Book 1: Chapter 7, Athens in Relation to Culture Summary and Analysis

Athens began to flourish during the Persian wars, between 490 BC and 480-79 BC. Their winning against Persia led to a higher prestige. The Ionians rebelled against Persia and were liberated by Athens who became their ally. Athens achieved maritime supremacy and changed their alliance into an Athenian Empire under Pericles. During this most beneficial time for Athens Aeschylus wrote the Persae on the defeat of Darius. He was followed by Sophocles and Eurypides.

During the invasion of Athens by Xerxes the Acropolis was destroyed but then rebuilt by Pericles, who also built Parthenon and other temples. Herodotus born in Halicarnassus in Asia Minor, living in Athens, wrote about Persian wars. Athens managed to gain wealth only after its victory, and as such remained until modern times. Its works that...