Archaic PeriodArchaic Period750 – 500 BCE750 – 500 BCE

Significant events1) national literature (Homer)

2) resurgence of trade

3) colonization of Sicily and Italy

4) Olympic Games -776 BCE

5) stone sculptures of human

figure

6) rise of city states (polis)

Classical Greece (500 – 336 BCE)Classical Greece (500 – 336 BCE)• Polis (city states) = all had its own form

of government, laws and money (Corinth, Thebes, Athens, Sparta)

• Dominance of Athens as political power (Delian League)

• construction of Parthenon and Acropolis• Full development of democracy under

Pericles of Athens• Classical age of Greece produced great

literature, poetry, philosophy, drama, philosophical thinkers and art

Oracle of DelphiOracle of Delphi• Dating back to 1400 BC, the Oracle of Delphi was the most

important shrine in all Greece as the sanctuary of Apollo

• Built around a sacred spring, Delphi wasconsidered to be the center (literally navel) of the world

• questions about the future were answered by the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo

• answers, usually cryptic or ambiguous• Arguments over the correct interpretation of

an oracle were common, but the oracle was always happy to give another prophecy ifmore gold was provided

• It is believed that pythias were high on hallucinative gases

Athenian DemocracyAthenian Democracy“Demos” = people; “kratos” = rule“Demos” = people; “kratos” = rule

Originally Athens was ruled by a Monarchy and Kings.

Then came the rise of an aristocracy & an oligarchy that ruled.

The Aristocracy ruled as members of a Hoplite Army c. 675-650 BCE (see next slide)

HOPLITESHOPLITESThese soldiers:-were heavily armored -had large round shields-shin protectors -helmets -spears-stood side by side (6-10 deep) -easily defeated the old style

HOPLITESHOPLITES-Originally the soldiers came from the Aristocracy (Upper Classes)-However the numbers of aristocrats shrank so regular citizens would join this gave ordinary citizens more power

Athenian DemocracyAthenian Democracy

Democratic Reforms by Solon and Cleisthenes created the Three Pillars of Athenians Democracy. They include: 1. Council of 500 2. Assembly 3. Courts

•Athens lived under a radically democratic government from 508 until 322 BCE. The People governed themselves, debating and voting individually on issues great and small, from matters of war and peace to the proper qualifications for ferry-boat captains

Athenian DemocracyAthenian DemocracyCouncil of 500

- It represented the full-time government of Athens-It consisted of 500 citizens; 50 men from each of the 10 tribes of Attica-They served for one year and could issue decrees (laws)-However, there main role was to prepare the governing agenda for the Assembly

ASSEMBLY

-The regular gathering of male Athenian citizens who listened to, discusses and voted on decrees that affected every aspect of Athenian life-Things like: financial matters, religious matters, public festivals, war, peace treaties and regulations of ferry boats

Athenian DemocracyAthenian Democracy

Courts

•Juries of citizens would listen to cases, vote on guilt or innocence of their fellow citizens and vote on punishments for those found guilty

Athenian DemocracyAthenian Democracy

How effective was Athenian How effective was Athenian Democracy?Democracy?

• Ancient Athens is often referred to as the cradle of democracy

• Democracy flourished during the Golden Age of Athens (4th Century BCE) under Pericles

• Direct Democracy= All the male citizens gathered, discussed the issues, and then voted on them

• However, Athenian democracy was flawed. Only male citizens were allowed to take part in running the government (made up approx. 10% of population). Women, slaves and foreigners were excluded from public affairs. The policy of ostracism also created some instability as the Assembly could exile a speaker / leader by vote if they feel they are too powerful