Section 1
Pericles Transforms Athens into a Democratic Center
Under Pericles's 30-year leadership, Athens became more democratic as he appointed people based on abilities rather than social class, rebuilt the city, and supported arts and learning.
In this Grade 4 lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students explore the Age of Pericles and learn how Athens practiced direct democracy, in which all male citizens voted directly on laws and government matters. Students compare direct democracy to representative democracy as used in the United States today, while examining how Pericles expanded citizen participation and made Athens a cultural center. The lesson also covers how the Peloponnesian War led to the decline of Athenian power and Greek culture.
Section 1
Pericles Transforms Athens into a Democratic Center
Under Pericles's 30-year leadership, Athens became more democratic as he appointed people based on abilities rather than social class, rebuilt the city, and supported arts and learning.
Section 2
Athenians Create Different Roles for Men and Women
Men worked as farmers and merchants and participated in politics, while women focused on households and children. Women couldn't own property or participate in political activities.
Section 3
Athens and Sparta Fight for Greek Dominance
The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) erupted when Athens dominated the Delian League. Sparta eventually defeated Athens by allying with Persia, leaving Greek city-states weak and divided.
Section 4
Greeks Practice Two Forms of Democracy
Athens used direct democracy where citizens debated and voted on issues themselves, while modern governments like the United States use representative democracy where citizens elect officials to govern.
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Section 1
Pericles Transforms Athens into a Democratic Center
Under Pericles's 30-year leadership, Athens became more democratic as he appointed people based on abilities rather than social class, rebuilt the city, and supported arts and learning.
Section 2
Athenians Create Different Roles for Men and Women
Men worked as farmers and merchants and participated in politics, while women focused on households and children. Women couldn't own property or participate in political activities.
Section 3
Athens and Sparta Fight for Greek Dominance
The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) erupted when Athens dominated the Delian League. Sparta eventually defeated Athens by allying with Persia, leaving Greek city-states weak and divided.
Section 4
Greeks Practice Two Forms of Democracy
Athens used direct democracy where citizens debated and voted on issues themselves, while modern governments like the United States use representative democracy where citizens elect officials to govern.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter