Athenian Democracy Overview

Flashcards summarizing key concepts and terms related to Athenian democracy.

Dēmokratia

The Greek term for democracy meaning 'power/rule of the people'.

Synoecism

The uniting of local demes in Attica, which contributed to the formation of Athenian democracy.

Eupatridai

The aristocratic class in archaic Athens, meaning 'those born of good fathers'.

Ecclēsia

The assembly of citizens in Athens that made major political decisions.

Stasis

Political unrest or civil strife that prompted reforms in Athens.

Seisachtheia

Solon's reform that involved the 'shaking off of burdens', cancelling debts and abolishing debt slavery.

Isonomia

The principle of equality before the law introduced by Solon.

Heliaia

The new 'people's court' established by Solon that allowed citizens to challenge decisions.

Cleisthenes

Reformer known as the 'father of democracy' for introducing key changes in 508/7 BCE.

Deme

A local administrative unit in ancient Athens.

Stratēgos

The elected general from each tribe in the Athenian political system.

Boulē

The council of 500 members responsible for setting the agenda for the ecclēsia.

Prytaneis

A subgroup of the boulē meeting monthly, with a chair rotating daily.

Quorum

The minimum number of citizens (6000) required to vote in the ecclēsia.

Pericles' Funeral Oration

A speech highlighting Athenian democratic values such as freedom, equality, and full citizen participation.

Politēs vs. Idiōtēs

Contrast between the active citizen (politēs) and the self-serving individual (idiōtēs) in Athenian democracy.