Plato and Architecture in Athens

The Parthenon was built because of democratic ideals. It displays how in some ways it was the start of free democracy in Athens. There was a lot of debate on whether or not they should rebuild the temples after the war, but ultimately an assembly decided to go forward with the building. The assembly displayed democratic ideals through the voting that took place to decide if the temples should be rebuilt. The Parthenon was a symbol of victory for democracy in Athens.

Kallet-Marx, Lisa. “Did Tribute Fund the Parthenon?”. Classical Antiquity. 1 October 1989; 8 (2): 252–266. doi:…

The Agora was the center place for Athenian democracy. It was a place where people gathered for social events, religious practices, commerce, and law practices. In this bustling space, people discussed politics and were able to share different views. Because the court was located in a public place, people were able to observe the justice system’s practices and talk about them. It served as the social hub for politics to be discussed and debated. Famous philosophers even gathered at the Agora to discuss their views on politics and the government systems.

Sennett, Richard. The Spaces…

The East Pediment of the Parthenon depicts the Olympian god Zeus and the birth of the goddess Athena. It can be perceived as an arrogant and self-confident decision on the Athenian’s part to picture civilians and soldiers with gods/goddesses. However, the illustration made by the sculpture shows the victories of the Athenians and support from the gods for their actions. The pediments serve as examples of how dedicated the Athenians were to honor their gods. It allows others to see how powerful Athens is and how they intend to dominate going further.

Palagia, Olga. “Introduction.”…

Plato wrote in The Laws that democracy and monarchy are the “mothers of regimes,” or that they serve as the foundation to other types of governing. Plato recommends a mix of the two to create balance while incorporating the voices of the people. Plato was very much against democracy, but in The Laws he showed some support for this newly popular way of governing. In the painting The School of Athens, Plato is seen in the center of many other influential and great minds, which shows his fame and reliability. By placing Plato in the center of other influential figures from different times,…

In this book, Plato writes from the point of view of an outsider watching a conversation between an Athenian, a Spartan, and a Cretan. The book presented is  a collection of Plato’s writings put together by a separate author. These three men are discussing the creation of a constitution for a new Cretan country. This book dives into Plato’s thoughts on democracy, it is called a discussion of political philosophy. This book is Plato;s last work, and is considered to be one of his most controversial or hated pieces. The Laws reflects different views on democracy and how this change in…

Photo citation:

Dpikros. “Plato the Greek Philosopher Statue on Blue Sky Background.” Dreamstime , 2020, www.dreamstime.com/athens-greece-plato-greek-philosopher-statue-blue-sk….

Within this book, Plato gives his in-depth opinion of democracy. He says, “Possibly, said I, this is the most beautiful of polities; as a garment of many colors, embroidered with all kinds of hues, so this, decked and diversified with every type of character,…