Athenian Confidence in the Golden Age, 478–431 B.C.E.

Victory fractured the Greek alliance because the allies resented the Spartans’ harshness and the Athenians now competed with them to lead Greece. This competition created the Athenian Empire. The growth of Athens’s power inspired its citizens to broaden their democracy and spend vast amounts to fund officials and jurors, public buildings, art, and religious festivals.