Sparta and Athens CityState Rivals Chapter 7 Lesson

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Sparta and Athens: City-State Rivals Chapter 7, Lesson 2

Sparta and Athens: City-State Rivals Chapter 7, Lesson 2

Political Changes ► As Greek-Coty States grew, Nobles became more powerful than Kings. §

Political Changes ► As Greek-Coty States grew, Nobles became more powerful than Kings. § They didn’t rule as long as the kings did though. ► The farmers did not like the Nobles. § Often borrowed money from them to buy land. § When they couldn’t pay the loan they: ►Would have to work for the noble. ►moved to the city to find jobs ►sold themselves into slavery. ► By 650 B. C. , farmers wanted a stronger voice in government (looking for political change. )

Political Changes ► Merchants and Artisans also wanted reforms. § They made a lot

Political Changes ► Merchants and Artisans also wanted reforms. § They made a lot of money but because most did not own land, they were not considered citizens. (meaning they have no role in ruling the polis. ► This growing unrest would lead to the rise of Tyrants (someone who seizes power and rules with total authority. ) § Most tyrants in charge of a city-state rules fairly.

► The Political Changes harsh rule of a few tyrants gave the word tyranny

► The Political Changes harsh rule of a few tyrants gave the word tyranny its current meaning (rule by a cruel and unjust person) ► Many Greeks supported these tyrants for overthrowing nobles during the 600 B. C. § Tyrants also had the support of Hoplites, or citizen soldiers, in the army. ► Tyrants gained popularity by building temples, marketplaces, and fortresses. ► Despite this, most Greeks wanted a government in which they could all participate. § Not just one person.

► Tyrants Political Change ruled many City-States until about 500 B. C. § From

► Tyrants Political Change ruled many City-States until about 500 B. C. § From this point until 336 B. C. , most City-States were ruled by oligarchies and democracies. ►Democracy – All citizens share in running the government. ►Oligarchy – A few wealthy people/powerful people over the larger group of citizens. ► Two of the major City States were governed differently and created different societies. § Sparta and Athens.

Sparta: A Military Society ► Sparta was located on the Peloponnesus (peh-luhpuh-NEE-suhs) Peninsula in

Sparta: A Military Society ► Sparta was located on the Peloponnesus (peh-luhpuh-NEE-suhs) Peninsula in southern Greece. § Descended from the Dorians. § Economy was based on Agriculture. § Did not set up colonies. ►Invaded local city-states and enslaved the people calling them helots (Greek word for “capture”)

► The A Strong Military helots revolted against their Spartan masters in 650 B.

► The A Strong Military helots revolted against their Spartan masters in 650 B. C. , but were not successful. § Sparta’s leaders wanted to avoid future uprising and so became a military society stressing discipline. ►Believed this would make a more obedient and loyal citizens. ► Sparta’s government prepared all boys and men for a life of war. § Boys often left their home to join the military at age seven. ►They learned to read, write, and use weapons.

A Strong Military § They were also treated harshly believing that if they could

A Strong Military § They were also treated harshly believing that if they could overcome this, they would be men who would survive the pain of battle. ► They joined the regular military at age 20. § Allowed to marry into their twenties but could not live at home and lived in military camps. § Shared barracks and ate meals together. § A typical army dish was known as black broth. ►Pork boiled in animal blood, salt, and vinegar. ► They could live at home again when they were 30. § They still had to train for combat however.

► They A Strong Military were allowed to retire at the age of 60.

► They A Strong Military were allowed to retire at the age of 60. ► Since men lived away from home, Spartan women had more liberties. They could: § Own property and travel. § Trained in sports such as wrestling and throwing the javelin. ► They remain physically fit to fulfill their roles as mothers. § The goal was to raise sons who were brave, strong Spartan soldiers. ► Expected their men to either win or die in battle (surrendering was not an option. ) § One mother even told her son, “Come back carrying your shield or being carried on it. ”

How Was Sparta Governed? ► Sparta’s government § It was an oligarchy. ►Two kings

How Was Sparta Governed? ► Sparta’s government § It was an oligarchy. ►Two kings ruled jointly but, with little power. § Their two roles were to lead the army and carry out religious ceremonies. ►Also had two governing bodies. § Assembly: ►All male members over the age of 30. ►Made decisions about war and peace. § Council of Elders: ►Most powerful body in government.

How Was Sparta Governed? ► Council of Elders: § Most powerful body in government.

