Ancient Greek Government and Society City-States (Polis) • Because the geography of Greece is so mountainous, many settlements were separated from one another. • Over time these settlements became known as cities to the people who lived in them. • Each city had its own army, and its own money. They each even had their own government. Forms of Government Within the city-states that were throughout the country, four forms of government developed. • Monarchy- rule by one hereditary ruler • Oligarchy- rule by a small group of people • Tyranny- rule by a cruel and oppressive government or rule. • Democracy- rule by citizens Athens and Sparta were probably the two most famous and powerful city states in Ancient Greece. However, their governments were very different. Government of Athens Governed with a Democracy. They were the first to ever do this. Although, not all people could participate (women, slaves and foreigners had no political rights). *Only citizens (free adult males) had the right to participate in the government.* Council of 500: (direct democracy- not representative democracy) • Met everyday • Debated laws and business • Chosen from a drawing and served one year. Assembly: • 6,000 had to be in attendance • Met every 10 days • Voted on laws : yes / no Origins of Athenian Democracy • About 622BCE, a tyrant named Draco created a written legal system and a court to enforce his laws. Draco’s court gave out harsh punishments for even minor offenses. Today we use the word draconian to describe laws that are unnecessarily harsh or unjust. • • In 594BCE, Solon became the leader of Athens. Solon repealed Draco’s harshest laws assembled a group of ordinary citizens to vote on how Athens was to be governed. The Assembly gathered forty times a year and was open to all male citizens with at least two years of military service. Government of Sparta Governed with an Oligarchy: • 2 kings inherited power • 28 council of Elders-elected • Assembly was made up of male citizens • Very little power was given to the assembly Athens and Sparta were also very different in the role of boys and girls in society. Athens: Boys vs. Girls Boys: • Up to 6- taught at home- mother or slave tutor • 6-7 – school-reading, writing, math, literature • Good citizens was most important=purpose of education! • 18 – military school/after went to private schools to learn to debate and public speaking Girls • Girls were not regarded as important by the Athenians. • Girls could be taught at home. (if they had rich parents) • Girls were not allowed to take part in anything to do with war, business or education. • Had to be escorted • Few rights • Not citizens Sparta: Boys vs. Girls Boys: • Age 7 – went to military school for training for army • Health and strength most important. • Unhealthy babies left to die • At age 20, given a test of strength and leadership- if passed became a citizen Girls: • Girls in Sparta were to grow up to be the mothers of warriors. • Although they were not allowed to fight, girls took part in all the training because fit ladies produced fit babies, who would fight! Athens v Sparta • Athens and Sparta had very different ways of living their lives. • Athens wanted to control as much land as possible and this led to much war between Greek lands. Powerful navy • Sparta, although more powerful kept itself to itself unless their army was needed. Powerful Army Athens vs. Sparta ATHENS Politically (government and military) Socially https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3uTM9gjSGI SPARTA Athens or Sparta? Which was better?
