Development of Democracy in Ancient Athens
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary demand of the Merchants in Ancient Athens?

  • Expansion of Athenian territory
  • Complete eradication of the Aristocracy
  • Increased military power
  • More rights to political participation (correct)

What does the term 'Isonomy' refer to in the context of Athenian democracy?

  • The law of majority voting
  • The principle of popular sovereignty
  • Equality before the law (correct)
  • Equal distribution of wealth

Who was the first Great Legislator of Athens?

  • Draco (correct)
  • Solon
  • Pissistrates
  • Cleisthenes

What significant reform did Solon implement to reduce Aristocratic power?

<p>Abolition of slavery debt (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Pissistrates contribute to the cultural development of Athens?

<p>He increased focus on agriculture and music (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Great Legislator is credited with ushering in democracy in Athens?

<p>Cleisthenes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the resurgence of the Aristocracy after the reign of Pissistrates?

<p>The death of Pissistrates and his sons' attempt to claim power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of Cleisthenes' reforms in Athens?

<p>Greater political engagement for the poor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Athenian Democracy

A form of democracy in ancient Athens, characterized by conflict between merchants and aristocracy, aiming for equality (isonomy) and political participation.

Isonomy

Ancient Athenian concept of equality before the law, stressing that equality was more important than other laws.

Great Legislator

Important figures in ancient Athens who sought to resolve conflicts and establish laws, progressively weakening the aristocracy's power.

Draco

First Athenian Great Legislator, known for codifying laws, thus diminishing the power of the aristocracy.

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Solon

Second Athenian Great Legislator, weakening the aristocracy further by abolishing debt slavery and dividing citizens into property classes.

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Cleisthenes

Fourth Athenian Great Legislator who expanded citizenship to the poor and created more rights in political participation.

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Pisistratus

Athenian Tyrant who fostered Athenian culture and agriculture; however, his attempts to maintain power led to conflict and Sparta's intervention.

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Political Participation

The ability of citizens to get involved in the political life of the city-state or polis and thus to influence decisions that impacted them.

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Study Notes

Development of Democracy in Ancient Athens

  • Conflict: Democracy emerged in Athens through decades of conflict between merchants and the aristocracy. Merchants sought greater political participation and equality.

  • Isonomy: Democracy in Athens took the form of isonomy, a system where equality superseded law. Political conflict was unsustainable, necessitating new roles like the Great Legislator.

  • Great Legislators: Several Great Legislators played key roles in shaping Athenian democracy.

  • Draco (circa 621 BCE): First to codify Athenian laws, weakening the aristocracy's power by establishing written rules.

  • Solon (594 BCE): Further weakened the aristocracy by abolishing debt slavery, dividing citizens into property-based classes, and promoting specialization and financial opportunity.

  • Pisistratus: A tyrant who promoted Athenian culture, but whose successors' tyranny led to conflict and Spartan intervention, temporarily reversing democratic progress.

  • Cleisthenes: Most significantly, Cleisthenes permanently established democracy in Athens by expanding citizenship to the poor, creating opportunities for participation and introducing isonomy (equality before the law) via property-independent citizenship.

  • Democratic Progress: The reforms instituted by these individuals gradually shifted power from the aristocracy towards broader political participation, leading to the eventual flourishing of Athenian Democracy with a strong focus on equality.

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Description

Explore the significant shifts in governance that led to the establishment of democracy in Ancient Athens. Learn about the key figures, including Draco and Solon, whose reforms paved the way for political equality amidst conflicts between different social classes. This quiz will test your knowledge on the evolution of political systems in ancient history.

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