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Transcript
Historical Background to the Trial of Socrates The Golden Age 5th century BC (479-432 BC) Flowering of modern ideals – democracy, balance, tolerance, love of beauty, the pursuit of excellence Athenian victories in Persian Wars (499-479 BC) responsible for optimism Famous battles – Marathon, Salamis, Plataea Persians defeated and expelled from Greece Athenian established empire Exacted tribute from smaller states and became wealthy – used for fleet and building programme Lasted until outbreak of Peloponnesian War 432 The Peloponnesian War, 432-404 BC Sparta vs Athens Sparta – aristocratic, militaristic, conservative, progressive Athens – liberal, democratic The anti-thesis of each other, creating suspicion Minor dispute between Corinth and Athens led to war 430-429 plague – many died, morale dropped, lawlessness 421 peace treaty signed, but ended in 415 when Athenian fleet was wiped out in a disastrous expedition to Sicily Government and Leadership a new breed of politician emerges after Pericles The violent Cleon in 420s who persuaded the Assembly to put all the women and children of Melos to death. Alcibiades – the golden boy gone wrong, who advocated Sicilian expedition Indicative of a new spirit of folly in the city Alcibiades A friend of Socrates and admired him greatly Charismatic and handsome playboy Instrumental in his downfall Nephew of Pericles Responsible for Sicilian expedition Implicated in desecration of statues called Hermes which were thought to ensure fertility of households Went over to Spartans and gave advice Oligarchic Revolution Temporary abandonment of democracy – 411 Appointed council of 400 men made all decisions Called an Oligarchy – rule by a small number of people Oligarchy overthrown and replaced by rule of 5000 410 democracy reestablished Alcibiades recalled but banished again 407 His arrogance and treachery in Peloponnesian war were to be remembered by the jury at Socrates’ trial – he was a pupil of Socs 406 BC Athens won battle of Arginusae – led to the enfranchisement of slaves who had rowed fleet Six of the eight generals at the battle were condemned to death en bloc because failed to pick up survivors The Thirty Tyrants 404 Athens surrendered to Sparta Oligarchy based on Sparta installed Among them were a number of Socrates’ former pupils Critias to feature prominently in Socrates’ trial Critias proved to be most unscrupulous and vicious of them all – as believer in aristocratic power he declared war against democratic party Restoration of Democracy 403 BC