The Greeks -“Crucible of Civilization”

Introduction

The PBS Documentary, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization starts with the history of Athens beginning with the rule of Peisistratos (607 - 528 BCE) under whom this small town prospered. While great civilizations like Egypt and Persia prospered around rivers, Athens was a mountainous region. Peisistratos encouraged farming and provided loans and soon Athens was exporting the hot commodity of the times - olive oil to nations around the Mediterranian to Egypt, Persia, and Phoenicia. The booming trade made Athens wealthy and prosperous.

Discussion

After the death of Peisistratos, his son Hippias took over. He ruled fairly initially, but ...