Episode 1 ‘Revolution’, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (PBS)

Episode 1 ‘Revolution’, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (PBS) Kleisthenes – an Athenian born into an aristocratic family, mid 6th century 6th Century Athens – a small and relatively insignificant town built round the acropolis Mud-brick houses, no sewerage, life-expectancy < 50 Dominated by aristocrats. Ordinary people had no part or share in power

Episode 1 ‘Revolution’, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (PBS) Terrain unlike that of the flat river-based empires of Egypt and Persia Independent city-states Sparta was the polis most likely to dominate Greece Sparta – austere and militaristic Sparta dominated southern Peloponnesus, ruled over helots

561 – 527 BC: Rule of Pisistratus Rules as a tyrant (autocrat – sole ruler) for 19 of these years Generally benevolent - Challenged power of aristocrats

527 – 510 BC: Hippias – Becomes a cruel despot after his brother, Hipparchus, is murdered in 514 BCE - Athenian opponents successfully enlisted Sparta’s help. Spartan forces ultimately triumphed in 510 BCE. Hippias exiled.

510 – 508 BC: Civil War - Isagoras (with support of Spartan King Cleomenes) takes control but he antagonises people by, amongst other things, dissolving the council – Cleisthenes and his clan (the Alcmaeonid family) overthrow Isagoras

508 BC: birth of Athenian democracy Cleisthenes’ reforms the Athenian political system Created tribes that reduced the influence of geographic and family loyalties Introduced sortition (May have) introduced ostracism