Transcript 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… * Oligarchy and unrest * Solon—trusted, impartial noble •Forgave debts •Call for participation of citizens •Peisistratus- tyrant. Redistribute nobles land * gave loans and offered “fresh start” * redistributed nobles land! Solon 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 wellrounded 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 architecture Philosopherswho theorized about life, gods and man Art: Beauty Theatre portrayed In sculpture Musictells a story 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! Late summer 5 days 776 B.C. Religious ceremonies Temple of Zeus!