Classical Athens

Classical or ancient Athens was the main city of the polis or city-state of Athens from 480–323 BC in ancient Greece. It was located in Attica, Greece. The Athenian democracy began in 508 BC and lasted for many years.

Athenians helped defeat the Persians at Marathon and Salamis during the Greco-Persian Wars. After this, Athens led the Delian League against the Achaemenid Empire. The city grew strongest under Pericles in the 440s and 430s BC.

During this time, Athens became a place for the arts, learning, and philosophy. It was home to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Many important thinkers lived there, like Socrates, Plato, Aristophanes, and Sophocles. Athens is often called the cradle of Western civilization because of its big influence on Europe long ago.

History

Rise to power (508–448 BC)

Main articles: Athenian democracy, Greco-Persian Wars, Athenian Revolution, and First Peloponnesian War

When the ruler Hippias became stricter, many families left Athens. They asked the Spartans for help, and the Spartans removed Hippias. But then the Spartans ruled strictly. Cleisthenes wanted to give more power to the people, so he created democracy in Athens. He grouped citizens by where they lived, not by class, to share power more fairly.

Athens grew rich from silver mines and built a strong navy. When nearby Greeks fought against Persian rule, Athens helped them. This led to two big battles against the Persians. The first battle, at Marathon, was won by Athens under Miltiades. Later, under Themistocles, Athens defeated the Persian navy at the Battle of Salamis, protecting their city and becoming more powerful.

Athenian hegemony (448–430 BC)

Main article: Age of Pericles

Pericles was a leader who supported artists and built beautiful structures, making Athens a lovely place. During his time, many important buildings were built, including the Parthenon, a grand temple for the goddess Athena.

Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC)

Main article: Peloponnesian War

Further information: Alcibiades, Sicilian expedition, Athenian coup of 411 BC, and Lysander

Other Greek cities did not like Athens being so powerful, so they started a long war called the Peloponnesian War against Athens and Sparta. The war ended with Athens losing. For a short time, rule changed in Athens, but democracy returned. The city kept growing culturally, even though it was no longer a major power.

Corinthian War and the Second Athenian League (395–355 BC)

Main articles: Iphicrates and Second Athenian League

After Sparta tried to control Athens's port, Athens joined forces with Thebs and Corinth to fight back. Though Thebs won a big battle, other cities turned against them, ending their control.

Athens and Macedon (355–322 BC)

Further information: League of Corinth, Alexander the Great, Antipatrid dynasty, and Antigonid dynasty

Finally, the kingdom of Macedon under Philip II defeated Athens and limited its independence. Later, Alexander the Great, Philip’s son, expanded Greek influence far beyond its original borders, changing Greek city-states forever.

The city

Athens was in Attica, close to the sea, on the slope of Mount Lycabettus. The city had walls around it, and inside the walls was a special hill called the Acropolis. The city was damaged by fire long ago but was rebuilt. Many beautiful buildings were added later, making Athens a lovely place.

The city had two main parts: the walled city and the port city called Piraeus. The walls connecting them were known as the Long Walls. The Acropolis had important temples, including the grand Parthenon dedicated to the goddess Athena. The lower city had marketplaces and other public spaces where people gathered.

Culture

Main articles: Age of Pericles, Ancient Greek philosophy, Athenian festivals, and Greek theatre

After the wars with Persia, Athens became a great place for learning and creating. Many important thinkers and artists lived there, including famous writers, philosophers, and historians. A leader named Pericles helped build wonderful buildings like the Parthenon using money from other Greek cities. Because of this, Athens became an important place for sharing ideas and art throughout Greece.