hieu 2031 ancient greece unit 12 study guides

Origins and Context

• Athens transitioned from monarchy to aristocracy in the 7th century BCE, with power held by wealthy landowners
• Draco, an Athenian lawgiver, introduced harsh laws in 621 BCE to address social unrest and inequality
  • Draco's laws were written down, making them accessible to all citizens
  • The severity of Draco's laws led to the term "draconian" to describe extremely harsh measures
• Solon, another Athenian statesman, implemented reforms in 594 BCE to alleviate the economic crisis and social tensions
  • Solon's reforms included debt cancellation, freeing of enslaved Athenians, and the introduction of a new class system based on wealth rather than birth
• The tyranny of Peisistratos (546-527 BCE) and his sons further weakened the power of the aristocracy
• The Cleisthenic reforms of 508 BCE laid the foundation for Athenian democracy by introducing isonomia (equality before the law) and ostracism

Key Figures and Reforms

• Cleisthenes, an Athenian nobleman, is considered the founder of Athenian democracy
  • Cleisthenes reorganized the Athenian population into ten tribes, each composed of citizens from different regions (demes) of Attica
  • This reorganization broke down the power of the aristocratic clans and promoted unity among Athenians
• Cleisthenes introduced the Council of 500 (Boule), which prepared the agenda for the Athenian Assembly (Ekklesia)
• Ephialtes, an Athenian politician, reduced the power of the Areopagus (a council of former archons) in 462 BCE, strengthening the democratic institutions
• Pericles, a prominent Athenian statesman, further expanded the powers of the Athenian Assembly and introduced pay for public offices, enabling poorer citizens to participate in government

Structure and Institutions

• The Athenian Assembly (Ekklesia) was the primary decision-making body, open to all male citizens over 18 years old
  • The Assembly met regularly (around 40 times a year) to debate and vote on laws, foreign policy, and other important matters
• The Council of 500 (Boule) was responsible for the day-to-day governance of Athens and preparing the agenda for the Assembly
  • The Council consisted of 50 members from each of the ten tribes, chosen by lot and serving for one year
• The People's Court (Heliaia) was a large jury of citizens that heard legal cases and appeals
  • Jurors were selected by lot from a pool of male citizens over 30 years old
• Magistrates, such as the nine archons, were responsible for various administrative and judicial functions
  • Most magistrates were chosen by lot, with a few elected positions (e.g., generals)

Citizenship and Participation

• Athenian citizenship was limited to adult male children of Athenian parents
  • Women, slaves, and foreigners (metics) were excluded from political participation
• Citizens were expected to actively participate in the Assembly, serve on juries, and fulfill military duties
• The Athenian ideal of the "citizen-soldier" emphasized the importance of civic engagement and military service
• Pericles' citizenship law of 451 BCE further restricted citizenship to those with both parents being Athenian citizens
• Despite its limitations, Athenian democracy was a significant step towards political equality and participation compared to other ancient societies

Decision-Making Processes

• The Athenian Assembly made decisions through direct democracy, with citizens voting by a show of hands
• Quorum of 6,000 citizens was required for certain important decisions (e.g., ostracism)
• The Council of 500 prepared the agenda (probouleuma) for the Assembly, which could be amended or rejected by the citizens
• Orators played a crucial role in persuading the Assembly through speeches and debates
  • Skilled orators, such as Pericles and Demosthenes, could significantly influence public opinion and decision-making
• Ostracism was a process by which citizens could vote to exile a political figure for ten years if they were perceived as a threat to democracy
  • Ostracism required a quorum of 6,000 citizens and was conducted by secret ballot using pottery shards (ostraka)

Strengths and Criticisms

• Athenian democracy promoted political equality, civic engagement, and a sense of community among citizens
• The system of sortition (selection by lot) for many public offices reduced the influence of wealth and social status
• The Assembly and People's Court provided a platform for citizens to directly participate in decision-making and the administration of justice
• However, Athenian democracy excluded a significant portion of the population (women, slaves, and foreigners) from political participation
• The direct democracy system could be swayed by skilled orators and was susceptible to the "tyranny of the majority"
• The Athenian democracy was also criticized for its instability and the potential for hasty decisions, as evidenced by the Mytilenean Debate and the trial of the generals after the Battle of Arginusae

Legacy and Influence

• Athenian democracy served as an inspiration for later democratic movements and political thinkers
  • The Founding Fathers of the United States drew upon Athenian ideals while creating a representative democracy with checks and balances
• The Athenian model of direct democracy has influenced modern practices such as referendums and citizen assemblies
• The Athenian emphasis on civic participation and public discourse has shaped contemporary ideas about citizenship and political engagement
• The Athenian experience also highlights the challenges and limitations of direct democracy, such as the potential for mob rule and the exclusion of certain groups
• The study of Athenian democracy continues to provide valuable insights into the nature of political systems, power dynamics, and the balance between individual rights and collective decision-making

Key Takeaways

• Athenian democracy emerged from a series of reforms that sought to address social and economic inequalities in ancient Athens
• The key institutions of Athenian democracy included the Assembly (Ekklesia), the Council of 500 (Boule), and the People's Court (Heliaia)
• Athenian citizenship was limited to adult male children of Athenian parents, and citizens were expected to actively participate in political life
• The Athenian Assembly made decisions through direct democracy, with citizens voting directly on laws and policies
• Athenian democracy had both strengths (political equality, civic engagement) and weaknesses (exclusion of certain groups, potential for mob rule)
• The legacy of Athenian democracy has influenced modern democratic practices and political thought, while also highlighting the challenges and limitations of direct democracy