The Golden Age of Greece

Pericles plan

– Introduced direct democracy

– Strengthen Athenian navy

– Build great buildings and sculptures to make Athens beautiful

Golden Age of Art and Architecture• Art– Giant sculptures– Emphasis on beauty of

humans• Architecture– Emphasis on balance,

harmony, and proportion– columns

Drama and History

• Tragedy: drama about hate, war, or betrayal

• Comedy: made fun of politicians and famous people

• History written by historians like

Thuycidides

Philosophers

• Socrates– “Socratic Method”: question

students– Examine your beliefs and

morality– Quote: “There is only one

good-knowledge; and there is only one evil-ignorance.”

– Sentenced to death for corrupting youth of Athens

Philosophers

• Plato– Student of Socrates– Wrote book The

Republic– Ideal political society

• Farmers and artisans• Warriors• Rulers: philosopher/kings

Philosophers

• Aristotle– Student of Plato– Explained nature in the

world– Wrote books about

psychology, physics, biology, and logic

– Basis for Scientific Method

Greek Philosophy: summarize the ideas of the following philosophers:

Begin reading on page 138…Sophists:Socrates:Aristotle:Plato:The Stoics (pg148)The Epicureans (pg148)Which of these philosophers do you most agree with? Explain why.

Alexander the Great

• Greece weakened by Peloponnesian Wars

• Alexander took control of Greece after death of his father

• Assembled large army and began the spread of Hellenistic (Greek) culture

Alexander’s Empire• Spread Greek ideas and language to Egypt, Persian

Empire, and to India• Fought 11 years, then soldiers refused• Merger of Greek and Persian culture emerged

Hellenistic Culture in Alexandria

• Trade and cultural center– Trade ships from around the

Mediterranean– Cultural diversity– Beauty of Alexandria

• Wide streets• Palaces• Statues of Greek gods• Lighthouse by the harbor• Museum and library

Ancient Mediterranean