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500 BCE
The Golden Age
The Golden Age was the time after the Dark Ages ended. This was the moment where Greek culture prospered, like theater, philosophy, democracy, and sculpture. Athens became very wealthy and powerful thanks to the Persian Wars which led to their high income of expensive sculpture like the Parthenon. Greek Columns, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, were also created during this time. Forms of art was very popular too. Paintings and sculptures were commonly created and plays were performed often. -
500 BCE
Three Types of Plays
During the Golden Age of Greece, a famous entertainment was created. Theaters were developed from a festival the Greeks held in honor to the gods, mainly Dionysus, the god of festivity. Of the plays there were Drama, Comedy, and Satyr. Dramas were about humans, disobeying the gods, making the story intense and dramatic. Comedies were filled with humor, slapstick jokes, and rude comedy. Satyr plays was the combination of Drama and Comedy, basically fun plot lines that made fun of tragedies. -
499 BCE
Persian War
The Persian War was caused by king Darius, who was mad at the Greeks. In 490 BCE, located in Marathon, Greeks won the battle with a formation called phalanx, meaning foot soldiers would hold shields and spears to protect themselves and attack. Battle of Thermopylae was the battle near the end of the war at 480-479 BCE. The effects of Greece after winning in 449 BCE at the battle of Salamis were good. Greeks are now free from the threat of Persia, and Athens becomes wealthy and powerful. -
469 BCE
Socrates
Socrates was a well-known philosopher who taught by asking various amounts of questions. Because of this there was a method of teaching where teachers ask students questions to help them answer their problems. Socrates was a very bold and independent man. At often times he would do things his way, for example, instead of recording his beliefs he preferred arguing. He would randomly engage arguments about, “justice, bravery, and piety.” Though his death was depressing, his teachings stay with us. -
428 BCE
Plato
Plato was Socrates most famous student. Plato was most famous for writing the book, “The Republic” which was about Plato’s ideal society. Since he didn’t believe in Democracy, Plato argued that the government should be ruled by the wisest of the city, which was a type of government called aristocracy. This displayed Plato’s high belief in only the best should succeed. For example, Plato believed all children should be raised properly so they will all have equal chances of succeeding. -
384 BCE
Aritstotle
Aristotle was a great scientist that began his journey in the school of another famous philosopher, Plato. Aristotle’s beliefs lied in using logic over reason. Born in Macedonia, Aristotle moved to Athens to study within Plato’s Academy. After his studies, Aristotle moved back to Macedonia where he began teaching King Philip’s son, Alexander, to be a good military leader. Once Alexander became King, Aristotle returned to Athens to open his own school. There his theories and studies developed. -
336 BCE
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great was the son of Philip II who as the king of Macedonia, but he was murdered in 336 BCE. His crown passed early to Alexander who was 20 years old at the time. Alexander was very successful in conquering the other countries. He conquered Egypt in 332 BCE and Persia in 333 BCE. Though he was great, Alexander died at age 33 of a mysterious illness that took over quickly in 323 BCE. Alexander’s accomplishments would flourish throughout the Hellenistic Age. -
323 BCE
Hellenistic Age
The Hellenistic Age was basically the mix of Greek and Asian culture that began to form when Alexander began conquering more land towards the east. After Alexander passed away, his top three generals decided to split the empire into thirds. With that, the culture spread. Several new cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa became the centers of Greek Culture, the place where learning, and culture advanced. Many people like Hippocrates, Archimedes, and Pythagoras started their journey here too.