Ancient Greece and Rome's Legacy

The Legacy of Ancient Greece and Rome

Development of Democracy

Democracy emerged as citizens sought participation in government decision-making.
Key terms: democracy (rule of the people), republic (citizens elect leaders), monarchy (single ruler), aristocracy (noble families rule), oligarchy (few powerful individuals govern).

Historical Context

Early human societies relied on informal leadership councils or absolute rulers like kings and pharaohs.
Shift towards self-governance occurred as populations grew.

Athenian Democracy

Established around 2000 BC, Greek city-states, including Athens, developed distinct governments.
Athens created a limited democracy with citizenship limited to adult males, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners.

Key Reforms by Solon (594 BC)

Abolished debt slavery and cancelled debts, preventing civil unrest.
Introduced class-based citizenship; only wealthy classes could hold office, but all free males could vote.
Established a new Council of Four Hundred and allowed citizens to bring legal charges against wrongdoers.

Cleisthenes' Reforms (508 BC)

Recognized as the founder of Athenian democracy; he balanced power among different social classes.
Allowed all citizens to propose and debate laws, forming the Council of Five Hundred, selected randomly.

The Persian Wars and Continued Development

Greek city-states united against Persian invasions, maintaining democratic practices through public debates.
Pericles expanded democracy (461-429 BC) by increasing the number of paid public officials and jurors, creating a direct democracy where citizens actively participated.

The Roman Republic

Rome shifted from a monarchy to a republic around 600 BC, where citizens chose their leaders.
Power was granted only to free-born males, reflecting class divisions similar to Greece.

Principles of Roman Law

Established rights including equality under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The Twelve Tables (451 BC) and Justinian Code (A.D. 528) formalized written laws to guide legal practices.

Influence of Judeo-Christian Traditions

Judaism and Christianity emphasized individual worth, ethical behavior, and communal responsibility.
The Ten Commandments served as moral guidelines and contributed to notions of justice.

Socratic and Philosophical Contributions

Socrates promoted critical thinking via the Socratic method; students questioned their beliefs and values.
Plato envisioned a society governed by philosopher-kings, advocating for a government led by the wisest.

The Renaissance and Reformation

The movable type printing press (1440) significantly increased access to knowledge, fostering literacy and democratic ideas.
The spread of Enlightenment thinking inspired revolutionary movements emphasizing individual rights and participation in governance.

Summary of Athenian vs. U.S. Democracy

Both systems exercise political power by citizens but differ in structure; Athenian citizens voted directly while U.S. citizens elect representatives.
Athenian democracy included male citizens only, whereas U.S. citizenship encompasses all born or naturalized citizens regardless of gender or social class.

Lasting Impact

Ancient Greece and Rome laid foundational principles of democracy, citizenship, and rule of law that influenced later civilizations and continue to shape modern democratic structures.### Renaissance Revives Classical Ideas
The Roman Catholic Church evolved from Roman Christianity and became Europe's most powerful institution during the Middle Ages, influencing religious, social, and political spheres.
Characterized by an authoritarian structure, the Church demanded unquestioned obedience from its followers.
The Renaissance, meaning “rebirth,” emerged in Italy during the 1300s, spreading across Europe over 300 years, significantly aided by the invention of the printing press.
This cultural movement emphasized a revived interest in classical ideas, leading to the restoration of monuments, artworks, and the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Latin manuscripts.
Renaissance thinkers shifted focus to earthly life, rejecting the medieval view that emphasized preparation for the afterlife, thus prioritizing personal and cultural achievements.
Education during the Renaissance aimed to prepare individuals for public service beyond just serving the Church.
The study of classical texts fostered an intellectual environment that championed human potential and the ambition to achieve greatness.
Some Christian writers critiqued the Church's failure to inspire moral living and sought to improve societal conditions through ethical discourse.
Renaissance thinkers examined political power and governance, contrasting ancient Greek and Roman democratic ideals with the oligarchies of their time.
Individualism became deeply embedded in Western culture, with artists capturing unique character, explorers venturing into new territories, and merchant-capitalists amassing wealth through business risks.

The Reformation Challenges Church Power

Despite Christianity's strong influence in Renaissance Europe, an increasing criticism of the Church arose, fueled by the questioning spirit of the era.
The Reformation, a significant religious reform movement, began in the 16th century, seeking to address issues within the Catholic Church.
Those advocating for change were known as Protestants, as they protested against Church power and its abuses.
Reformers highlighted the necessity for a direct relationship with God, advocating for personal faith over institutional doctrine.
The Reformation initially took root in Germany, marking a pivotal shift in religious authority and belief.