings, and bridges. He also believed in investing in public projects. The Parthenon to Athena was reconstructed on the Athenian Acropolis, an elevated area in the middle of Athens, starting in 447 B.C. (B.C.E.). It was under Pericles' leadership that the arts and architecture were celebrated in Athens. This is why Athens was the cultural center of this period.
It is ironic that Pericles allegedly believed in the saying, "Nothing to excess," because his extreme policies were a major contributing factor in the devastating Peloponnesian War. As you will discover in the next section, this war would tear Greece apart for decades, and ultimately destroy Athens.
City-States at War Review
Now that you have learned about the Persian Wars and the Golden Age of Pericles, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player button to get started.
