Ancient Athens: From Persian Wars to Macedonian Conquest

The Medical Wars (490-479 BC)

The clash of the allied Greeks against the Persian Empire consecrated Athens as the most powerful polis, creating a maritime empire (thalassocracy).

The treasury of the Delian League was abundant, leading to Athens becoming the most prestigious and powerful polis, controlling these resources.

Athens, under the government of Pericles, implemented radical democracy.

Strategist: Chosen, competent to address the funding and administration of foreign policy (importance of the maritime empire of Athens).

Archons: Honorary position chosen by lot.

Areopagus: Strictly religious position.

Bule: Secretary of the advisory assembly drafts laws.

Assembly: Deals with all regular and special issues; any citizen can challenge a law and oversees all judges.

The rivalry between Athens and Sparta grew as both polis conquered and dominated less powerful regions, dividing the Balkan Peninsula between the Peloponnesian League and the Delian League. In 404 BC, this conflict ended with the defeat of Athens, marking the end of its golden age. Everything ended with the conquest of the polis by the Macedonian expansion under Philip and Alexander the Great.

Athens: Cradle of Democracy

Introduction: Through the process of colonization, many polis were transformed into manufacturing centers, processing raw materials brought from the colonies. This produced a steady increase in trade and wealth for the upper classes.

The lower classes suffered poverty and abuse from their employers. The first fight for the people of Athens was to ensure that laws were written.

Evolution of Political Institutions

Struggle for equality under the law.

Dracon (621 BC) - Legislature

• Codified the laws.
• Characterized by the severity of punishments for crimes committed.
• Provided for debt slavery.

Executive branch: President, Minister

Legislative Congress: Enacts laws

Judicial: Court of Justice (enforces laws)

Law: A principle established by the competent authority which commands, prohibits, or allows something in line with the law.

Stasis: Social Conflict

Solon (594 BC) - Ruler of Athens

• Legislative solution
• Division of society by producing classes
• Discharge of debts
• Monitored the stasis by the increase of population and the failure of people in the field.

Pisistratus - Tyrant of Athens (561-528 BC)

• Tyranny: Rule of a man who takes power into their hands, often violently.
• Public works, economic welfare