Athens Times
Athenian History: The Accomplishments of Athens
Victory Against Persia (490 B.C)
On the way to Athens, the Persians were stalled by a small group of Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. The Persians won this battle, but they were about to walk right into the trap the Athenians set up for them. They were lured onto sea, where small and swift Athenian boats sailed around the large Persian ships and sank them. This plan caught the Persians off guard, and the Athens won. This victory made our city-state the most powerful in Greece.
Persian War
Solon
Delian League
Leaders Who Helped Athens (650 B.C.)
Solon and Cleisthenes were less harsh. Solon repealed most, if not all, of Draco's overly harsh laws and decided to bring order to Athens in a way other than harshness. During his rule, he made many reforms: he cancelled all debt and freed people enslaved from debt, encouraged the balance between industry and agriculture, and let people bring crimes against another regardless of status. Solon also made it mandatory for all citizens to take part in assembly and vote on issues. Cleisthenes also believed that democracy should be expanded. He created the Council of Five Hundred, and the council members were chosen randomly, so everyone had an equal chance.
Golden Age of Athens (500 B.C.)
Pericles strengthened the democratic system in Athens. He made it possible for anyone, poor or rich, to have a public officer position and get paid. In addition, he strengthened the commercial empire. He used revenue collected from the Delian League treasury and built a strong navy. The navy would help expand the trading networks and spread Greek customs. Finally, Pericles ordered the construction of one of the most prominent Greek sculptures, the Parthenon. The Parthenon honored Athena and there's a statue of Athena in it.
Athenian Architecture (500 B.C.)
Three different types of columns were designed in the Golden Age. They included doric, ionic, and corinthian. Doric was the most basic of the three. It was very normal, and had no intricate details or carvings. Ionic was a bit fancier, and corinthian was the most decorative of the three. Corinthian columns had detailed carvings, and took a lot of effort and time to make.
Doric
Ionic
Corinthian
Sparta vs. Athens
Athens, however, has a much more organized democratic society, and all issues are resolved quickly and conveniently by a council of citizens. Also, the Spartans didn't leave much of an imprint other than their powerful army. They were a very rigid and hard set group of people, but that can't get anyone anywhere. Athenians welcome new ideas and suggestions to help build Athens and make it better. We also focus on our unique forms of art and knowledge.