Seeking Socrates
CHORUS 1: THE GOLDEN AGE
Athenian democracy. The ancient world had never
before seen anything quite like it. A city-state ruled by
its own citizenry, not by a king or a select few.
Just 20 years after the people of Athens had risen
in revolt against their tyrant, they faced another… King
Xerxes, whose Persian empire stretched half way to
China. Imagine his surprise, when against all odds,
Athenians--fighting together in phalanx--defeated the
Persian invaders at Marathon. And won the day.
So began the Golden Age of Athens. In little more
than 50 years--inspired by self rule and the heroes of a
mythic past—Athens built its own empire. And with it,
came an outpouring of art, architecture, philosophy
and science unmatched in all human history.
Athens had no elected officials, no judges, lawyers
or ruling class. Still, leaders emerged. Playwrights
and mathematicians. Physicians, athletes, and poets.
Bold generals, master artisans. All who earned the
respect of Athens also had its ear when they rose to
speak in the Assembly. Chief among them, Pericles.
Handsome, haughty, and well educated, his powers of
persuasion were inspiring. As was his vision: rebuild
Athens, with its crowning glory, a temple to Athena-the Parthenon--shining for the Ages, high on a hill.