The Classical Greek Period: 480-323 BCE

The Classical Greek Period (480-323 BCE) was a time of significant progress, particularly in the city-state of Athens. It was marked by major political change, and progressive developments in science and culture. In addition, the unique architecture of this period can be seen today in the ancient temple ruins that stand reminiscent of its extraordinary history (Harrison 2000). At the same time, the classical Greek period also marked the beginning of the second Persian invasion which consisted of three major battles: the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis in 480 BCE, followed by the battle of Platea in 479. The significance of Cleisthenes’ democratic reforms and Themistocles’ military naval project in the liberation of Greece from Persia will
One of the most significant developments of the reforms involved reorganising the communities in Athens and the surrounding Attica region, by dividing the entire region into individual districts called demes (Ostwald 1988, p. 313; Stahl & Walter 2009, p. 156). Another significant change involved equality and self-government, although females and slaves were excluded from political participation. Regardless of wealth or social standing, all male citizens could attend political assemblies and be involved in various areas of public office including, the democratic council of 500, the board of ten generals, and serve as one of the 6,000 jurors selected each year (Raaflaub, Ober & Wallace 2007, p. 4; Strauss 2013, p.25; Thomas 2014, p. 60). Ostracism was also introduced as part of the reforms to protect the new democratically designed system from anyone who threatened it (Harrison 2000; Strauss 2013, p.
The Greek army held the Persians at the passage for three days’ despite being greatly outnumbered, with some sources suggesting there were 50 Persian soldiers to one Greek (Pudrusch 2007). However, a traitor informed Xerxes of a secret route that would lead the Persians to an area behind the Greeks. The Persians followed the path and trapped the Greek army (Hammond 1988, p. 555; Thomas 2014, p. 50). At this point, Leonides discharged most of the other Greek soldiers apart from the 300 Spartans and continued the attack on the Persians (Hammond 1988, p. 556; Pudrusch 2007; Thomas 2014, p. 51). Subsequently, Leonides and his 300 men were overcome during the last stages of the battle and were killed by Persian archers (Hammond 1988, p. 557, 558; Pudrusch 2007). It is important to note that under the instructions of Themistocles, the people abandoned Athens before the Persians arrived. Having finally succeeded at overpowering the Greeks at Thermopylae, Xerxes and his envoy set off through the pass towards Athens to destroy the state (Harrison 2000; Thomas 2014 p.