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This module begins by exploring the development of Athenian democracy; it also looks briefly at the rise of Sparta and then examines key battles against the Persian Empire which brought Athens to a position of prominence in the Greek world. The second part of the module assesses contemporary social practices and attitudes at Athens; and puts under the spotlight the extraordinary burst of creative activity which resulted in the development of philosophy, historiography (the writing of history), tragedy and comedy, law and much else – all with the aim of providing a holistic picture of Athenian society and culture in this central period of Greek history as Athens grew from city to empire.
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