Den greske antikken - 2/2 - Athen og Sparta

Summary

This script explores ancient Greek politics, focusing on Athenian democracy and its rival, Sparta. It explains how Athens developed direct democracy in the 5th century BCE, contrasting it with modern representative democracy. The script also covers Athenian institutions like the Assembly, Council of 500, and People's Court, emphasizing their democratic yet exclusive nature, excluding women and slaves. It touches on Sparta's oligarchic system, the Persian Wars, and Athens' golden age under Pericles. The Peloponnesian War and its impact on Athenian dominance are discussed, along with the rise of Macedon and Alexander the Great's conquests, which ended Greek city-states' independence. The script concludes by highlighting Greek cultural influence on Western civilization and the Hellenistic period.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Athens is renowned for developing democracy, but it was a form of direct democracy, not representative like today's.
• 🗣️ In Athenian democracy, all citizens could vote on laws and issues, and participate in governance.
• 👥 Athenian institutions included the Assembly, the Council of 500, and the People's Court, emphasizing citizen involvement.
• 🎰 The members of the Council of 500 were chosen by lot, ensuring any citizen could serve.
• 👑 Sparta was not a democracy but a hereditary kingdom with two kings and a militaristic society.
• 🛡️ Sparta's political system was an oligarchy, favoring an elite class and separating true Spartans from helots.
• 🌊 The Persian Wars were a turning point, with Greek city-states uniting against the Persian Empire, leading to Athens' rise.
• 🏺 The Athenian leader Pericles was instrumental in the construction of the Parthenon and the city's Golden Age.
• 💥 The Peloponnesian War was a conflict between Athens and Sparta, resulting in Sparta's victory and the decline of Athenian dominance.
• 🌍 Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek culture, known as Hellenism, across his vast empire.
• 📚 The Library of Alexandria was a center of knowledge, reflecting the continuation of Greek culture and thought.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the word 'democracy' and how did it originate?

The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek 'demos' meaning people and 'kratos' meaning power or rule. It was developed in Athens in the 5th century BC, marking the beginning of the classical antiquity period.

How does Athenian democracy differ from modern democracy?

Athenian democracy was a form of direct democracy, where citizens would gather and vote on laws and matters, whereas modern democracy is largely representative, with elected officials making decisions on behalf of the people.

What were the main institutions of Athenian democracy?

The main institutions included the Ecclesia, the assembly where citizens could speak and vote on matters; the Boule, a council of 500 citizens chosen by lot to govern; and the People's Court, where jurors were also chosen by lot.

Who were the strategoi in Athenian democracy and what was their role?

The strategoi were generals elected by the citizens and had significant power during wartime. They were responsible for military command and played a crucial role in Athens' military affairs.

What was the political system in Sparta and how did it differ from Athens?

Sparta was not a democracy but rather a hereditary monarchy, often referred to as an oligarchy, where power was concentrated among the elite. It was a militaristic society with a strict class system.

How did the Persian Wars impact Athens and Sparta?

The Persian Wars brought Athens and Sparta together to fight against the Persian Empire. Athens led the naval forces and this contributed to its prosperity and the period known as the Athenian Golden Age.

Who was Pericles and what is his significance in Athenian history?

Pericles was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens' city-state in the city's Golden Age. He is credited with the construction of the Parthenon and was a driving force behind the Athenian democracy.

What was the Peloponnesian War and what were its consequences for Athens?

The Peloponnesian War was a conflict between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies. Sparta emerged victorious, which led to the end of Athenian dominance, but Athenian society remained free and democratic for a time.

How did the conquests of Alexander the Great affect the Greek city-states?

Alexander the Great's conquests led to the end of the independence of the Greek city-states. After his death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to further conflicts and the end of the classical Greek city-state era.

What is Hellenism and how did it spread?

Hellenism refers to the spread of ancient Greek culture, language, and religion. It spread through Alexander the Great's conquests, leading to the establishment of Greek colonies and the influence of Greek culture in the newly conquered territories.

How did the Roman conquest of Greece influence Greek culture and thought?

The Roman Empire conquered Greece in 146 BC and while it brought an end to Greek independence, it also led to the Romans adopting and preserving many aspects of Greek culture, philosophy, science, and art.