Introduction to Athenian Democracy Based upon John A. Rothchild’s packet

Geography and Demographics

Attica in relation to other regions by language dialect Aeolic Doric Attic Ionic

Alcaeus of Mytilene ού λίθοι ούδέ ξύλα ούδέ τέχνη τεκτόνων αί πόλεις, άλλ' `όπου ποτ' άν ώςιν άνδρες αύτούς σώζειν είδότες, ενταύθα καί τείχη καί πόλεις neither stones nor wood nor the art of masons a city is, but especially in human form is preserved its substance, In this, not in walls, not in cities

Time Period and Cultural Context because of democracy Athens invented Western Philosophy, why? History, why? Drama, why? rhetoric What are autocratic forms of art? Palace, monumental works,

Proto-Democracy: Homer War Councils Private and public Themis of giving up, input of the kings Talking scepter Rhetoric Ring speech Embassy to Achilles Classical Rhetoric Logos, pathos, ethos Straight from the heart Shield of Achilles Best judge gets the award

Proto-Democracy: Hesiod Kalliope. The last is the foremost of them all, for she accompanies and attends revered barons Whomever the daughters of mighty Zeus honor and see being born from barons nurtured by Zeus, upon his tongue they pour dew sweeter than honey and from his mouth flow soothing words. All the people look to him as he decides between opposing claims with straight judgments. He addresses them without erring and quickly and knowingly ends a great quarrel. For this reason, barons are wise, because for people injuring one another in assembly, they end actions that call for vengeance easily, appeasing the parties with soft words. As he walks in the marketplace, they glorify him as if a god with soothing deference, and he stands out in the gathering. Such is the sacred bounty of the Muses to men. (Theogony, 75-93)

Shield of Achilles, Iliad Bk 18                                   Then the people gathered in the assembly, for a dispute had taken place. Two men were arguing about blood-money owed for a murdered man. One claimed he’d paid in full, setting out his case before the people, but the other              [500] was refusing any compensation. Both were keen to receive the judgment from an arbitration.                           620 The crowd there cheered them on, some supporting one, some the other, while heralds kept the throng controlled. Meanwhile, elders were sitting there on polished stones in the sacred circle, holding in their hands the staffs they’d taken from the clear-voiced heralds. With those they’d stand up there and render judgment, each in his turn. In the centre lay two golden talents, to be awarded to the one among them all who would deliver the most righteous verdict.

Just Enough History Persian Wars 490: Marathon 480: Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea Delian League Peloponnesian War 431-404 Macedonian Aggression and Conquest 350-338 Questions? See maps

Persian Empire

Peloponnesian War

Alexander’s Empire

Constitutional History: overview pages 9-12 Monarchy: legends Erectheus Cecrops Aegeus Theseus Oligarchy, and 9 Archons Tyrants Solon: constitutional and economic reforms Peisistratus: public works (public good) Clesithenes: constitutional reforms: 10 tribes, name changes Democracy Ephialtes: aristocratic Areopagus “guardians of the laws” made into criminal court Pericles: introduced pay for public service Cleon: a “slave” to the commons

Solon, p 9 Athens gave Solon autocratic powers in response to the trend in tyrants taking over Greek poleis Solon made economic and political reforms Solon left the city for 10 years after his reforms

Solon’s Economic Reforms, p 9 Changed debt law to enable more citizens to own land Imposed limits on debt and on collateral Made 4 classes of citizens based on medimnoi Pentakosio-medimnoi, 500, strategoi Hippeis, 300, knights (cavalry) Zeugitai, 200, hoplites Thetes, <200, slings, rowers

Solon Economic reforms Fathers had to find trades for sons Metics could become citizens Olives promoted; other produce not exported Weights and measures standardized

Pre Cleisthenes Tripartition

Cleisthenes Demes, p 11 Demos means village, common people, or population, as in of a district Deme means a district or territory inhabited by a tribe Deme is the smallest administrative unit of Athenian state  also meant body of citizens collectively

The Eponymous Ten Tribes of Athens Erechtheis (Ἐρεχθηΐς) named after Erechtheus Aigeis (Αἰγηΐς) named after Aegeus Pandionis (Πανδιονίς) named after Pandion Leontis (Λεοντίς) named after Leos, son of Orpheus Acamantis (Ἀκαμαντίς) named after Acamas Oineis (Οἰνηΐς) named after Oeneus Kekropis (Κεκροπίς) named after Cécrops Hippothontis (Ἱπποθοντίς) named after Hippothoon Aiantis (Αἰαντίς) named after Ajax Antiochis (Ἀντιοχίς) named after Antiochus, son of Heracles

Constitutional History: overview pages 9-12 Monarchy: legends Erectheus Cecrops Aegeus Theseus Oligarchy, and 9 Archons Tyrants Solon: constitutional and economic reforms Peisistratus: public works (public good) Clesithenes: constitutional reforms: 10 tribes, name changes Democracy Ephialtes: aristocratic Areopagus “guardians of the laws” made into criminal court Pericles: introduced pay for public service Cleon: a “slave” to the commons

Structure of Athenian Government A Citizenship B Council of 500 C Ecclesia (The Assembly) 6000 for quorum D Jury Courts E The Areopagus F Magistrates

Council of 500: Tholos

Assembly: Pnyx

Jury Courts: Kleroterion machine

Klepsydra

Voting tokens

Elected Officials in Athens Strategoi, generals Military treasurer Commissioners of the Theoric Fund, oversaw money for festivals, sacrifices, processions, etc. Superintendent of the Springs

Athens and Pireas

Current regions Naxos