Democracy in Athens

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DEMOCRACY IN ATHENS

The rise of the Athenian city-state took place c. 1000 BC.
Athens is located on the mainland in an area known as Attica, across the straits of
Messina from Sparta and Corinth.

Dorian invaders overran the Ionian natives c. 1000 BC.
Unlike the Spartans, the Dorians assimilated the Ionian culture and became peaceful.
Athenians turned toward the sea for a living, establishing a strong commercial trade.
Athens founded many colonies in the Aegean Sea.
Many Athenians became wealthy thus creating a wide social gap between its people.
Social classes developed in Athens creating friction among its people.
All males whose mother and father were citizens could vote and take part in the
government (Citizens).

The rising merchant and artisan class (Metics) could not own land or take part in the government.
About 1/2 of population were slaves - considered personal property but did have some safeguards against abuse.
The early Athenian government was an aristocracy which controlled all facets of
government.

The Assembly (Ecclesia); comprised of all male citizens but had very little power initially.
King; elected by the aristocrats and owed power to them.
Archons
9 aristocrats chosen from the Assembly
made all laws and executed them
controlled all political facets of Athenian life
Judges; aristocrats chosen from Assembly and were given the task of verbal
interpretation of the law.

A series of democratic reformers moved Athens from and aristocracy to a democracy over a
period of 150 years.

Draco (621 BC)
elected as Archon in 621 BC and went on to write down existing verbal laws
laws were harsh and severe but represented a significant step in democracy
harsh laws are often called "Draconian".
Solon (594 BC)
appointed to deal with Athenian problems in 594 BC
cancelled debt slavery
gave citizenship to foreign artisans who promised to settle permanently in Athens
"Solon" is n...