Golden Age of Athens

461 BCEAthens, Greecehigh importance

Athens reached its peak of cultural, political, and economic power under Pericles.

The Golden Age of Athens (roughly 461–429 BCE) was a period when Athens dominated the Greek world. Under the leadership of Pericles, Athens built the Parthenon, developed democratic government, and became the cultural center of the ancient world. Philosophy (Socrates), drama (Sophocles, Euripides), and history (Herodotus, Thucydides) all flourished.

Key Takeaways

Peak of Athenian democracy and culture

Parthenon was built during this period

Birthplace of Western philosophy and drama

Key Figures

Socrates

470 BCE – 399 BCE

Taught philosophy in the agora

Pericles

495 BCE – 429 BCE

Led Athens during the Golden Age

Plato

428 BCE – 348 BCE

Grew up during this era