Classical Athens

Classical or ancient Athens was the major urban centre of the notable polis or city-state of Athens during the classical period (480–323 BC) of ancient Greece, located in Attica, Greece. The Athenian democracy, established in 508 BC by Cleisthenes, remained stable for 180 years.

Athenians and their generals Miltiades and Themistocles were important in defeating the Persians at Marathon and Salamis during the Greco-Persian Wars. After the Persian defeat, Athens formed and led the Delian League against the Achaemenid Empire. During the Golden Age of Athens, the city reached its peak under the leadership of Pericles in the 440s and 430s BC.

In this time, Athens became a centre for the arts, learning, and philosophy. It was home to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum, and the birthplace of Socrates, Plato, Aristophanes, Sophocles, and many other important thinkers and leaders. Athens is often called the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy because of its big influence on the rest of the known European continent during the 5th and 4th centuries BC.

History

Rise to power (508–448 BC)

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

After the ruler Hippias lost his brother Hipparchus, he became stricter and less popular. Many important families were sent away, including that of Cleisthenes. These families asked the Spartans to help remove Hippias, which they did, but then set up strict rule themselves. Cleisthenes did not like this and worked to give more power to the people, creating what we call democracy in Athens. He organized citizens into ten groups based on where they lived, not their class, which helped share power more fairly.

Athens grew rich from silver mines and used the money to build a strong navy. When nearby Greeks rose up against Persian rule, Athens helped them. This led to two big battles against the Persians. The first, at Marathon, was won by Athens under Miltiades. Later, under Themistocles, Athens helped defeat the Persian navy at the Battle of Salamis, protecting their city and gaining more influence.

Athenian hegemony (448–430 BC)

Main article: Age of Pericles

Pericles was a leader known for supporting artists and building beautiful structures, making Athens a wonderful place to live. 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, which led to a long war called the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. The war ended with Athens losing, and for a short time, rule changed in Athens. But democracy was brought back, and the city continued to thrive 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 take control of Athens's port, Athens joined forces with Thebes and Corinth to fight back. Though Thebs won a major 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 the nature of 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 in 480 BC 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

From the end of the wars with Persia until later conquests, Athens grew into a wonderful place for learning and creating. Many important thinkers and artists lived there, including famous writers, philosophers, and historians. One leader, Pericles, helped build amazing buildings like the Parthenon using money from other Greek cities. Because of this, Athens became a key place for sharing ideas and art throughout Greece.