Axis Age/ Golden Age in Greece

Introduction:  Today we interview Pericles.

               

Question:  What was the Golden Age in Greece?

Answer:  The Golden Greece was the time of light in ancient Greece.  We had beautiful architecture and art.  The theatre was revolutionized in the Greek civilization.  The Persian invaders had been driven out entirely and the Athenian empire needed to be rebuilt.  There was the evolution of the jury system.  Mathematics originated during this time period.  There was amazing science and philosophy also.  The Golden Age of Greece was when Athens was at its height in wealth, prestige and military power.


Question:  Were you a ruler during this age?

Answer:  Yes I was.  I ruled from 460-429 BC. 

Question:  What were your views on democracy?

Answer:  I had three goals; to strengthen democracy, beautify the empire and expand the empire.  I wanted a direct democracy.  I wanted to change the balance of power between the rich and poor.  I raised public service and individual ability above class. I paid my public officials, so the poor could afford to hold office.  As long as you were over 18, a free male, and a son of Athenian-born parents you could be in office. 

Question:  In philosophy, what some great Greek achievements?

Answer:  Some philosophical achievements in Greek would include humanism, which states that man is the center of Heaven and Earth.  Socrates developed the Socratic Method.  This method would be a series of questions he would ask citizens of Athens to analyze their lives.  He was put on trial at age 70 and he was condemned to death.  Plato, a student of Socrates, wanted a republic which was more of a group of educated men and a philosopher king.  He didn’t trust a democracy after the death of Socrates.  His student, Aristotle, wanted one single well educated ruler.  Overall, ancient Greece had many great philosophers. 
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