Athenian Democracy: Cleisthenes and Pericles

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Questions and Answers

What was one of Pericles' significant contributions to Athenian architecture?

Construction of the Colosseum

Building the Pyramids of Giza

Establishing the Temple of Apollo

Financing the Parthenon (correct)

Which of the following aspects contributed to the popularity of Pericles among the Athenian people?

His limited interaction with the masses

His use of Delian League funds for public projects (correct)

His avoidance of foreign policies

His strict enforcement of laws against local citizens

What controversial action is Pericles often criticized for regarding the Peloponnesian War?

He encouraged Athenian isolationism

He effectively dismantled the Athenian navy

He negotiated peace too frequently

He is said to have dragged Athens into the war (correct)

What type of laws did Pericles support that catered to the masses?

Anti-foreigner laws Signup and view all the answers

Which method was used to decide on the ostracism of political figures like Pericles?

Ostracons for voting Signup and view all the answers

What was the key feature of Cleisthenes' system of 'tribes' in Athens?

Each tribe included different local demes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a consequence of Cleisthenes' reforms?

Greater power for the middle class. Signup and view all the answers

What was the function of ostracism in Athenian democracy?

To banish individuals who gained excessive power. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'isonomia' refer to in the context of Cleisthenes' reforms?

Equality before the law. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant historical event did Pericles lead Athens during?

The First Peloponnesian War. Signup and view all the answers

What statement describes Pericles' perspective on democracy?

He considered democracy to be Athens' main strength. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Aspasia in relation to Pericles?

His muse and partner. Signup and view all the answers

What cultural areas flourished in Athens during Pericles' leadership?

Greek drama, philosophy, and medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of historiography?

Investigating and making claims about the past Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Herodotus's approach to history?

He approached history with a rationalist perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is a polis in the context of ancient Greece?

The primary unit of social and political organization Signup and view all the answers

What role did Athens play in ancient Greece?

It was the birthplace of democracy and a center of culture. Signup and view all the answers

How were Greek colonies significant in the Mediterranean?

They spread Greek language and culture across the region. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the term 'tyrant' in the context of ancient Greece?

It referred to rulers with absolute authority, not necessarily negative connotations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Homer’s epic poems is accurate?

They combine mythology, religion, and real events into narrative form. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the rise of democracy in Athens?

The establishment of two assemblies representing different social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main focuses of the historian who wrote about the war between Athens and Sparta?

War and politics Signup and view all the answers

What did Alexander the Great primarily aim to achieve through his conquests?

The establishment of a global empire with shared culture Signup and view all the answers

What does Hellenism primarily encompass beyond just Greek culture?

Cultural toleration and adaptability Signup and view all the answers

After Alexander's death, which dynasty controlled Anatolia and Syria?

Antigonid dynasty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Hellenism is true?

Temples in various regions displayed similar architectural styles. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of the Spartan political system?

Dual kingship and a council of elders Signup and view all the answers

What role did male Spartan aristocrats primarily occupy?

Military personnel in barracks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the helots in Sparta is true?

They formed the majority of the population Signup and view all the answers

How did Spartan women differ from Athenian women in terms of responsibilities?

Spartan women ran estates and had more liberty Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Peloponnesian War?

Sparta emerged victorious with assistance from Persia Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the military relationship between Athens and Sparta during the war?

Athens had a superior navy while Sparta had a better army Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure stated important accounts about the Peloponnesian War?

Thucydides Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Peloponnesian War for Classical Greece?

It was the end of Classical Greece in many ways Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cleisthenes

Athenian statesman who introduced democratic reforms in the 6th century BCE.
Created ten tribes based on localities, each including demes from different regions.
Each tribe elected 50 men to serve on the Council of 500, where any adult male citizen could be elected.
Larger demes had more representatives, reflecting the power structure within the Athenian democracy.
Cleisthenes' reforms aimed to break up the power of the aristocracy and give more power to the middle class.
Cleisthenes likely introduced formal ostracism, a system where Athenian citizens could vote to expel anyone deemed too powerful.
Cleisthenes established the principle of isonomia (equality before the law) which guaranteed no exemptions from the law.

Pericles

Athenian leader and statesman during the Golden Age of Athens.
Led Athens during the First Peloponnesian War and delivered the Funeral Oration, a speech that praised the Athenian democracy and its values.
Often considered a populist politician, he passed anti-foreigner laws and used Delian League money to fund construction projects like the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Although hailed by some as a visionary leader, he is also blamed for Athens' involvement in the Second Peloponnesian War.

Sparta

A Greek city-state with a focus on military and aristocratic rule
Governed by a dual kingship and military aristocracy with a council of elders.
Spartan male aristocrats spent their youth in military barracks to ensure the strength of their army.
The Spartan army was used to subdue the helots, a class of landless farmers and the majority of the Spartan population.
Spartan women were responsible for running the estates on a day-to-day basis, and they had more autonomy than Athenian women.

Peloponnesian War

A war fought between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BCE
Sparta had a stronger army, while Athens had a superior navy leading to a prolonged and fluctuating conflict, lasting almost 30 years.
Sparta, with Persian help, eventually triumphed over Athens, marking the end of classical Greece.

Thucydides

Athenian historian best known for his account of the Peloponnesian War.
Used personal experience and firsthand accounts in his writing.
Included character studies and speeches that captured the essence of the spoken word.
Thucydides, like many historians, had his own biases but he prioritized truth over storytelling.

Alexander the Great

King of Macedon who expanded his empire across Greece, Anatolia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and India.
Alexander sought to create a unified world culture, blending the best elements of different cultures, laying the groundwork for the spread of Hellenism.

Hellenism

Term that encompasses the spread of Greek language, ideas, art, and architecture from Spain to India.
Hellenism was characterized by cultural toleration and adaptability, evident in the widespread adoption of Greek elements while respecting local traditions.

Alexander's Heirs

After Alexander's death, his generals divided his empire into several kingdoms.
The Antigonids ruled Anatolia and Syria, the Seleucids controlled Iran and Iraq, and the Ptolemies reigned over Egypt.
The Hellenistic era featured fluctuating borders but continued the dissemination of Hellenistic culture across the former empire.

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Description

Explore the significant contributions of Cleisthenes and Pericles to Athenian democracy in this quiz. Delve into their reforms, ideals, and the impact they had on the governance of Athens. Understand the foundational principles established during their time that shaped democratic values in ancient Greece.