Lesson 3: Athens: The World's First Democracy

Athens was once ruled by kings and nobles. As time went on the ruling class was replaced by a series of men called tyrants—men who forced their way to power and became dictators. Many of these leaders ruled harshly and selfishly, ignoring the wishes of the people.

In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes introduced a number of changes to Athenian government. People were now allowed to choose their rulers and to vote on important issues. Athens became the world's first democracy. Democracy comes from Greek words meaning, "rule by the people."

Athens' democracy had two parts:

The Assembly: The Assembly was made up of all adult male citizens of Athens. Every ten days the Assembly met on a hill called the Pynx to speak and vote on things like tax collecting, street cleaning, policing, and going to war. Each meeting of the Assembly needed to have at least 6 000 people in attendance. If there were too few people, special police were sent out to round up more citizens. Those who were dragged to the Assembly were marked with red paint.

The Council: The Council was made up of five hundred Athenian citizens chosen each year by lottery. The Council researched and prepared all the policies that were then voted on by the Assembly. From this Council of 500, there were smaller committees that ran the various government departments. The only committee chosen by election, rather than lottery, was the one responsible for military affairs. The Athenians believed that issues concerning war should be in the hands of their best soldiers.

In extreme cases the Council could recommend to the Assembly that people be ostracized (exiled) from the government and from Athens. This happened to several of Athens' most important public officials.

Many historians feel that the climate of Greece played a role in encouraging democracy. People spent a lot of time talking, walking, working, and playing outdoors. This allowed for an exchange of ideas, and an interest in public life. Athenians felt it was their duty to be involved in public affairs, and not just the responsibility of their leaders.

Athens was not a true democracy, though, as only males who had been born in Athens and who owned property could vote and participate in government. These people were known as citizens. Women, slaves, and foreigners were not considered citizens and could not take part in government.

Check Your Knowledge Activity 3:
Athens: The World's First Democracy

Send In Activity 3:
Complete one of these options.

Option A: Comparing Forms of Government
Option B: Socrates on Trial