Athens: The Birth of Democracy — Reading Comprehension

Athens, a powerful city-state in ancient Greece, is recognized as the birthplace of democracy. Located on the rocky Attica peninsula, Athens developed unique political ideas that influenced the world. Around the fifth century BCE, Athenians changed from being ruled by kings and aristocrats to a government where free male citizens could participate directly in decision-making.

The geography of Greece, with its mountains and scattered islands, led to the rise of independent city-states like Athens and Sparta. In Athens, the early government was controlled by aristocrats, a small group of wealthy families. Over time, economic and social tensions grew. By 594 BCE, the reformer Solon created new laws to reduce conflict, such as ending debt slavery and allowing more citizens to have a say in government. However, true democracy emerged later under Cleisthenes in 508 BCE. Cleisthenes reorganized the population into ten tribes and created the assembly, where citizens could vote on laws and policies. Archaeological evidence, such as broken pottery shards called ostraka, shows how Athenians practiced ostracism to exile dangerous leaders for ten years.

Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, meaning citizens themselves debated and voted on issues instead of choosing representatives. The assembly met regularly on the Pnyx hill, and sometimes thousands attended. Citizens also served on juries and councils, chosen by lottery to ensure fairness. However, not everyone could participate. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from citizenship. Primary sources, like speeches by Pericles and inscriptions on stone, reveal how Athenians valued freedom, civic duty, and equality among citizens, even as social divisions remained.

During the leadership of Pericles (461–429 BCE), Athens experienced its "Golden Age." Pericles expanded democracy by paying citizens for public service, allowing poorer men to participate. The city built magnificent structures like the Parthenon and became a center for art, philosophy, and science. Yet, challenges existed. The Peloponnesian War and internal tensions eventually weakened Athenian democracy. Despite this, the Athenian model inspired later democratic systems around the world.

The development of democracy in Athens shows how geography, social conflict, and new ideas can lead to lasting political changes. Studying Athens helps us understand how people in the past shaped systems of government and citizenship that still influence societies today.

Interesting Fact: In Athens, citizens could vote to exile a leader for ten years by writing their name on a piece of pottery called an ostrakon.

Who created reforms in 594 BCE?

What did Cleisthenes create?

Where did the assembly meet?

Who could NOT be a citizen?

Why was ostracism used?

How did Pericles expand democracy?

Athens was always ruled by kings. True or false?

What is a 'direct democracy'?