Final answer:
The golden age is characterized by economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and political stability, not by environmental degradation, which is more likely to lead to societal decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The golden age of a society typically refers to an exceptional period of economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and political stability. These factors often go hand-in-hand to create an environment where arts, science, and commerce can thrive.
Economic prosperity provides the resources for cultural investment, political stability ensures a peaceful climate for development, and a thriving culture enriches the lives of citizens and can inspire innovation. Considering these elements, Environmental degradation is NOT a factor that contributed to the golden age; in fact, it would likely have the opposite effect, potentially leading to decline.