1. The Development of Athenian Democracy

2. Athens was the first civilization to create a democracy
-Women, slaves and foreigners were not able to participate
-Athenian men of all social classes participated in government by debating and voting in the assembly
- The poor had a voice in government for the first time in history
Athenians began to call their government system a democracy around 500 BCE. Demos means people and kratia means power.

3. Athenian democracy developed after several other forms of government failed:
560 BCE
508 BCE
BCE
594 BCE
Most city states including Athens were governed by monarchies
Democracy
develops
when Cleisthenes
establishes the Council of
500 and the
Assembly
Tyrants rule
take control
by force
Aristocrats govern
Athens
Power is in the
hands of the
people
Power is in the hands of one wealthy person.
Power is in the hands
of the wealthy landowners (nobility)
Power is in the
hands of a single
person who took
control by force

4. Athenian democracy developed after other forms of government failed.
The first form of government
in most of Greek city-states was a monarchy.
Who has power in a monarchy?
What are some advantages and disadvantages with this type of
government? Talk to your neighbor

5. Around 594 BCE, the wealthy aristocrats, or wealthy nobles took control away from the king and ruled Athens.
This form of government was an aristocracy.
Who has power in an aristocracy?
What are some advantages and disadvantages with this type of government?
Talk to your neighbor

6. The aristocracy made decisions that helped wealthy Athenians get richer. But many Athenians became poor or enslaved. Athenians called for change in government.
Greek students protesting over debt reform in 2012

7. NOT
Draco of Athens
Tyrants/reformers:
Draco- wrote the first laws of Athens. They were very harsh, i.e., “Draconian”
Solon– cancelled land debts and helped by outlawing debt slavery
Debt slavery: People ask for a loan and pledge themselves as collateral if they could not repay the debt
Draco Malfoy
Solon to debt
slavery! Live
free my fellow
Athenians!
Solon

8. For about 50 years, Athens was ruled by one tyrant after another
Tyrant= a person who takes control by force and has all of the power
-do not have legitimate authority to rule
-usually have the support of the military because the military used
force to bring the tyrant to power
-not legitimate but made some reforms that helped the poor
Pisistratus: lowered taxes, gave land and loans to poor in order to boost agriculture and trade

9. In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes became a leader
In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes became a leader. He created two government branches
that held power
Assembly
Council of 500
Responsible for
treasury and financial
matters
Responsible for foreign
relations
Made up of all male citizens
Held debates on issues
Passed all laws
DEMOCRACY

10. Metics were foreigners living in Athens.

11. Since all adult males in Athens were expected to participate in the assembly and vote on all laws, did Athens have a democracy? Why or why not? talk to your neighbor.

12. Sparta Sparta was ruled by an oligarchy.
In an oligarchy, power is in the hands of a few
Sparta’s oligarchy was comprised of two kings and 28 elders who ruled
Sparta as a military state
Spartan citizenship required
a lifetime of military service.
Spartan boys began training
at age 7.

13. The Assembly met here to discuss politics and vote on laws
Pnyx Hill, Athens
Why do you think this spot was chosen?

14. Athenian men were expected to go to the assemblies and vote
Athenian men were expected to go to the assemblies and vote. It was their civic duty to participate in debate and decision-making.

15. Do U.S. citizens have a civic duty?
How do American citizens participate in government?
Think of as many ways as possible.

16. How are they exercising their
civic duty?

17. How are they exercising their civic duty?

18. How was Athenian democracy different from Sparta’s oligarchy?

19. Photo credits