How Was Sparta Governed? ► Council of Elders: § Most powerful body in government. § Members served as judges. ►Only officials who could order executions or exile. § Each year they elected five people to be ephors (EH-fuhrs) § Enforced laws and managed the collection of taxes ► Sparta’s strict government brought stability but, It took its toll on the people of Sparta. § Restricted free thinking and new ideas for fear of losing control of the Helots.

How Was Sparta Governed? ► This resulted in Sparta not allowing foreign visitors and

How Was Sparta Governed? ► This resulted in Sparta not allowing foreign visitors and prevented citizens from traveling outside the City-State except for military reasons. § Didn’t even allow for studying literature or the arts. ► Other changes it resisted included: § Used heavy iron bars for money instead of coins like other Greek City-States discouraging trade with the rest of Greece. § While most of Greece flourished and prospered, Sparta remained a poor farming society. ► They only cared for military power and victory. § They would serve a key role in protecting Greece against invaders.

Athens: A Young Democracy ► Athens was located northeast of Sparta. § Roughly a

Athens: A Young Democracy ► Athens was located northeast of Sparta. § Roughly a two-day trip. ► It was founded by descendants of the Mycenaeans and different from Sparta in its ideas about society and government.

An Athenian Education ► Athenians received a very different education to that of Spartans.

An Athenian Education ► Athenians received a very different education to that of Spartans. § Athens educated its males, as did Sparta. ►Boys studied arithmetic, geometry, drawing, music and public speaking. ► They also participated in sports. § Believed it would create young people with strong minds and bodies. ► When boys were finally 18 and finished with school, they were expected to take an active role in public affairs.

An Athenian Education ► Athenian at home. mothers education their daughters § They learned

An Athenian Education ► Athenian at home. mothers education their daughters § They learned spinning, weaving, and other household tasks. § In some wealthy families they learned to read, write, and play music. § Women were not generally active in business or government in Athens.

► The Early Reforms history of Athens was similar to that of many Greek

► The Early Reforms history of Athens was similar to that of many Greek City-States. § Owed money to the nobles and selling themselves into slavery to nobles. § Eventually they rebelled, calling for an end to all debts, and the distribution of land to the poor. ► The nobles avoided an uprising by making some changes. ► They turned to a respected merchant known as Solon (SOH-luhn) for leadership. § In 594 B. C. , he ended the debt of farmers, freed those who were slaves, and opened the assembly and the law courts to all male citizens.

► The Early Reforms assembly was a council made up of 400 wealthy citizens

► The Early Reforms assembly was a council made up of 400 wealthy citizens who were responsible for making laws. ► The common people praised Solon’s reform but many Athenians were unhappy with his reform. § Many wealthy Athenians felt he had gone to far and the poor thought he did not go far enough. § He lost most of his support by the time he left office.

► By Early Reforms 560 B. C. a tyrant named Peisistratus (py-SIHS-truht -uhs) made

► By Early Reforms 560 B. C. a tyrant named Peisistratus (py-SIHS-truht -uhs) made reforms that went further to what Solon had done. § He divided large estates amongst farmers who had no land. § He provided loans to help farmers buy equipment to work their farms. § Granted citizenship to those who did not own land. § Hired the poor to construct temples and other public works. ► Since religion was important to Athens he built additional shrines to different gods. § He also encouraged the worship of the Goddess Athena, and held athletic contests to honor Athena.

► After Towards Democracy the death of Peisistratus, Cleisthenes (KLYSthuh-neez) was the next ruler

► After Towards Democracy the death of Peisistratus, Cleisthenes (KLYSthuh-neez) was the next ruler of Athens. § Prizing democracy, he made the assembly the city-state’s major governing body. § All male citizens could participate and vote on laws. § They were allowed to discuss issues freely, hear legal cases, and appoint army officials. ► He also created a new council of 500 citizens. § They were to help the assembly manage daily government affairs.

► The Towards Democracy council introduced law and controlled the treasury as well as

► The Towards Democracy council introduced law and controlled the treasury as well as manage relations with other city-states. ► Each year they held a lottery to choose the council members. § It was preferred to an election as an election may unfairly favor the rich, who were well known. § Terms on the council were one year and no one could serve for more than two terms and made it possible for everyone to be a council member.

► While Toward Democracy Cleisthenes’s reforms made Athens more democratic, many were still excluded

► While Toward Democracy Cleisthenes’s reforms made Athens more democratic, many were still excluded from the political process. § If you were not a citizen you could not participate in government. § This included all Athenian women, foreign-born men, and all enslaved people.