Athens did not allow Thebes, the centre of the oligarchical party north of the Peloponnesus, and her own opponent in all democratic measures, to profit by the victory of the Spartans at Tanagra.

Two months later (early in 456 B.C.) Athenian forces crossed over the mountains into Bœotia, and met the Thebans near Œnophyta. This battle put an end to the power of Thebes. The oligarchical governments in all the towns of Boeotia were overthrown, and democratic constitutions established in their place.

nophyta marks the era of Athens' highest perity. Her influence not only extended over central Greece, and the islands and cities of the Confederacy of Delos, but she also sent out colonies to distant shores, and new towns arose at Amphipolis in Thrace, Thurii in Italy, and elsewhere. But her prosperity was not uninterrupted. Clouds began to appear on her horizon, and stormy days were in store. In 449 B.C. she lost her greatest general, Cimon, who died, as he had always lived, opposing the power of Persia. Two years later she was humbled on the field of Coroneia. where she lost the flower of her youth and all her influence in Boeotia. The cities of Euboea followed the example set by Boeotia, but with less success.

It was in these days so dark for Athens that the ability of Pericles shone forth. It was his steady hand that guided the ship of state safely in her dangerous course. It was through his far-sighted policy and consummate statesmanship, that finally (445 B.C.) a peace of thirty years was concluded between the different powers of Greece, and a treaty entered into with Persia.

For the next ten years an almost unbroken quiet reigned at Athens. Occupations of peace were followed.

447

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ATHENS AT PEACE.

Commerce thrived. Learning and the fine arts flourished. Beautiful buildings were erected, and adorned with exquisite sculptures and paintings, which the world has never ceased to admire. All who excelled in literature and arts resorted here for mutual improvement. Her government was a truly democratic one, and her gates. open to all.

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