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What was one of the key reforms introduced by Solon the Lawgiver?

Abolishing slavery debts (correct)

Establishment of a monarchy

Dividing citizens into tribes

Creation of the Boule of the 500

Which term refers to the 'power of the people' in the context of Greek democracy?

Phylai

Isegoria

Demokratoria (correct)

Isonomia

What was a fundamental principle of the democracy established by Kleisthenes?

Equal representation of wealthy and poor

Strong centralized monarchy

Rule by an educated elite

Direct participation of all citizens (correct)

What criticism did Megabyzos present regarding democracy?

It empowers the uneducated masses. Signup and view all the answers

Which group prepared the agenda and proposals for the assembly in the democratic system of Athens?

Boule of the 500 Signup and view all the answers

Who was considered the founder of democracy in Athens?

Solon Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Epistates serve within the Prutaneis?

Chairman of the Prutaneis Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the exile of Hippias?

The murder of Hipparkhos Signup and view all the answers

What was typically not a penalty in Athenian law?

Prison time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major disadvantage of Athenian law?

Abuse through frivolous charges Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Atimia' in the context of Athenian law?

Deprivation of honor Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Sukophantes play in Athenian society?

People laying charges for self-serving reasons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods did Athenian litigants use to support their cases?

Researching and quoting public laws Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the two types of liturgy that wealthy Athenians had to fulfill?

Trierarchy liturgy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources contributed to the state income of Athens?

Harbour and market fees Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Eisphora tax?

Tax imposed on wealthy citizens Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the Proedroi in Athens?

To preside over meetings of the council and Assembly Signup and view all the answers

How many people were required to attend the Ekklesia in Athens for a decision to be valid?

6000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Dokimasia in the process to become a magistrate?

To conduct a preliminary scrutiny or examination of magistrates Signup and view all the answers

Which official was responsible for managing family matters and giving a name to the year?

Arkhon eponymous Signup and view all the answers

What significant action was taken to encourage attendance at the Ekklesia?

The use of a red rope to guide citizens Signup and view all the answers

Which body was responsible for maintaining order and punishment in Athens?

The Eleven Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for military command among the archons?

Polemarkhos Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Kerux in Athenian society?

To deliver messages outside of the city Signup and view all the answers

What type of crimes was the Areopagus Council responsible for after 462/1?

Deliberate homicide of an Athenian citizen Signup and view all the answers

What did the Law of Drakon establish regarding involuntary homicide?

It resulted in either exile or an agreement with the victim's family. Signup and view all the answers

Who could bring a graphe (public suit) in Athenian law?

Any male citizen in good standing Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the role of jurors in Athenian trials?

They received a lead token and a small salary for their service. Signup and view all the answers

What was the next step if a lawsuit was accepted in Athenian legal procedures?

A preliminary hearing was scheduled. Signup and view all the answers

What role did witnesses play in Athenian trials?

They played a big role and were preferable if they were family or friends. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Eliaia/Diasteria in the Athenian justice system?

They were jury-courts with at least 6000 jurors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of professional speech writers in Athenian trials?

They helped litigants prepare effective speeches. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of peltasts in ancient warfare?

They were armed with javelins and swords. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main tactics used by Greek naval forces?

Ramming enemy ships. Signup and view all the answers

How were cities typically forced into submission during sieges in ancient Greece?

By starvations and cutting them off from supplies. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major drawback of the trireme, standard Greek warship?

It was not suitable for use in rough weather. Signup and view all the answers

What innovation in siegecraft was attributed to the time of Dionysius of Syracuse?

The introduction of catapults. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Xenophon have apart from being a historian?

He served as a mercenary soldier. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Athens become a sea power around 483 BC?

Themistocles persuaded them to invest in shipbuilding. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of soldiers held a more honorable status in Greek warfare?

Cavalry Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Delian League when it was formed?

To prevent future Persian attacks Signup and view all the answers

What notable shift occurred in 454 BCE regarding the Delian League?

The treasury was moved from Delos to the Athenian Acropolis Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguished the Second Athenian League from the Delian League?

States were promised autonomy and no garrisons Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategy known as Othismos in hoplite warfare?

The technique of cohesive front-line shoving against the enemy Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary weapon used by hoplites?

Spear Signup and view all the answers

What type of armor was the linothorax, and what made it distinctive?

A linen cuirass known for its flexibility Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the outcome of the Second Athenian League?

It resembled the Delian League and ended up failing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a common occurrence in ancient warfare according to the content?

Generational cycles allowed new fighters to emerge Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic was considered a hallmark of Theban military strategy?

Close order and cohesive formations Signup and view all the answers

What role did kleruchs serve in the context of the Athenian empire?

