Mr. Cistaro / Mr. C

XAIRETE

Welcome to Ancient Athens & Sparta.

Introduction

My name is Mark Cistaro. I have 4 children. 2 are in High School, 2 are in this room!

Luc (Luciano) Mara (Marianna)

Studied Biology, History, Chemistry, & Classics (Greek and Latin)

Email: MCISTARO@HAMILTONSCHOOLS.US

Website: MRCATHAM.WEEBLY.COM

Here is your question!

Do you have a computer and access to the internet and/or email?

Our World

What do we know about the EARLY Greeks?

What do we know about the Ancient Greeks? Did the ancient Greeks own slaves?

[True - even democratic Athens had no compunction about owning slaves]

Could women vote in democratic Athens? [False - in fact, arguably, women had more power over their lives in

Sparta] Were most city-states actually cities?

[False - the vast majority were only small towns of a few hundred citizens]

Did the ancient Greeks have nobles and aristocrats? [True - even in democratic Athens the aristocrats remained a force

to be reckoned with] Was the secret of ancient Greece's success its rich, fertile

land? [False - the mountainous terrain was only suitable for a few select

crops like olives and grapes] Did the ancient Greeks value wealth above all else?

[False - fame and honor meant much more to the average Greek citizen than wealth].

Athens and Sparta

During the 5th century BC, Greece was dominated by two main powers: democratic Athens and the military oligarchy of Sparta.

These city-states were very different. Sparta was traditionally the great land

power of the Greek world and controlled many neighboring territories whose populations were tied to the land as slaves.

Athens' power was based upon its command of the sea, and though it was officially only head of a naval alliance (the Delian League), in practice this amounted to an empire in all but name.

Athens - GOVERNMENT

Eventually the Athenian government developed into a direct democracy. 

In a direct democracy all citizens vote on major issues instead of electing representatives to do it for them.

As a result, this governmental system required frequent meetings of the Athenians to vote on important issues. 

These meetings often entailed debates among the citizens over policy decisions, such as going to war against another city-state.

Athens' direct democracy served as an important step toward individual freedom and the involvement of individuals in the decision-making process of the government.  However, only FREE males, over the age of 18, could vote.

Athens - VALUES

Cultural advancement, balance, order, education, and debate were all very important as was citizen-participation in the government.

Even though Athens was a democracy there were slaves and women could not vote, hold office, or inherit property.

Sparta - GOVERNMENT

Sparta's government was basically an oligarchy, which is a government controlled by a small group of people. 

Often times at meetings the group that was able to shout the loudest would be the ones who won a vote or had their policy accepted.

The Spartan government was mostly concerned with ensuring that the city-state had a powerful military machine to protect itself from outside invasion and to conquer others.

The government also forbade its citizen to travel abroad and did not often accept visitors. 

They feared that outside contact would weaken the discipline of the population.

Sparta - VALUES

Above all, the Spartans valued strength and virility.  Babies that did not appear strong were often

discarded. Since strength was valued over intellect and

academic achievement the Spartans made few cultural contributions to Western Civilization.

BUT, the areas where they did influence have stayed with us till today. ‘Spartan’ & ‘Laconic’ Witty Comebacks Governmental Structure Military (Barracks, etc.)

Athens

Athens

Athens

Athens

Athens

Unique Things About Athens Ostracism (ὀστρακισμός)

Under the Athenian democracy in which any citizen could be expelled from the city-state of Athens for ten years.

While some instances clearly expressed popular anger at the citizen, ostracism was often used preemptively. It was used as a way of neutralizing someone thought to be a threat to the state or potential tyrant.

Unique Things About Athens Ostracism (ὀστρακισμός)

Pericles Cimon Aristides

Ostracism (ὀστρακισμός)

Broken pottery, abundant and virtually free, served as a kind of scrap paper.

Each year the Athenians were asked in the assembly whether they wished to hold an ostracism.

According to Plutarch, the ostracism was considered valid if the total number of votes cast was at least 6,000.

Ostracism (ὀστρακισμός)

The person nominated had ten days to leave the city.

If he attempted to return, the penalty was death.

The property of the man banished was not confiscated and there was no loss of status.

After the ten years, he was allowed to return without stigma

For Next Time

Check the class website