periclean athens
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Periclean Athens. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12. 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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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.”