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Golden Ages and Achievements
Golden Ages and Achievements
In all of human history, there has never been a time when everything was perfect. That hasn't stopped us, however, from believing that it was.
An era of relative peace, prosperity, and cultural production which will define an entire society is often called a "golden age." It's a nice idea, but where does this come from? According to Greek mythology, before the rise of true human societies (with the Bronze Age, etc.), all people lived in the "golden age" where there was peace without war, a constant abundance of food for which nobody had to work, and complete happiness.
So, the "golden age" in Greek mythology was just that...a myth. Historians, today, still talk about historical "golden ages," eras of prosperity in a society's history; while these periods did actually exist, we need to remember that everything wasn't perfect. The understanding of them as "golden ages" is a part of our modern cultures, as we try to understand what people of the past mean to us today. This is as much about the legacies from the past, as it is about our connection to what came before now.
The "Golden Age" of Athens
The "Golden Age" of Athens
Visiting Athens during its "golden age," one would pass through the city's gates and wind one's way through narrow streets to the agora, the public meeting place in the center of the city. The agora is a large square. On two sides would be magnificent public buildings. The other two sides have covered walkways where one would meet and talk with friends about current issues. In the center of the square are market stalls with a variety of goods for sale, from all over Greece and beyond. Nearby, one would see the acropolis, a high, craggy hill crowned with great temples, rising above the city.
This tour of Athens will explore several important sites in ancient Athens. At each site, there will be information about major cultural achievements accomplished during Athens's Golden Age: Greek religion, architecture, sculpture, drama, philosophy, and sports.
Station Directions (A-F)
Station Directions (A-F)
AW_LM_SD_29.pdfStation B: Architecture
Station B: Architecture
With a partner, design your temple to celebrate the naming of Athens!
Hang your blueprint up on the wall under the appropriate class period.
Under this society, the Athenians developed democracy, philosophy, and mathematics, as well as the most advanced architecture and sculpture in the world (at that time). Was everything perfect? No! They constantly were at war, practiced slavery, and were highly segregated by gender. But they set foundations of European cultural values that persist to this day.
Sources and Information
Sources and Information
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