Athens and Sparta Chapter 4 Section 2
Jan 22, 2016
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.