The development of Athenian democracy during 500-440 bc.

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1)Account for the development of Athenian democracy during this period.


Introduction �


The democratization of Athens occurred during the period of 500 � 450 BC. However, it is hard to know the exact date of these changes as no one ancient source talks of these changes in detail. The first to bring about these changes was Kleisthenes (although, he’s reforms were not made in this period), with Kleisthenes Reforms, however more changes were to come with the development of a “radical democracy” within Athens. Futhermore, changes were made the offices of the Strategoi, Aeropagus, Archons, Ekklesia, and the Boule.


Body �


Cheap University Papers on The development of Athenian democracy during 500-440 bc.

§ Kleisthenes made reforms (divided Athens into 10 tribes, Boule taken to 500 rather than 400, Boule position = selection by lot, and Ekklesia gained in power), which broke the ‘stranglehold’ of the aristocrats, and gave favour to the lower social classes.


§ Democracy was further increased by the development of Athens into a sea based power rather than a land based one � as now the lower class, the Thetes, gained political standing (it was seen that power should be in the hands of who is most able to defend the state).


§ With the introduction of ordinary citizens being able to have greater participation in government, Athens was yet again further democratized as more changes were made to the government.


§ This created what is referred to as a ‘radical democracy,’ as now selection was by lot (excluding the Strategoi), there was office rotation (excluding the Strategoi and Boule, meant no politician could constantly hold office and receive state pay), collegiality (collective share of power), and payment for services (which meant the lower classes were now able to take higher political positions as they had a stable income).


§ What came next was the introduction of popular courts, magistrate limitation, Ekklesia, Boule, and Law Courts giving more ‘people’ rights, and the dismissal of government participation pre-requisites.


§ The Ekklesia was given the role of choosing the Archons, and therefore having greater say in military matters.


§ Archons lost most of powers, which were given to the Strategos.


§ Strategos gained ultimate military power, however, as controlled both the land and the sea military forces in times of war.


§ The Strategos was, therefore, the most highly sought after position, as not only did it have supreme military power, but domestic as well (able to convene and preside over the meetings of the Ekklesia, and it was also the only position open for vote by the people � therefore, if one could appeal to the public, one could remain strategoi for a lifetime.


§ However, the disagreements, which were sure to happen between the strategoi, led to the passing of ostracism.


§ All levels of society were now open to government positions.


Evidence �


§ “Kleisthenes enacted new [laws] with the aim of winning the people’s favour,” Aristotle.


§ “From steadfast hoplites into sea tossed mariners,” Plutarch.


§ “the control of policy now passed into the hands of sailors and boatswains,” Plutarch.


§ “they selected…archons by lot…Previously, the archons had all been elected by vote,” Aristotle.


§ “Athens’ naval empire had proved to be the mother of democracy,” Plutarch.


Conclusion �


Therefore, the new radical democracy saw the age-old tradition of only the aristocratic being able to hold office, be dismissed � excluding military matters.





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