Classical greece2

The Classical Age, 479-336 BCE

  • Greece begins its classical period
    479 BCE

    Greece begins its classical period

    During this period, remarkable accomplishments in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and democracy in Athens occurred.
  • 477 BCE

    The Delian League is created

    Maritime poleis on the coasts and islands of the Aegean form a defensive league with the purpose of preventing future Persian invasions. The league is established on the sacred island of Delos.
  • Athens becomes a dominating city and enters the Golden Age
    454 BCE

    Athens becomes a dominating city and enters the Golden Age

    Athens proves their power over the other members of the Delian League by transferring the league's treasury from the island of Delos to Athens. This sacrilegious act brought Athens great wealth, instituting the Golden Age of Athens.
  • Aspasia becomes Pericles' mistress
    445 BCE

    Aspasia becomes Pericles' mistress

    Aspasia was on of Pericles' closest companions and most influential advisors. She received criticism for her influence on the leader, but Pericles remained loyal and maintained his close relationship with Aspasia.
    *Occurred mid 440s BCE. Exact year not specified in text
  • Pericles elected strategos of Athens for first time
    443 BCE

    Pericles elected strategos of Athens for first time

    Officials called strategos were elected as commanders of tribal army units. A notable strategos of Athens's Golden Age was Pericles, who was first elected in this year but would continue to be elected the 14 years following up to his death. Pericles was responsible for ensuring that poor citizens could participate in Athenian politics, paying the jurors and members of the Council of 500, designing beautiful public spaces in Athens, and more.