In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, Chapter 5, students explore the Age of Pericles and its impact on Athenian government and culture, including the rise of direct democracy and how Pericles expanded civic participation to ordinary citizens. Students also examine the contrast between direct democracy in ancient Athens and representative democracy in the United States, using Pericles's Funeral Oration as a primary source. The lesson sets the stage for understanding how Athens' golden age of prosperity and cultural achievement eventually gave way to conflict and decline through the Peloponnesian War with Sparta.
Section 1
Pericles Leads Athens into a Golden Age
Athens became the center of Greek culture. Architects built the Parthenon, a temple with perfect proportions to honor Athena. Sculptors created lifelike statues celebrating the human form.
It was also a time of great thinking.
Section 2
Athenians Govern Themselves Directly
Under Pericles, Athens developed a new form of government. This system was a direct democracy, where citizens played a hands-on role in running their city-state. It allowed all male citizens, not just the wealthy, to participate in government.
Citizens would gather in a large assembly to debate issues and vote on laws. Instead of electing representatives to make choices for them, Athenian citizens made the final decisions themselves. This gave them great power and responsibility in their government.
Section 3
Athenian Society Defines Strict Roles
During its Golden Age, Athenian society was organized into strict groups. Only adult men who were citizens could vote and participate in the government. They spent their days in public spaces like the agora, discussing politics and business.
Most women were expected to stay home to manage the household and raise children. They had very few rights and could not take part in public life.
Section 4
Athens Builds an Empire
Following the Persian Wars, Athens led an alliance called the Delian League. Many Greek city-states joined together to protect themselves from future attacks. Members contributed ships or money to a shared treasury for defense.
Soon, Athens began to control the league. It moved the treasury to its own city and used the money to build up its power and glorify Athens. The alliance was no longer a group of equals.
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Section 1
Pericles Leads Athens into a Golden Age
Athens became the center of Greek culture. Architects built the Parthenon, a temple with perfect proportions to honor Athena. Sculptors created lifelike statues celebrating the human form.
It was also a time of great thinking.
Section 2
Athenians Govern Themselves Directly
Under Pericles, Athens developed a new form of government. This system was a direct democracy, where citizens played a hands-on role in running their city-state. It allowed all male citizens, not just the wealthy, to participate in government.
Citizens would gather in a large assembly to debate issues and vote on laws. Instead of electing representatives to make choices for them, Athenian citizens made the final decisions themselves. This gave them great power and responsibility in their government.
Section 3
Athenian Society Defines Strict Roles
During its Golden Age, Athenian society was organized into strict groups. Only adult men who were citizens could vote and participate in the government. They spent their days in public spaces like the agora, discussing politics and business.
Most women were expected to stay home to manage the household and raise children. They had very few rights and could not take part in public life.
Section 4
Athens Builds an Empire
Following the Persian Wars, Athens led an alliance called the Delian League. Many Greek city-states joined together to protect themselves from future attacks. Members contributed ships or money to a shared treasury for defense.
Soon, Athens began to control the league. It moved the treasury to its own city and used the money to build up its power and glorify Athens. The alliance was no longer a group of equals.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter