Early Greece CHW 3MR Lesson 35

Early Greece Basic Facts: A collection of city-states that shared the same language and religion Culture of each city was very different Major cities: Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Olympia, Thebes, Ephesus, Delphi… and many more

Early Greek Government Each city-state (polis) developed its own form of government The city-states were proud of their uniqueness and individuality Citizens were all adult males who had been born in that city and joined the army in wartime Women, children, foreigners, and slaves had no political power Greece was not a nation The city-states shared religion, language and the Olympic Games… but NOT government

Most city-states were ruled by a king; sometimes hereditary, others were elected Kings were seen as chief priest, judge, and military general, but not as a god Over time, kings lost power to the land-owning aristocrats who had become wealthy through trade

These aristocrats seized control of the gov’ts Athens was one of the first to do this… it was the wealthiest state Archons were chosen to supervise government administration These 3 men were eventually elected by other landowners for one year terms

Tyrants Tensions arose between aristocratic land owners and the growing middle class of wealthy merchants and artisans Merchants demanded greater influence in gov’t; the poor supported them With trade money, merchants could now buy land and armour… they were a force to be reckoned with! The ‘hoplite’ emerged a foot soldier with body armour, shield, helmet, and spear

With the support of the hoplites, tyrants who spoke for the middle class, seized power A tyrant was simply someone who seized power unconstitutionally Most tyrants were good administrators Encouraged ship building, trade, and public works They had to do good work… or they would be replaced!

The Rise of Democracy In Athens, the transition to democracy was brought about by Draco, Solon, Pisistratus, and Cleisthenes Draco: Elected archon in 621 BCE Athens had no written laws so rulings were arbitrary and unjust He codified laws so they applied to all citizens Not perfect… but offered more protection for the commoners

b) Solon: Of noble birth, but also a merchant, elected archon in 594 BCE Freed farmers who had been enslaved by landowners because of debt during poor harvests All wealthy men could be elected to public office (not just those of noble birth) More archons were elected to enforce Athenian law

Set up the Council of 400, which drafted legislation to be voted on (100 citizens from each of the 4 traditional tribes) Left Athens in turmoil… aristocrats felt he had gone too far; farmers felt he hadn’t done enough!

c) Pisistratus: Seized power, as a tyrant, in 546 BCE, supported by a mercenary army and the nobility Ruled for 20 years and made many reforms Gave land to the landless Provided loans to small farmers

Encouraged growth of commerce Created 30 judges who travelled from place to place His sons, Hipparchus & Hippias ruled after his death They were harsh and cruel. Hipparchus was murdered in 514 BCE and Hippias was exiled in 510 BCE

d) Cleisthenes: Was a noble who came to power in 508 BCE Changed the 4 tribes system to 10 tribes from different parts of the region, with a cross section of society Gave all citizens membership in the assembly (not just those with land) Assembly passed laws, was the supreme court and elected 10 generals

Council of 400 became Council of 500 (50 from each tribe, chosen randomly each year) Council proposed laws, organized festivals, controlled finances, public works, and foreign affairs Instituted ‘ostracism’ to safeguard the citizens against the rise of tyrants The assembly could vote to send men into exile that it felt were a threat to the democracy.

6000 people had to scratch the name on a piece of pottery (ostraka) of the person they distrusted most The person with the most votes cast against him would have to leave Athens within 10 days, and be exiled for 10 years