Section 1 Greek Roots of Democracy Chapter 1 Section 1 Greek Roots of Democracy

Rise of Greek City-States Mountanous geography led to the creation of City-states Political unit made up of a city and the surrounding lands Athens and Sparta became the most influential Lack of farmable land in Athens led to seafaring and colonies

Governing City-States At first Athens was ruled by a monarchy--a king or queen. Eventually power shifted to a class of noble landowners (aristocracy). They were the military defenders because only they could afford bronze weapons and horse- drawn chariots. At first they defended the king, but eventually gained power for themselves. Rise of middle class (merchants and artisans), and changes in warfare (iron age) brought another shift in power.

Changes in warfare 650 BC - iron weapons replaced bronze ones. Iron cheaper. Ordinary citizens could afford weapons and armor. Phalanx fighting emerged. Required training. Created sense of unity. Reduced class differences.

Sparta Military state. Began training for the army at the age of 7. 2 kings and a council of elders to advise them. An assembly, made up of all citizens, approved major decisions. Citizen=native born males over 30. 5 elected ephors ran day-to-day affairs.

Athens Moved from Monarchy to Aristocracy, but discontent from farmers and merchants grew 594 BC Solon outlawed debt slavery and opened offices to more citizens, loosened restrictions on citizenship, and gave assembly more say in important decisions.

Tyrants Continued unrest led to rise of Tyrants who gained power by force, often by gaining support of the poor and imposing reforms. 546 BC Pisistratus gave farmers and poor citizens greater voice, weakining the aristocracy. 507 BC Cleisthenes broadened role of citizens in government. Set up Council of 500 (chosen by lot from among all citizens over 30). They supervised day-to-day work of government and prepared laws for the assembly. The assembly became a legislature (law making body) and included all male citizens.

Persian Wars 490 BC - Battle of Marathon (about 26 miles from Athens). 480 BC - Larger Persian force lands. Sparta and other city-states unite forces. Battle of Thermopylae (300 Spartans). Greeks now see themselves as “Greeks” and not just Athenians or Spartans.

Age of Pericles Athens emerged as the most powerful city-state and established an empire. Under Pericles (460-429 BC) the economy thrived and gevernment became more democratic. Athenian assembly met several times a month. At least 6,000 members had to be present in order to decide important issues. Pericles believed all classes should be allowed to participate in government. Began to pay fixed salary to those in office. Jurors were chosen by lot to sit on juries for a year and were also paid a salary.

Funeral Oration “We differ from other states in regarding the man who holds aloof from public life not as ‘quiet’ but as useless.”

Peloponnesian War Sparta challenged Athens for control of Greece War lasted 27 years Sparta won Athenian culture declined

Philosophers Means “lovers of wisdom” Socrates taught Plato Plato wrote “The Republic” where he described his ideal society

Plato’s Republic Society divided 3 ways: Workers - produce necessities of life Soldiers - defend the state Philosophers - to rule (“philospher kings”) Everyone was born equal, but were then divided by ability and trained in their vocation.

Aristotle Plato’s student Preferred rule of many, not few. Despised Tyrants. Favored a Constitutional government ruled by the middle class (“polity”) “Rule of Law” - no one is above the law Established a school, the Lyceum

Macedonia Ruled by Philip II who conquered Athens and Thebes in 338 BC to become ruler of all of Greece. Aristotle had tutored his son Alexander who became king 2 yrs later at the age of 20. 334 BC - Alexander sets off to conquer the known world.

By 327 BC he had conquered all the way to India 4 years later, he died of a sudden fever. 3 generals divided up the empire. Their descendants competed for power over these lands for 300 years

Hellenistic Age Many Greek soldiers, traders and artisans settled in new empire, spreading Greek culture and ideas. In turn, many Greeks adopted local customs A blending of eastern and western cultures occurred. Hellenistic civilisation - the blending of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian influences into a new culture

New Philosophy During this time, Stoicism came to prominence. Athenian named Zeno urged people to avoid desires and disappointment by calmly accepting whatever life brought. Preached high moral standards and that all people were morally equal because all had the power of reason.

Rome 133 BC - Rome conquers Asia Minor and replaces Greece as dominant power in Mediterranean world.