It was a direct democracy - no members of parliament to distort the public will. Decisions were made by the whole people in assembly, meting fortnightly. The council put matters before them, executed their decisions, and administered routine business between meetings.
In the law courts there were no judges and lawyers to muddy the waters. Large juries of several hundred decided on both guilt and punishment. The large juries were in effect equivalent to a modern opinion poll of what the citizens thought right.
All adult males were eligible to carry any political or public office (except generals, who were selected on ability for obvious self-protection reasons). The difference in ability of individuals was camouflaged/evened out by having panels of ten filling each office, in the expectation that at least one would have common sense. And it spread the money around, with half the populace on the public payroll.
All adult males served in the army and navy, meeting their mutual responsibility to protect themselves and the state.
It existed best when Athens had an empire it had made out of harnessing the other cities of the anti-Persian league and extorting money from them, which it used for its own benefit. This enabled the large numbers on the public payroll without crippling taxes.
aTHENS
Ancient Athens governed an area of about 2,000 square kilometers (approximately 770 square miles). This territory included the city itself, its surrounding countryside, and several coastal regions. The broader Athenian Empire, at its height, extended even further, encompassing various islands and cities in the Aegean Sea. The size and influence of Athens were significant factors in its development as a major center of culture and democracy in the ancient world.
Athens
The Renaissance was a major turning point in history with many advancements. One major characteristic of it was that classical styles of the ancient Greek culture were revived and imitated.
When the limited democracy developed into a radical democracy, where the citizens in fortnightly assembly made the decisions and the coulcil carried them out, this became open to too much influence by the skilled orators, some of whom led the people astray, into a devastating war, and massive loss of lives. After this loss, the democratic process was limited to a more balanced level.
All adult male citizens were eligible to vote , hold political office and serve on juries..
It was the birthplace of democracy, for starters. Even though it was not a total democracy itself, the idea of a democratic government has evolved and altered over time and has made important contributions to our system of government today.
aTHENS
Pericles' major accomplishment was transforming Athens into a vibrant cultural and political center during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece. He promoted democracy, supported the arts and architecture, and led Athens to prominence in the Delian League, a coalition of city-states. His leadership helped strengthen Athens' power and influence in the region.
Athens and Sparta.
festivals honoring the gods
Athens
Ancient Athens governed an area of about 2,000 square kilometers (approximately 770 square miles). This territory included the city itself, its surrounding countryside, and several coastal regions. The broader Athenian Empire, at its height, extended even further, encompassing various islands and cities in the Aegean Sea. The size and influence of Athens were significant factors in its development as a major center of culture and democracy in the ancient world.
Some major characteristics of Ancient Athens are that they teach citizens to read and write, sports, warfare, and the gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Hera, Apollo ect...
Athens
Athens has been the capital of Greece since 1834, when it was designated as the capital following the Greek War of Independence. The decision to make Athens the capital was influenced by its historical significance as a center of ancient Greek culture and democracy. Since then, it has developed into a major political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. As of 2023, Athens has served as Greece's capital for 189 years.
The Renaissance was a major turning point in history with many advancements. One major characteristic of it was that classical styles of the ancient Greek culture were revived and imitated.