How Did Athens Influence Athenian Society

Arjun Bhat

Anne-Marie Russell

World Studies

29 September 2015

5th Century BCE Periclean Athens

Periclean Athens Periclean Athens refers to the time period dating between 477 to 431 BCE. After the demise of the Persians, Athens set out to become one of the most influential Greek societies. The word Periclean, originates from Pericles, who was one of the most prominent Greek statesman who was the general and orator of Athens between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. The time he ruled over Athens is also commonly referred to as the Golden Age. During the Golden Age, Athens vast range of traditions and rituals, and established influential culture in Athenian life. However despite of its rich heritage and culture, Athenian society also had a few abominable points, for instance their high prejudice towards women, which resulted in females being discriminated against. Herein this essay will be analysing institutions that directly affected the way Athenians lived and the manner their society functioned. The household’s and everyday lives where males had total control over females, the democratic structure which only males could participate in and, the all male education

Prior to the 5th century education of students was in the hands of private tutors as formal education was only obtained by the rich tough as the fees were expensive ,therefore only the wealthy could afford them. Tough during the golden age up to the age of seven, boys were brought up at home after which they had to attend school. Schooling began around the age of seven and largely prepared boys to be good citizens and continued onwards for as long as their parents could afford to pay for their tuition fees or as long as the parents did not require their children to become economically productive towards the