Athens: From Democracy To Hemlock – 6. The Golden Age
Phidias Showing the Frieze of the Parthenon to Pericles, Aspasia, Alcibiades and friends", by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
The Delian League of Athens – The Big Olive – Quality of life – Themistocles ostracized – Pericles rises to power – A city fit to rule an empire – Glorious new vision – The Parthenon – Spiritual heart of the city – Statue of Athena – The Parthenon Frieze – Democracy heroized – Ideals to which you can aspire.
The Parthenon west pediment features Athena fighting Poseidon over patronage of the city
The Delian League creates a climate of commerce in the region, and Athens, undisputed leader of the League, finds itself in the middle of a vast trade network. Her economy grows, and so does her power.
Themistocles, proud vanquisher of the Persians, acquires enemies during his political career. He is eventually ostracized by Athenians, and spends the rest of his life in exile, dying in Persia, the country he had helped defeat.
Pericles, noble aristocrat, is voted in office to lead Athens into a new age. His vision includes the building of the Parthenon, a glorious monument to the patron goddess Athena, which will encapsulate Athens’ greatness.
From the phenomenal Atlantic Productions Documentary Series, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
Narrator: Liam Neeson
FOR MORE Athens: From Democracy to Hemlock
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