Athens Early Path To Democracy

The history of Athens begins with a Neolithic fortification on what is now known as the acropolis or “high city”. This high, easily defendable position was the anchor that has kept civilization in Athens for more than 3000 years. Athens can be looked at as the gate-way through which the cultural advances of Mesopotamia first enter Greece and then the whole of Europe. Earning Athenian culture the distinction as the beginning of western civilization.

Athens is surrounded by fertile river dales, the Aegean sea and several mountains. In ancient times the city was contained within a wall for defense and covered approximately 4 square kilometers. It is from this humble beginning that one of the oldest and most influential cities in European history began.

The Athenians did not conquer their surrounding neighbors by force but by a process of cynicisms, or the bringing together into one home. Athens is generally acknowledged for being the first democracy in the world but this is not entirely true. Only male citizens of a particular social class were allowed to hold political office. Making Athenian democracy more of an oligarchy. Athenian democracy was its greatest under Pericles’ rule.

Athens greatest strength though was its commerce. The sea not only brought boats carrying goods for trade but also it brought the Greeks ideas for foreign cultures. Athens is so well known by modern people simply because they were the ones who decided to write the most. Culture art, theater, music. All of these things were seen as part of the greatness of man. While the Spartans tried to maintain their warrior ways Athenians tried to get a more rounded life experience.

Of the many great names to come from Athens it was Solon, Cleisthenes, and Ephialtes who brought about the social changes that lead to Athenian democracy. Before Solon, Draco was tasked with creating a set of laws that would calm the social system in Athens. But these laws, where we get the term draconian from, failed to calm the unrest setting the stage for Solon. When Solon’s changes failed his cousin seized power. It would take another hundred years before Athens was ready for its famous democracy to hold power effectively.

Cleisthenes made the most stable democracy that Athens had known by dividing up the 4 main tribes of Athens into 10 new tribes or electorates, which in turn chose leaders among themselves. Creating less social division and allowing for a greater feeling of ease with Athens' social structure.