They were Athenian citizens settled in overseas territories Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CLST 102: Greek Civilization - Test 3 Review

Precursors to Democracy:
- Solon the Lawgiver divided citizens into four classes based on wealth.
- Underlying principle: the state being run by all citizens, both rich and poor.
- Slavery debts abolished; freedom and citizenship are incompatible.
- Solon considered the founder of democracy.
- Peisistratos became sole ruler of Athens but kept existing institutions.
- Hippias and Hipparkhos were sons of Peisistratos, who later ruled.
- Hipparkhos was murdered.
- Hippias was exiled in 510 BCE.
- Kleisthenes' reforms occurred in 510 BCE.
- Ten tribes (phylai) were established.
- A new 10-month civic calendar was created.
- The Boule (council of 500) was formed.

Democracy

Demokratia: power of the people, all citizens without limitations.
Meanings:
- Power of the demos (original meaning).
- Including the demes (districts) in political life and decision-making.
- Critics called it the rule of the poor.
Founding principles:
- Isonomia: equality of all under the law.
- Isegoria: equal right to speak.

"Persian Debate" of Herodotus

Otanes: Monarchy means abuse of power; equal citizens under the law with public debate.
Megabyzos: Oligarchy; power to the educated; best suited for the job.
Dareios: Monarchy; power to the best man; effective and fast leadership.

Democracy in Action

Direct participation: All active citizens participate in important discussions and decisions in the assembly. This was not common in modern democracies.
Boule: Council of 500; elected by lot; prepared agendas and proposals for the assembly. Members were 30+ who were from each of the 10 tribes
Prutaneis: 50-member committees from each tribe, served for a month, lived in the Tholos (round building in the Agora), Epistates (chairman) presided over the assembly.
Proedroi: Introduced in the 4th century BCE; committee of 10 (one per tribe). Presided over meetings of the council and Assembly.
Bouleterion: Council Hall next to the tholos.

Ekklesia - Assembly

All Athenian adult males (18+) attended the assembly, which met regularly at the Pnyx.
After 403 BC laws were passed, and the meetings were held four times per month near the Acropolis and Agora.
Required 6000 people to attend for official business
Red rope to encourage participation by moving citizens idling in the Agora.
Magistrates, jurors and members received a salary.
Heralds read the agenda, members voted about whether to discuss contents, and time was given for people to speak.
Voted by show of hands.
Experts were no more important than citizens. All were equal.

Government Officials

Archons (Arkhontes): Nine officials who held office for a year, each had a different responsibility (one was known as eponymous - gave its name to the year). Responsibilities included religious matters, military command, and other administrative tasks.
Strategos: Elected by the assembly, not by lot.
Dokimasia: Preliminary scrutiny (exam) of magistrates.
Euthunai: Audit and review of magistrates' work.
Oath in Agora: Officials swore an oath to the state.
4th century BCE: Roughly 5% of the population held governmental office during this time period.
The Eleven: Body of magistrates in charge of order/punishment. Commanded the Skythian archers.
Other officials: Astunomoi (streets and roads), Agoranomoi (markets), Metronomoi (weights and measures), Grammateis (secretaries of Boule and Ekklesia).
Kerux (Kerukes): Heralds, delivered messages outside the city; Representatives for people outside of Athens.
Presbeutes/Presbeus: Prominent citizens who negotiated abroad.

Justice System

Areopagus Council: Former archons who handled more serious cases like murder and arson.
First Law (Drakon's Law): Law of Drakon on homicide; involuntary homicide had punishments like exile or agreement with the family; no private retribution
No distinction: No clear separation between executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
Eliaia/Diasteria: Jury Courts (Dikastai, jurors) at least 6000 jurors, (30+ yrs old), one-year terms chosen by lot.

Legal Procedures

Dike: Lawsuit brought by victims or their representatives.
Graphe: Public suit that any citizen of good standing could file; G. Paranomon dealt with illegal proposals in assembly (false accusations).
Stages: Oral summons from prosecutor; appearance before a magistrate; written charge presented; a preliminary hearing; formal acceptance and response by the defendant. Arbitration phase; trial.

The Trial

Jurors receive assignments and lead tokens, a salary for work.
A case is introduced, each litigant gives a speech. Professional speech-writers were used.
Evidence, witnesses, and relevant laws are presented.
Witnesses didn't necessarily need to be at the scene, family/friends were good, water clock for timing speeches.
Votes via bronze ballots, simple majority decision.
Penalties were proposed, which often were not prison.
Penalties can affect property, death, exile.

Disadvantages and Advantages of Athenian Law

Disadvantages: Athenian Law could be abused, as people often laid charges for frivolous reasons. The 'Sukophantes' or 'Informers were often self-seeking.
Advantages: Law worked quickly, didn't need specialized lawyers; based on consideration of equity.

Law and Athens

Laws displayed in public places.
Research laws and quoting them; used as evidence.
Late 5th C there was a public archive of laws, so people had access.
Atimia ('deprivation of honour'): equivalent to exile and a loss of political rights, worst punishment next to death.

Public Economy

State Income: Harbour and market fees, Metic tax (tax on non-Athenian residents), Rent from mining concessions, Fines.
State Expenses: Salaries for magistrates, jury members, and jurors, public slaves, army and navy, public festivals.

