2de - Athènes : une cité démocratique à la tête d'un empire maritime

Summary

This video explores Athens in the 5th century BCE, focusing on its unique democratic system and rise as a maritime empire. Athens was distinctive among Greek city-states for its democratic structure, where citizens actively participated in governance and military defense. Victories in the Persian Wars led to the formation of the Delian League, but Athens' increasing dominance over other cities created internal and external tensions. The Peloponnesian War eventually weakened Athens, and internal political struggles led to its downfall, marking the end of its empire. The video offers a clear overview of Athens' political and military history, from its peak to its collapse.

Takeaways

• 😀 Athens was a democratic city-state in the 5th century BCE, distinct from most Greek cities governed by tyrants.
• 😀 Athenian citizens had extensive rights, such as participating in politics, marriage, and property ownership, but also important obligations.
• 😀 Participating in political life was not just a right but a duty for Athenian citizens, including attending the *ecclesia* (assembly).
• 😀 The *ecclesia* met four times a month to discuss major issues like laws, war, and electing magistrates.
• 😀 Athenians made decisions through direct voting, including choosing military leaders like the stratēgoi, but also used random selection for some roles.
• 😀 Athenians could face ostracism, or exile, if they did not fulfill their civic duties.
• 😀 Athens was a militaristic society where citizens were also soldiers and were expected to defend the city in times of war.
• 😀 Athens played a critical role in the Persian Wars, winning the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) and the Battle of Salamis (480 BCE).
• 😀 After the Persian Wars, Athens formed the Delian League, which evolved into a tool for Athenian imperialism, with Athens taking control of the League's resources.
• 😀 Pericles, an Athenian leader, used the Delian League's treasury to beautify and strengthen Athens, cementing its imperial control over other Greek cities.
• 😀 The power of Athens eventually led to tensions within the Delian League and with Sparta, culminating in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE), which Athens ultimately lost, leading to the fall of its empire.

Q & A

What made Athens different from most other Greek city-states in terms of governance?

Unlike most Greek city-states, which were ruled by tyrants, Athens was a democracy. Its citizens governed the city, participating directly in decisions through the Assembly and taking part in various political and military responsibilities.

What were the key privileges of an Athenian citizen?

Athenian citizens had the right to vote, hold office, marry, and own property. They also had the obligation to participate in political life and defend the city.

What was the purpose of the Ecclesia in Athens?

The Ecclesia was the Assembly of citizens in Athens, where they met regularly to make decisions on laws, war, and elect magistrates. It was central to Athenian democracy.

How were magistrates chosen in Athens?

Magistrates in Athens were often selected by a process of direct election or, in some cases, by random lottery, ensuring that power was not concentrated in the hands of a few.

What was the role of the Athenian military citizen-soldier?

Every citizen-soldier in Athens was expected to participate in the defense of the city, providing their own equipment and engaging in military campaigns, especially during times of war, such as the Persian Wars.

What were the Persian Wars, and how did Athens contribute to their outcome?

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between Greece and Persia, occurring around 490 and 480 BCE. Athens played a pivotal role in the Greek victories, notably winning the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE and the naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE.

What was the Delian League, and how did it evolve into an Athenian empire?

The Delian League was initially a military alliance formed by Greek city-states to defend against Persia. Over time, Athens took control of the League, demanding tribute and even transferring its treasury to Athens, making it a tool of Athenian imperial power.

What significant decision did Pericles make in 454 BCE, and what did it symbolize?

In 454 BCE, Pericles decided to transfer the treasury of the Delian League to Athens and use the funds to beautify the city. This decision symbolized Athens' shift from a leader of a coalition to the ruler of an empire.

What led to the decline of Athenian power and the fall of its empire?

The decline of Athenian power was primarily due to internal political conflicts, including the death of Pericles, and external military pressures, especially from Sparta. The Peloponnesian War, which began in 431 BCE, eventually led to Athens' defeat and the collapse of its empire by 404 BCE.

How did the Peloponnesian War affect Athenian democracy?

The Peloponnesian War led to the downfall of Athenian democracy. After a series of defeats and political instability, Athens experienced a revolution that replaced its democratic system with an oligarchy, marking the end of its imperial era.