Democracy and Greece's Golden Age

The golden age of Ancient Greece was a period where democratic principles and classical culture flourished. Greece's standards in art, politics, literature, and philosophy are still influential today.
477-431 BCE Athens experienced a growth in intellectual and artistic learning due to the rule of Pericles, a a statesman who held popular support for 32 years, strengthening democracy, the empire, and Athens.
Pericles strengthened democracy by increasing the number of paid public officials. Prior to this, holding public office was an unpaid job that only the wealthy could afford. Because of Pericles, even the poorest could hold office if elected or chosen by lot.
Due to this reform, Athens had more citizens engaged in self-government than any other city-state, making Athens one of the most democratic governments in history.

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