What was one major effect of the Golden Age on civilizations?

The Golden Age of a civilization is a period marked by significant achievements across various spheres, particularly in culture and science. During these times, societies often experience stability, wealth, and a flourishing of intellectual pursuits. This environment fosters advancements in arts, literature, philosophy, and scientific understanding, as individuals are encouraged to innovate and create without the constraints imposed by conflict or hardship.

For instance, during the Golden Age of Athens, we saw remarkable developments in drama, philosophy, and science, with figures like Socrates and Aristotle emerging and influencing Western thought. Similarly, the Islamic Golden Age brought about significant contributions in mathematics, medicine, physics, and literature, as scholars made foundational advancements that would later propel the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution in Europe.

The other options do not align with the characteristics typical of a Golden Age. Instead of an increase in warfare or a decline in trade, which often accompany periods of instability, these epochs are generally characterized by peace and expansion of economic activities, including trade. Additionally, the rise of feudalism tends to occur during times of crisis or societal breakdown, rather than during a flourishing period associated with a Golden Age. Hence, advancements in culture and science aptly summarize the major effects of these prosperous times.