Lecture 12

17th February 2017

Delian League/ Athenian Empire
After the victory against the Persian, wall were built around Athens and her harbour
(Piracus) under the instruction of Thermiscales for security purpose
o They became known as the long wall of Athens
o The city became invulnerable against invaders and were able to capitalise on its
naval strength

The league was created by the city states of the Ageane, who came together and every
year would either supply money or men in case the Persian every decided to come and
attack again
o The Athenians took control, when the Spartans refused to take the charge.

Aristides the Just (d. 468 B.C.)

o He was Ostracised, but called back to participate in the second Persian war.
Cimon (son of Miltiades) (d. 450 B.C.)
o Pushed for Athens to take the head of the League
o 454 B.C.: the treasury of the league was moved from Delian to Athens which
causes the name of the league to change and become known as the Athenian
Empire. This leads to a great building spree to make the city look the part of a
capital city.
Pericles (d. 429) {the Athenian son of Xanthippus}
o He was elected Strategos (443 - 429 B.C.), which is how he maintained political
power.
o Assumed leadership of Athenian Democratic Party 461 B.C.
o He was around the period known as the PENTENCONTAETIA {Golden Age of
Athens - the 50 years}
 The Architecture of the Athenian Acropolis
Development of Greek Temple:
o An out of Mycenaean megaron with its;
Porch (porcella)
Cella

o They face east whenever possible

o There are two main Architectural Orders:

Doric Order
Popular in the West
Plainer
 Ionic Order
Popular in the East
Much more decorative, with a distinctive swirl pattern that is easy to
distinguish between the two styles

The Acropolis at Athens

o Each temple was associate with the Goddess Athena, as she was the patron of
the city

o Buildings (dates construction begun):

Propylaea (437- 438 B.C.)
Both Dorian and Ionic style are used in the constructions of the
building
Mnesicles was the architecture

Parthenon (447 B.C)

The style of architecture is Doric
Temple of Athena Nike (c. 420 B.C)
Erectheum (end 5th Century)