5th century BCE

The 5th century BCE spans the years 500 to 401 before the common era, according to the standard Gregorian chronology. It was marked by significant political and intellectual changes across the Mediterranean, the Near East, India, and China.

During this period the Achaemenid Empire of Persia ruled vast territories, while the Greek city-states, notably Athens and Sparta, competed in politics and military power. In the eastern regions, China was in the era of the Spring and Autumn periods and the age of the Warring States.

The Greco-Persian Wars

The beginning of the century saw conflicts between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states. The battles of Marathon and the subsequent campaigns led by Persian kings are particularly renowned. The result was that Athens built naval power and formed alliances, positioning itself to lead a coalition of many cities.

Athens and culture

Athens in this century established a democratic system in which free adult male citizens participated in decision-making. Literature (drama) and philosophy flourished; notable structures were built, including the Acropolis. Toward the end of the century a prolonged conflict between Athens and Sparta (the Peloponnesian War) occurred, diminishing Athenian power.

The East: India and China

India in this century is associated with the early development of Buddhism and Jainism, which spread as kingdoms in the north grew. China was divided among various rival states, and the ideas of Confucius and other philosophical schools were disseminated. Some of the events described here are variously dated across different historical sources.