Athens and Sparta

Chapter 4 Section 2

Tyranny in the City-States Nobles seized power from Greek kings Farmers had to borrow money from nobles

and often could not pay back debt Many farmers lost land and had to work for

nobles or were sold into slavery Many unhappy farmers wanted changes in

the power structure This led to the rise of tyrants: people who

take power by force and rule with total authority

Most acted wisely and fairly

With the backing of the common people, the tyrants overthrew the nobles in 600s B.C.

Became popular because of building projects Marketplaces, temples and walls

Other types of government developed: Oligarchy: few people hold power Democracy: all citizens share in running government

Greek were never fond of leadership by one man. Theywanted a rule of law with all citizens participating.

Sparta Founded by the

Dorians Needed more land as

population grew Conquered neighboring

lands and enslaved the people calling them helots.

No Surrender!

Why Was the Military So Important To keep the helots from rebelling, the

Spartans created a strong military of boys and men

At age 7 they went to live in a military barracks They received a harsh education

Public beatings One garment No shoes Forced to steal food

Return with your

shield or on it!

Why Was the Military So Important?

At age 20 military service

begins remained in

military barracks for 10 years

At age 30 Returned home

and expected to marry

Continued to train for combat

At age 60 Soldier could

retire from the military

Spartan girls were trained in sports to become healthy mothers

They had more freedom than any other Greek woman Own property Move about freely

Spartans gave up much for Spartans gave up much for their military power.their military power.They had no personal They had no personal freedom and they did not freedom and they did not excel in any of the arts, excel in any of the arts, literature, philosophy, or literature, philosophy, or science.science.

What Was Sparta’s Government Like?

Oligarchy

Council of Elders

Headed by 2 kings28 citizens overthe age of 60

Assembly

All men over 30Voted on laws and

elected ephors

There were 5 and they enforced laws and collected taxes

Created laws

Travel abroad was banned Foreign visitors were discouraged Helots were well controlled for 250 years Focusing on military left the Spartans

behind: In trade In knowledge of science and other studies

The Spartans believed that the ideal The Spartans believed that the ideal citizen had the following qualities…citizen had the following qualities…

CourageCourageStrengthStrengthEnduranceEnduranceCunningCunningDevotionDevotion

What Was Life in Athens Like? Boys went to school

Reading, writing, math, sports, music

Goal was to create a well rounded Athenian with a sound mind and body

At 18 school was over and boys were citizens

Girls stayed at home Taught spinning,

weaving and other household duties

Only some of the wealthy taught their daughters to read and write

Greek Democracy

A Budding Democracy The first government in Athens was an

oligarchy Again the farmers rebelled against the

nobles Farmers demanded that nobles cancel all debts

and give land to the poor

A Budding Democracy con't

A noble named Solon reformed Athenian government in 594 B.C. Canceled all debts Freed those who became slaves All male citizens could participate in the

Assembly and courts Created Council of 400 that wrote laws that

were passed by Assembly The tyrant Peisistratus seize power 30

years after Solon's reform Divided large estates amongst landless farmers Created public works jobs

Nobles wereunhappywith reforms

Non-citizensstill exclude

A Budding Democracy con't

Cleisthenes took power in 508 B.C. He created a democracy in Athens.

All men could debate openly Hear court cases Appoint army generals

He gave Assembly more power. Created Council of 500 to help Assembly carry

out duties. Members of the Council were chosen by lottery.