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Document #10
Directions: Use the document below to help you answer the following questions. Use Complete Sentences
for your answers.
* In 431 B.C.E. the Athenian leader Pericles delivered a funeral oration for Greek military who died in the
early stages of what became a long war with Sparta. This Peloponnesian War led ultimately to the defeat of
Athens and to a political decline in classical Greece as a whole.*
Athenian Democracy and Culture
“ Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighbouring states; we are rather a pattern to others than
imitators ourselves. Its administration favours the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a
democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences… The freedom
which we enjoy in government extends also to our ordinary life….
Further we provide plenty of means for the mind to refresh itself from business. We celebrate games
and sacrifices all the year round... while the magnitude (scale) of our city draws the produce of the world into
our harbour, so that to the Athenians the fruits of other countries are as familiar a luxury as those of his own.
If we turn to our military policy, there also we differ from our antagonists (rival). We throw open our
city to the world and never by alien acts exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing….
It may be noticed that Spartans do not invade our country alone, but bring with them all their confederates
(ally); while we Athenians advance unsupported into the territory of a neighbor…
Rather, the admiration (respect) of the present and succeeding (following) ages will be ours, since we
have not left our power without witness, but have shown it by mighty proofs; and far from needing a
Homer… we have forced every sea and land to be the highway of our daring, and everywhere, whether for
evil or for good, have left imperishable (permanent) monuments behind us…”
1. Who wins the Peloponnesian War? Whose society was based around military excellence?
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2. Is Athenian government similar to other city-states in the area? Who does this government favor?
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3. According to the document, what are two ways that the mind of an Athenian is able to relax?
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4. How is Athenian military policy different from other Greek city-states? Give two examples of how it is
different.
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5. According to the document, “ we have not left our power without witness.” What does this statement
mean? Give one example of how Athens is able to accomplish this. Give a detailed answer.
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