The Greek Golden Age

c. 500–c. 400 B.C.E.

In the fifth century, Greece enjoyed a period of extraordinary prosperity and achievement, with Athens leading the way. Its economy was booming and its culture flourishing. At the same time, its male citizens developed the first democracy in history, and under their guidance, Athens became the leader of the Greek world. The first four documents attest to the dynamic nature of Greek politics, art, philosophy, and science. They also reveal that, even as innovation fueled Greece’s rise to glory, the pull of traditional beliefs remained strong. Such beliefs were especially influential in establishing expected behavior for both women and men. As the last two selections demonstrate, a woman’s status was inextricably linked to her roles as wife and mother. To put either in jeopardy threatened the very foundations of Greek society.