Financial Obligations of Wealthy Athenians

Leitourgia (Liturgy): Voluntary service to the community contributed to its smooth running.
Two kinds:
- Trierarchy liturgy: appointment as Trierarch to maintain and command a state warship (trireme).
- Festival liturgy (Khoregia): sponsorship of teams, most notably in theatrical productions.
To avoid Liturgy: challenged wealthier people in court; or exchanged property with wealthier people to avoid service/tax obligations.
Eisphora: property tax taken during times of war.

The Delian League

478/7 BCE: Established as a voluntary alliance to defend against future Persian attacks.
Athens as Hegemon: Commanders and treasurers were all Athenians.
Members contributed tribute: (phoros) to Athens.
Treasury moved: The Delian League treasury was transferred from Delos to the Athenian Acropolis in 454 BCE.
Athenian citizens settled: overseas in territories to exert Athenian influence (Kleruchs/Cleruch).
Aristophanes' critique: Aristophanes criticized the greed & corruption of Athenian officials when dealing with ally cities.
Revolt of Euboea: Athens vigorously repressed the people on the island.
Island of Samos: remained loyal to Athens.
End of League: The Delian League dissolved after the Spartan victory in the Peloponnesian War.

The Second Athenian League

378 BCE: New league promising to be less oppressive.
States autonomous: Any kind of government the states desired.
Ended up similar to the Delian League: Ended up failing because of similarities.
Tribute called Sunaxeis: Contributions were collected with a different name.
Garrisons and kleruchs: continued to be stationed.
Military Interventions: Took part in intervening with rebelling allies
Disbanded in 338 BCE due to revolts among member states.

Athens at War

War in antiquity was a frequent event.
Peace agreements often only lasted for 30 years.
Generational cycle: 30 years often allowed a new generation to grow before war.

The Ritual of Hoplite Battle

Divination: Before battle, divination was used to determine a positive outcome.
Sacrifice: Blood sacrifice (sphagia).
Forming up: Battling lines were established.
hymns/encouragement: Encouragement and hymns (songs) sung during the march.
Clash: A battle occurred between armies until one retreated.
Pursuit: Fled enemies were pursued.
Trophies: Trophies (tropaion) were collected on the battlefield.
Burial: Burial of the dead.

Hoplite Armour

Hoplites: Heavy infantry.
Bronze cuirass: Heavy metal armor designed like a hero's chest.
Linothorax: Flexible, linen armor.
Cheaper than bronze.
More flexible/lightweight than bronze. Left-side-open.

Hoplite Weapons

Spear (primary): Sauroter (lizard killer - spear butt).
Secondary weapons: Cut and thrust sword (xiphos), single-edge slashing sword (kopis).

The Hoplite Phalanx

Hoplites fought together in closely ranked formation.
Line formation (single lines of groups of hoplites).
Display of social standing.
Payment for own armor.
Shield customizations (othismos).
Militia of citizens.
Simple military tactics

The Other Soldiers

Light infantry: Other types of infantry, not as highly regarded as hoplites.
Mercenaries: Many foreign troops fought for pay.
Psiloi: lightly armed soldiers; used spears, javelins, short swords, and a light shield.
Peltasts: Equipped with light crescent shields (pelte).
Roles: Archers, Slingers, Cavalry (more honourable, wealthier).

Professionalization of War

Specialized training of soldiers apart from basic hoplites.
Growing role of mercenaries and professional generals.
Xenophon: famous Greek historian, mercenary soldier, wrote "Anabasis"

Siegecraft and Warfare

Early fortifications: Simple and basic siege warfare, focused on starvation, battering rams, ramps, and mines.
Siege Towers: In the late 5th and 4th centuries, siege towers and artillery were used.
Fortifications: More complex (towers, gates).
Military engineering: Hired professionals for siegecraft and warfare.
Catapult: Invented during this time period.

Athenian Naval Warfare - The Trireme

Standard Greek warship: Light, faster, easy to turn.
Three levels of rowers: Paid more to be on the upper levels (more difficult job to row there).
Not a cargo ship.
Limits: Not able to sail in rough weather, crew disembarked daily for meals and rest, expensive to build and maintain, needed large crew.

Greek Naval Tactics

Ramming: Preferred Tactic, used in confined areas
Boarding: Used in confined situations.
Formation: Ships formed lines with bows aimed at the enemy.
Maneuvering: Expert captains outmaneuvered enemy ships to ram on the side.

Athens as a Naval Power

483 BCE: Not originally a major naval power.
Themistokles and convincement: Persuaded Athenians to use silver mines' wealth for shipbuilding.
Forced Athens to become a sea power.
Delphi (Oracle): Told Athens to build a wooden wall in order to protect themselves before Battle of Salamis.
Themistocles: Convinced people to wait on Salamis so their navy could defend them.

Crew of Athenian Trireme

170 rowers: Mostly thetes (lower class citizens), foreign laborers and slaves, to fill the spaces of rowers
Ten Hoplites and Four Archers: Additional to defend against enemy attacks; needed when necessary.
Captain (Trierarch): and 16 assistants: Helmsman, rowing officer, bow officer, Carpenter, Double pipe player

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