1. Athens Evolves into a Democracy

2. Democracy: Government by the people

3. Archon: Chief official

4. Tyrant: People who gain power by force

5. Legislature: Lawmaking body

6. Demand for Change: Merchants and soldiers resented the power of the nobles. Farmers also demanded change. In hard times, they sometimes had to sell their family into slavery to pay off debts. Growing discontent (unhappiness) led to a need for change. Athens moves towards a democracy

7. Solon Reforms Government: Appointed Archon in 594 B.C. Outlawed debt slavery and freed those who were already in debt slavery Opened high offices to citizens and granted citizenship to some foreigners

8. Citizens Share Power and Wealth: Athenian tyrant, Pisistratus, takes over. Gives farmers loans and land taken from nobles. This weakens the aristocracy 507 B.C. Cleisthenes takes over and creates Council of 500 Council prepared laws and oversaw day-to-day work of the government.

9. A Limited Democracy: Only citizens could participate. Citizens are landowning males Slaves lacked rights and a voice However, Athens gave more people a say than any other civilization at that time

10. Journal Question: How was Athenian democracy similar to what we know as democracy? How was it different?