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The Athenian Democratic Revolution NOTES

Democracy vs Oligarchy Democracy – all citizens with equal political power Oligarchy – rule by a few

Ancient Greece

Greece made up of city states City – states (polis) – individual, highly, independent and self governing cities ; like tiny nations. Democracy rises in Athens because... Geographically – no central water source, mountainous Economically – increase in trade and travel Politically - political reforms

Ancient Athens

Athens

BornBorn: BC 638, Classical AthensClassical Athens DiedDied: BC 558, CyprusCyprus Solon was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic Athens. Wikipedia Wikipedia

Population Approximately 140,000 40,000 men were citizens; slaves (about 40,000).

900 – 700 BC Athens ruled by an oligarchy Areopagus – council of oligarchic noblemen Archon – president of the council

Solon Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. Remembered for his political and economic reforms

694 Solon’s reforms Economic Four property classes – based on wealth Horsemen/knights Yokemen Laborers Political Opened up political positions and Assembly to other classes Boule – council of 400 – 100 from each tribe Largely oligarchic – more property = more power but with democratic political checks

Peisisratos Peisistratos – tyrant, ruled Athens between 561 and 527 BC.

560 – 527 BC – Peisistratos rules as Tyrant Tyrant – in Ancient Greek, a king-like ruler He appeals and makes popular promises to the masses. He does a pretty good job.

Hippias Peisistratos’ son. Also a tyrant but unpopular because of harsh rule. Hipparkhos – original ruler after Peisistratos, but assasinated in 514.

Cleistenes and the Athenian Democratic Revolution Athenian ARISTOCRAT who led a democratic revolution against Hippias ***Aristocracy – rule by the best (like oligarchy) Power struggle with another oligarch, Isagoras, another noblemen. Athenian people and the Boule opposed Isagorus and threw him out.

Cleisthenes’ Reforms – Proto Democracy Organizes political rights based on location rather than wealth Deme – tribe based on area of residence, 139 demes Trittytes – demes divided into 3. Boule gets 500 members, 50 from EACH tribe. Archon chosen randomly Ostracism – when a citizen was thrown out of the city by vote Notice women and metics (former slaves) are never given any political rights.

Plato and his republic Plato - Classical Greek philosopher.

Explaining Plato’s idea... Democracy fails because of the tyranny of the majority Oligarchy fails because of individual desire People can be happiest if do they do what is best for their “nature.” Classed by job. Republic – Plato’s idea for the perfect political system Philosopher kings – make all the decisions Soldiers (auxiliaries) – protect the city Working citizens – no political power, produce necessary products

Discussion Questions What factors led to the rise of Democracy in Athens? Geographical/Economic/Political? What are the advantages/disadvantages of Athenian Democracy? How was Democracy in Ancient Athens different from modern Democracies? What are the advantages/disadvantages of Plato’s ideas for his Republic? Is it a possible choice instead of democracy/oligarchy? Is Plato’s idea worth giving up personal freedom for happiness?

Crucible of Civilization – 2:35 From what social class did Cleisthenes come from? What was the Akropolis used for? What was the life expectancy of a Greek in Cleistenes time? Why was it basically impossible for a single ruler to rule all of Greece? Which City State was the great military power of Cleistenes time? Who was the writer of the two great Greek epics the Iliad and the Odyssey? How did Peisistratos “convince” the Athenians to give him power? What valuable economic product brought Athens great wealth? What was Athens first great artistic legacy/achievement? Why did Hippias become so unpopular? What major event did all Ancient Greeks participate in every 4 years? Who did Isagorus get to help him to take control of Athens?