Master this deck with 21 terms through effective study methods.
Generated from uploaded handwritten-notes
The ideal citizen in ancient Athens was a landowner, soldier, politician, and athlete. This citizen was expected to participate actively in political life and contribute to the polis, reflecting the values of civic duty and public service.
The introduction of a naval fleet allowed poorer citizens to participate in the polis by serving as rowers, which increased their political significance and contributed to the development of democracy in Athens.
In Athenian society, an 'idiot' referred to someone who did not participate in politics. This term carried a negative connotation, as civic engagement was highly valued, and those who abstained from political life were looked down upon.
In the 4th century BC, Athens introduced payment for attending the assembly, council, and courts to ensure that economic hardship did not prevent citizens from participating in political life.
Members of the Athenian council, known as the Boule, were selected by lot from ten tribes (fyler), with each tribe contributing 50 members, ensuring a broad representation of citizens in governance.
The assembly (Ekklesia) was the principal body of Athenian democracy where citizens gathered to discuss and vote on important issues, laws, and policies, allowing direct participation in governance.
Magistrates in Athens were responsible for executing laws and overseeing various aspects of public administration. They were also selected by lot and served for a limited term to prevent the concentration of power.
Theater in ancient Athens served as a platform for political commentary and social critique, with tragedies often based on myths and comedies reflecting contemporary issues, thus engaging citizens in cultural and political discourse.
Athenian democracy was a direct form of governance where citizens voted on laws and policies themselves, whereas modern democracy is typically representative, with elected officials making decisions on behalf of the populace.
Women in Athenian society had limited rights and were primarily confined to domestic roles. They were excluded from political life and public decision-making, reflecting the patriarchal structure of the society.
Prominent philosophers included Socrates, who emphasized ethical inquiry; Plato, who founded the Academy and wrote about ideal forms; and Aristotle, who contributed to numerous fields including ethics, politics, and natural sciences.
The Delian League was an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, formed to defend against Persian aggression. It eventually became a tool for Athenian imperialism, contributing to tensions that led to the Peloponnesian War.
In the early 400s BC, Greek city-states faced threats from the Persian Empire, which prompted alliances such as the Delian League to counteract Persian expansion and protect Greek autonomy.
A polis was characterized by its city-state structure, including an urban center, surrounding countryside, and a community of citizens who shared a common identity, culture, and governance.
Economic factors, such as wealth disparities, influenced political participation by limiting access to political life for poorer citizens. Reforms like payment for assembly attendance aimed to mitigate these disparities.
Athletic competitions in Olympia were significant as they celebrated physical prowess, fostered unity among Greek city-states, and served as a religious festival honoring Zeus, reinforcing cultural identity.
Sparta had a mixed political structure with two kings, a council of elders (Gerousia), and an assembly, contrasting with Athens' more democratic system that emphasized citizen participation and direct voting.
The Peloponnesian War led to the decline of Athenian power, the fall of its empire, and significant social and economic turmoil, ultimately resulting in a temporary oligarchic government and loss of democratic ideals.
Public scrutiny was a critical aspect of Athenian governance, where citizens could hold magistrates accountable through mechanisms like ostracism and public audits, ensuring transparency and preventing abuse of power.
The concept of citizenship in ancient Athens evolved to include only free men of Athenian descent, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners, which reflected the socio-political dynamics and values of the time.
The Persian Wars fostered a sense of unity among the Greek city-states as they banded together to repel a common enemy, leading to the formation of alliances like the Delian League and a temporary increase in cooperation.