Final answer:
The fifth century B.C.E. in Greece, especially in Athens, is considered a Golden Age, contrary to the notion of theatrical decline. It was a time of dramatic advancement with significant contributions to drama, philosophy, art, architecture, and democracy, spearheaded by leaders like Pericles and showcasing works of playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The latter part of the fifth century B.C.E. in Greece, often referred to as the Golden Age, was a period marked by significant advancements in various spheres of cultural activities. Athens was at the forefront of these developments, largely due to its political system of democracy, which flourished under the leadership of statesmen such as Pericles. Contrary to the belief that there was a decline in the theatre during this period, it was a time of considerable growth and innovation in dramatic arts.
Drama and theatre in Athens saw the works of Sophocles and Euripides exploring philosophical questions through the medium of tragedy, intertwining traditional myths with contemporary issues. Famous works like Sophocles's 'Antigone' not only entertained but also engaged with the philosophical debates of the time.
The era's cultural achievements were also supported by economic prosperity and military success. Post the Persian wars, Athens had an abundance of resources which allowed for ambitious public building projects like the Parthenon, and also sponsored theatrical productions, contributing to the flourishing of the arts.
The Classical period in Athens was thus a critical time for the development of Western culture, with lasting contributions made to philosophy, science, art, and not least of all, theatre, contradicting any notion of it being a time of decline for the dramatic arts.