Athenian Democracy Flashcards
What are the four classes of Athenian citizens defined by Solon?
- Pentakosiomedimnoi
- Hippeis
- Zeugitai
- Thetes
These classes were based on wealth measured by agricultural production.
What was the role of the archons in Athens?
Magistrates who played a major role in the administration of the city
There were nine senior archons, with the eponymous archon giving his name to the civil year.
Who was the eponymous archon elected in 594/3 BC?
Solon
He reformed the Athenian political system to encourage social mobility.
What significant reforms did Cleisthenes introduce in 508 BC?
- Divided citizens into 10 tribes
- Introduced the boule of 500 men
- Established a selection process for generals
These reforms significantly increased democratic participation in Athens.
True or False: The Thetes were allowed to hold political positions in Athens after Solon’s reforms.
False
The Thetes could sit in the assembly and act as jurors but could not hold political positions.
What event led to a power vacuum in Athens around 510 BC?
The expulsion of Hippias
Hippias was driven out with the help of the Spartans.
What was the primary significance of the Greek victories in the Persian wars for Athenian democracy?
Strengthened the democratic system
The hoplites, who were key to the victories, were often men of lower classes gaining more influence.
What major change occurred in 487/6 regarding the election of archons?
Archons were selected by lot from a list of 500 candidates
This reduced the influence of wealthy citizens in the Council of the Areopagus.
Who were the two rival factions in Athens during and after the Persian wars?
- Conservative faction led by Aristeides
- Reformist faction led by Themistocles
This division influenced Athenian politics significantly.
What reforms did Ephialtes introduce in the late 460s?
- Reduced the powers of the Areopagus
- Transferred powers to the ecclesia, law courts, and boule
His reforms aimed to enhance democracy in Athens.
What was the Athenian Constitution and who authored it?
A political treatise by Aristotle
It offers a detailed account of the Athenian democratic system as understood in the 320s BC.
Fill in the blank: The position of _______ became the most powerful elected office in the Athenian state under Pericles.
general
Pericles was elected general fifteen times in a row.
What was one of Pericles’ reforms regarding citizenship?
An Athenian citizen had to have both an Athenian mother and an Athenian father
This was intended to maintain the integrity of the citizen population.
What was the outcome of Pericles’ citizenship law during the plague of 430?
He made an exception for his son with Aspasia to be enrolled as a citizen
This law initially backfired as many of his family members died.
