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Evolution of Athenian Democracy: From Aristocracy to Citizen Governance

Explore the transformation of Athens from aristocratic rule to citizen governance, tracing key figures like Solon, Draco, and the shift towards democracy. Discover how laws evolved, citizenship expanded, and the power dynamics shifted in ancient Athens.

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Evolution of Athenian Democracy: From Aristocracy to Citizen Governance

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  1. Evolution of Democracy in Athens

  2. Aristocracy • citizen: man whose father and maternal grandfather were citizens • nobles hold power, choose chief officials • Assembly: all citizens who own land

  3. Aristocracy • ordinary people resent nobles’ control • merchants, soldiers • foreign artisans • farmers

  4. Draco • issued new law code w/ VERY harsh penalties • but… written laws meant aristocrats couldn’t change the rules • draconian – something very cruel and severe

  5. Solon • appointed chief official in 495 BCE • reforms • outlawed debt slavery • made higher offices more accessible

  6. Solon • reforms (cont’d) • gave assembly more say • encouraged exports • but… • citizenship still limited • only wealthy held offices

  7. Later Reforms • citizenship expanded to all free males born in Athens • Council of 500 formed to carry out daily business • Assembly given power to debate and make laws

  8. Democracy • Assembly • all citizens over 30 years • make laws, policy, taxes • Council of 500 • chosen by lot for 1 year • proposed laws, ran daily business of city

  9. Democracy • Nine Archons and Commander in Chief • elected by Assembly • directed policy and armed forces • other officials • chosen by lot for 1 year

  10. Democracy • juries • 201 – 1001 people • chosen by lot • tried all legal cases

  11. Democracy • but… • non-citizens excluded (women, foreign-born men, slaves) • slaves had no rights or personal freedoms

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