Ancient Athens: Center of the Arts in Classical Greece

Origins of Athenian Artistic Flourishing

Following the Persian defeat in 479 BC, Athens emerged as a stronghold of learning, philosophy, and the arts in the classical period. It became renowned as the home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum.

Pericles' Patronage

Athenian general Pericles played a pivotal role in promoting artistic excellence around 450 BC. He allocated public funds to support artists, enabling them to create masterpieces that adorned the city-state.