Further Development of the Athenian Democracy

Question 1

Themistocles

Answer 1

proposed a new system for selecting archons in 487 BC, they were to be chosen by lot. they still had to be from the two highest property classes. this change reduced the influence of archons and gave the power to generals

Question 2

Council of Areopagus

Answer 2

conservative bastion in Athens. in 462/’61 BC it’s power was heavily curtailed. democratic rulers Ephialtes and Pericles made sure it was stripped of all of its political power. from then onwards it only served as the court of law for capital crimes

Question 3

Pericles

Answer 3

c. 495-429 BC. most influential politician in Athens after 460 BC. his rule saw the introduction of state pay for state service. soon citizens were also granted a small allowance for sitting on the Council of 500 and on the juries. people also started to get payed for attending assemblies. on national feast days citizens were payed lump sums. During his time Athens also stiffened its qualifications for citizenship. during his time the popular assembly convened at least 40 times a year.

Question 4

Mount Pnyx

Answer 4

the center of Athens where the meetings were held as it held up to 6000 people.

Question 5

the result of the shift of democracy in 462/’61 BC

Answer 5

poor citizens acquired more influence in jurisdiction, decision-making and executive. they also got more military importance. they provided most of the sailor and rowers for the military fleet.

Question 6

shift in the make-up of politicians

Answer 6

until 429 BC all rulers were still members of aristocracy. the old and respected families were also supported by citizens from all classes. because they had more contacts and resources, they were also better informed. after Perciles’ death some new politicians emerged. they were entrepreneurs. they relied on the support of the assembly

Question 7

Cleon

Answer 7

entrepreneur politician after Pericles’ death. he was a gifted orator and manufacturer of leather goods. he was important in 429-422 BC. he was a radical democrat and against forming a peace treaty with Sparta.

Question 8

Classical period stability in democracy

Answer 8

democracy had proven to be successful before 431 BC and it had firmly taken root by the classical period. it was well-arranged. Athenians themselves took pride in their developed society and they did not think to change it. some think this success is due to the imperialistic success of Athens; it helped to further prove the strength of the democratic system. their powerful position in the trade world also helped. presence of slaves enabled the citizens to take part in the assemblies that the democratic system required.

Question 9

criticism on the democratic system in Athens

Answer 9

oligarchically minded people of the time believed that he system allowed the poor to tyrannise the wealthy citizens. they also thought that the system allowed too much power for the ignorant masses. they also blames democracy for the blows Athens had received