Development of Greek Democracy Essential Question: Why was the creation of democracy a turning point in history?

Geography shapes Greek life Greece is located on a peninsula that was ¾ mountains and included 1,400 islands.  City-states developed and were ruled individually by kings.

Quick note about Timelines

Development of democracy Greece was first governed by a monarchy during the time of the Myceneans around 1600BC.  This is a form of government where ruling power belongs to one person. “Monos” means single in Greek and “Arkhein” means rule. The king used soldiers to enforce his rule and collect taxes.  When there was no heir (successor) fighting occurred to determine who the next king would be.  Oligarchy of aristocrats declined due to unrest, mercenary hoplites used to intimidate and overthrow political leaders

Development of Democracy After the Dorians invaded Greece  around 1200 BC an Oligarchy was established to govern.  "Oligos" means few in Greek. In this form of government ruling power is in the hands of a few rich people called aristocrats. These rulers lived in luxury and used military power to enforce their selfish rule. This angered the ordinary citizens who began uprisings around 600 BC.

Development of Democracy Uprisings were often lead by wealthy individuals who paid mercenary warriors to help steal power.  Tyranny comes from the Greek word "tyrannos" meaning usurper with supreme power.  At the start, tyrants gave the people what they wanted reforming laws and aiding the poor.  They got too greedy and were also overthrown ending Tyranny as a form of government around 510BC.

Developing Democracy “Demos” means people and “kratos” means power in Greek.  Democracy was the last form of government to develop and in it ruling power is in the hands of all people. An assembly open to all citizens of Athens met 40 times a year to debate and vote on issues and a council enforced the assembly’s decrees or laws.

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Famous Figures Leonidas I This Spartan king was believed to be a descendant of Hercules. He lead the force to Thermopylae that fought the Persians for three days. Remembered today as an example of how training, experience, and tactical use of terrain can maximize potential.

Famous Figures Alexander the Great Alexander was credited with being a demigod; son of Zeus like Hercules and Perseus. He studied under Aristotle until age 16 when he became king. He expanded his father’s kingdom by invading Persia and was so successful he continued the campaign for 10 years through India and Asia seeking the edge of the world.

Famous Figures Euclid No movies were made about the father of Geometry, but he was an influential mathematician. His series of books containing definitions and proofs of math concepts are still used today and is second only to the bible in reprints and number sold. Pythagoras and Archimedes were also Greek.

Famous Figures Homer This poet composed what are considered the two greatest epic poems of all time The Iliad and The Odyssey. These stories contain many clues about the world of Greek mythology as well as information about ancient Greek events like the Trojan War.

Famous Figures Helen of Troy Made infamous by Homer the Trojan war did happen and evidence does point to it being fought over Paris’s theft of king Menalaus’s wife Helen. He brought her back to Troy where he brother Hector dueled Achilles.