Athens Over 2400 years ago, the famous Greek general, Pericles, said, " It is true that we (Athenians) are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not the few, with equal justice to all alike in their private disputes."

In the beginning… * Solon—trusted, impartial noble * Oligarchy and unrest Peisistratus- tyrant. Redistribute nobles land * gave loans and offered “fresh start” * redistributed nobles land! Solon Forgave debts Call for participation of citizens

Cleisthenes Credited with making Athens a democracy from a family of wealth & power Divided Athens into 10 tribes—none dominated by people with great wealth. All male citizens could: --- debate matters openly --- hear court cases --- appoint army generals Cleisthenes’ reforms didn’t include ALL Members in society- slaves, women and Foreign-born men still excluded. *** it was every citizen’s duty to participate In government.

Democracy Born out of belief that no ONE person or group should make the laws. Citizens could choose Gov’t officials and vote for/against laws. Athens’s democracy is not a perfect democracy, but it established the roots of democracy!! ** Direct democracy – Gov’t in which people vote in order to make their own rules and laws. ** Representative democracy- Gov’t in which people elect representatives. These representatives make the laws that govern themselves and the people who elected them.

Life in Athens Boys Focus was create well- rounded Athenians with healthy minds * taught to read, write, math, playing the lyre and singing. ***all male citizens required to serve in military for 2 years. Girls Moms taught daughters to spin yarn, weave and other household duties. * Only in some wealthy homes did girls learn to read, write and play the lyre. **women considered “property” of their husband

Athens: The Place to Be!! “ thinkers” welcome Philosophers- who theorized about life, gods and man Theatre Music- tells a story Art: Beauty portrayed In sculpture architecture

Military Not a strong army (like Sparta) GO NAVY!!!!! The Athenian Trireme

Slaves *lowest social class in Athens * ¼ of population were slaves *treated less harshly then most other Greek city-states *trusted slaves given positions of power such as police chief and tutor

To honor Zeus! 776 B.C. Late summer Religious ceremonies 5 days

Temple of Zeus!