Sparta and Athens: City-State Rivals Chapter 7, Lesson 2

Political Changes As Greek-Coty States grew, Nobles became more powerful than Kings. They didn’t rule as long as the kings did though. The farmers did not like the Nobles. Often borrowed money from them to buy land. When they couldn’t pay the loan they: Would have to work for the noble. moved to the city to find jobs sold themselves into slavery. By 650 B.C., farmers wanted a stronger voice in government (looking for political change.)

Political Changes Merchants and Artisans also wanted reforms. They made a lot of money but because most did not own land, they were not considered citizens. (meaning they have no role in ruling the polis. This growing unrest would lead to the rise of Tyrants (someone who seizes power and rules with total authority.) Most tyrants in charge of a city-state rules fairly.

Political Changes The harsh rule of a few tyrants gave the word tyranny its current meaning (rule by a cruel and unjust person) Many Greeks supported these tyrants for overthrowing nobles during the 600 B.C. Tyrants also had the support of Hoplites, or citizen soldiers, in the army. Tyrants gained popularity by building temples, marketplaces, and fortresses. Despite this, most Greeks wanted a government in which they could all participate. Not just one person.

Political Change Tyrants ruled many City-States until about 500 B.C. From this point until 336 B.C., most City-States were ruled by oligarchies and democracies. Democracy – All citizens share in running the government. Oligarchy – A few wealthy people/powerful people over the larger group of citizens. Two of the major City States were governed differently and created different societies. Sparta and Athens.

Sparta: A Military Society Sparta was located on the Peloponnesus (peh-luh-puh-NEE-suhs) Peninsula in southern Greece. Descended from the Dorians. Economy was based on Agriculture. Did not set up colonies. Invaded local city-states and enslaved the people calling them helots (Greek word for “capture”)

A Strong Military The helots revolted against their Spartan masters in 650 B.C., but were not successful. Sparta’s leaders wanted to avoid future uprising and so became a military society stressing discipline. Believed this would make a more obedient and loyal citizens. Sparta’s government prepared all boys and men for a life of war. Boys often left their home to join the military at age seven. They learned to read, write, and use weapons.

A Strong Military They were also treated harshly believing that if they could overcome this, they would be men who would survive the pain of battle. They joined the regular military at age 20. Allowed to marry into their twenties but could not live at home and lived in military camps. Shared barracks and ate meals together. A typical army dish was known as black broth. Pork boiled in animal blood, salt, and vinegar. They could live at home again when they were 30. They still had to train for combat however.

A Strong Military They were allowed to retire at the age of 60. Since men lived away from home, Spartan women had more liberties. They could: Own property and travel. Trained in sports such as wrestling and throwing the javelin. They remain physically fit to fulfill their roles as mothers. The goal was to raise sons who were brave, strong Spartan soldiers. Expected their men to either win or die in battle (surrendering was not an option.) One mother even told her son, “Come back carrying your shield or being carried on it.”

How Was Sparta Governed? Sparta’s government It was an oligarchy. Two kings ruled jointly but, with little power. Their two roles were to lead the army and carry out religious ceremonies. Also had two governing bodies. Assembly: All male members over the age of 30. Made decisions about war and peace. Council of Elders: Most powerful body in government.

How Was Sparta Governed? Council of Elders: Most powerful body in government. Members served as judges. Only officials who could order executions or exile. Each year they elected five people to be ephors (EH-fuhrs) Enforced laws and managed the collection of taxes Sparta’s strict government brought stability but, It took its toll on the people of Sparta. Restricted free thinking and new ideas for fear of losing control of the Helots.

How Was Sparta Governed? This resulted in Sparta not allowing foreign visitors and prevented citizens from traveling outside the City-State except for military reasons. Didn’t even allow for studying literature or the arts. Other changes it resisted included: Used heavy iron bars for money instead of coins like other Greek City-States discouraging trade with the rest of Greece. While most of Greece flourished and prospered, Sparta remained a poor farming society. They only cared for military power and victory. They would serve a key role in protecting Greece against invaders.

Athens: A Young Democracy Athens was located northeast of Sparta. Roughly a two-day trip. It was founded by descendants of the Mycenaeans and different from Sparta in its ideas about society and government.

An Athenian Education Athenians received a very different education to that of Spartans. Athens educated its males, as did Sparta. Boys studied arithmetic, geometry, drawing, music and public speaking. They also participated in sports. Believed it would create young people with strong minds and bodies. When boys were finally 18 and finished with school, they were expected to take an active role in public affairs.

An Athenian Education Athenian mothers education their daughters at home. They learned spinning, weaving, and other household tasks. In some wealthy families they learned to read, write, and play music. Women were not generally active in business or government in Athens.

Early Reforms The history of Athens was similar to that of many Greek City-States. Owed money to the nobles and selling themselves into slavery to nobles. Eventually they rebelled, calling for an end to all debts, and the distribution of land to the poor. The nobles avoided an uprising by making some changes. They turned to a respected merchant known as Solon (SOH-luhn) for leadership. In 594 B.C., he ended the debt of farmers, freed those who were slaves, and opened the assembly and the law courts to all male citizens.

Early Reforms The assembly was a council made up of 400 wealthy citizens who were responsible for making laws. The common people praised Solon’s reform but many Athenians were unhappy with his reform. Many wealthy Athenians felt he had gone to far and the poor thought he did not go far enough. He lost most of his support by the time he left office.

Early Reforms By 560 B.C. a tyrant named Peisistratus (py-SIHS-truht-uhs) made reforms that went further to what Solon had done. He divided large estates amongst farmers who had no land. He provided loans to help farmers buy equipment to work their farms. Granted citizenship to those who did not own land. Hired the poor to construct temples and other public works. Since religion was important to Athens he built additional shrines to different gods. He also encouraged the worship of the Goddess Athena, and held athletic contests to honor Athena.

Towards Democracy After the death of Peisistratus, Cleisthenes (KLYS-thuh-neez) was the next ruler of Athens. Prizing democracy, he made the assembly the city-state’s major governing body. All male citizens could participate and vote on laws. They were allowed to discuss issues freely, hear legal cases, and appoint army officials. He also created a new council of 500 citizens. They were to help the assembly manage daily government affairs.

Towards Democracy The council introduced law and controlled the treasury as well as manage relations with other city-states. Each year they held a lottery to choose the council members. It was preferred to an election as an election may unfairly favor the rich, who were well known. Terms on the council were one year and no one could serve for more than two terms and made it possible for everyone to be a council member.

Toward Democracy While Cleisthenes’s reforms made Athens more democratic, many were still excluded from the political process. If you were not a citizen you could not participate in government. This included all Athenian women, foreign-born men, and all enslaved people.