Athens: The Cradle of Western Civilization

Social Studies for 9th EBG – Teacher: Mauricio Torres

The Athenians lived by the seaside, so they became sailors.

During the Persian wars, they came out as one of the most powerful city-states from Greece. They used their navy to fight

effectively the Persians. Their boats were called

triremes. Athenians dominated the

Aegean.

A Naval Power

Like Spartan boys, they trained with their bodies and also learned to fight, but it was not as long or harsh. Army duty only lasted two years.

Part of their education was to learn new skills: read, write, count, sing and play musical instruments.

Boys from rich families usually continued their education far beyond by hiring private tutors. With them they learned philosophy, geometry,

astronomy and public speaking. Poor kids didn’t have a complete education, but

could at least read and write.

Education

It was unusual for girls to have a good education. This was because men thought women

did not need it. Very few learned to read and write with

private tutors. Their education was focused on

household tasks. Women had fewer rights:

They could not serve in government, leave their homes, own property, disobey their parents

What rights did they actually have?!

Role of Women

As you already know by now, the government in Athens went through many different changes.

Cleisthenes finally set up democracy as a way for government. It was a government ruled by the people.

Government: Democracy

He was the most prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the Golden Age—specifically, the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. Pericles promoted the arts and literature; it is

principally through his efforts that Athens holds the reputation of being the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world.

Pericles had such a profound influence on Athenian society that a contemporary historian, acclaimed him as "the first citizen of Athens”.

Pericles

Recall: What were Athenian girls taught? Analyze: In what two different areas did the

Athenians educate their kids? Evaluate: “Athenians valued education and

the arts an believed that educated people made the best citizens”. Do you agree or not? Why?

Ask Yourself

Burstein, S. M., & Shek, R. (2012). World History (Teacher´s Edition) (1st Edition ed.). (H. McDougal, Ed.) Orlando, Florida, US.: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Images taken from www.google.com

Bibliography