They ruled themselves by having a government that voted
in Athens
Athens believed in simple luxury for themselves & their homes.
the rule
The Spartan council did not rule Athens.
Athens
It depends on which period you are talking about. Before the democracy they were dissatisfied by aristocratic rule. During the democracy, they themselves ruled via the fortnightly assembly of the people which they were part of, so they no-one to blame but themselves.
Democracy
Yes
Pericles ruled Anicent Athens
Aegeus, king of Athens.
Hephaestus did not rule any particular land; some say he shared Athens with Athena.
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