Classical Greece

Birth of classical culture

y Greek culture flourished y Advances in many fields  Sciences  Philosophy  Art  Music  Dance  architecture

Reshaping urban landscape

y Athens greatly profited at this time y Great deal of building/public works y Recognized the need to build up support from

the masses
Public works for benefit of people  Painted Stoa built by Cimon


Glorified his familys military leadership

y voluntary  Rich did have to pay for religious festivals

Painted Stoa

Parthenon

Parthenon
y Enormous marble temple to Athena atop cliffs in

center of city
y House for its divinity not a gathering place for

worshippers
y Massive size and innovation  Reflected self-confidence of the period  Also the competition with other city-states y Saw as sign that the gods would guarantee their victory

Greek art
y Humanism focus on

people
y y Realism follow what

nature laid out

y Idealism go beyond

what nature shows

Comparing art

Religion in a changing society

y Huge emphasis on sacrifices and festivals y Athens - nearly 50% of the days of the year

included a festival


key events met with prayers and sacrifices

y Use of Seers and magicians as well y Mystery cults  Provide secret knowledge to members  Driven by belief that gods would protect them

Women in Golden Age Athens

y Huge emphasis on the

family


Didnt eliminate homosexuality among men

y Efforts to keep women

from owning property their lives



y Had restrictions placed on

Antigone

y Hetaira (companions)  Went outside of traditional gender roles

Creation of the Hellenistic World

y Rise of Alexander the y

y y y

Great Succeeded his father under suspicious circumstances Student of Aristotle Determined to conquer the known world Spread Greek ideas with his empire