A group of Greek teachers and scholars in the fifth century BCE who argued that attempts by humans to understand the universe were futile. Sophists believed that the universe was incomprehensible to the human mind, and that humans should strive to improve their personal characteristics such as strength, stamina, and …

525 - 456 BCE- The first known tragedian. Aeschylus wrote as many as ninety tragedies, or Greek Dramas. Though only seven survive to this day, much is known about them. Aeschylus' tragedies followed a similar format used in other Greek Tragedies. His stories tended to center around a single tragic event …

460- 400 BCE - Often considered the greatest historian of the ancient world, Thucydides' histories dealt with history on a basis of rationality and objectivity. Thucydides also valued accuracy and precision as paramount in his historical writing. For these reasons Thucydides histories remain invaluable to modern historians for understanding the ancient …

484- 425 BCE - Herodotus wrote what is often considered one of the first histories written in Western Civilization, History of the Persian Wars. He is often referred to as the "father of history" since his work is the earliest lengthly text to survive intact. Herodotus' central theme deals with the …

431- 404 BCE -- A war between the Spartan and Athenian poleis which probably stemmed from Spartan fear of Athens, or Athenian imperialism. The Spartans finally defeated the Athenian fleet in 405 BCE. Shortly thereafter the Athenian navy was disbanded, and the Athenian Empire destroyed.

461 - 429 BCE- A prominent figure in Athenian politics during a time when Athenian power was at its height. This time is known as The Age of Pericles and is marked by powerful democratic influences in Athens. One of the most important government bodies was a democratic institution known as …