Question

why did Athens experience a "golden age" after the Persian wars and what did this eventually lead to?

Answer 1

Though Athens became one of the most powerful city states, rivalries over power and resources occurred with Sparta. This continued on and eventually led to the Peloponnesian War.

Answer 2

The Athenians became one of the most powerful city-states, and the de facto Greek capital, after the wars. As a result, the arts, building, and philosophy flourished in the city. Rivalries over resources and power emerged between Athens and Sparta, which eventually led to the Peloponnesian War.