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 The LAWGIVERS OF ATHENS AND
THE TRADITIONS THAT THAT GAVE TO US
Watch "Greeks, Crucible of Civilization- Part 1"
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Draco– Athenians were last group of people to have written law in Greece. Poorer classes of people objected to oral law. No power.
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621 BCE
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1. Oral law to written law- Ancient Athens
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2. All crimes got death- even stealing cabbage
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3. Slavery for debt but only for lower class
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4. Intention of homicide- formally a family matter
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5. Too harsh- “draconian”
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6. Exile for murder
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7. Said laws written in blood, not ink
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8. Draco's name meant "dragon"
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Solon 638-538 BCE- known as one the 7 wise men of Greece
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597 BCE
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1. Ask them to rewrite law because lower classes ready to revolt
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2. Laws say one can advance by wealth, not birth
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2. Punishments less severe than Draco
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3. No more slavery for debt
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4. Gave poor chance to participate in government
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5. Father should educate their sons
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6. Created Council of 400 and Supreme Court
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7. Made spiteful behavior illegal
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8. Encouraged people to responsible for city, and not just self.
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9. Encouraged growth and trade of olives- made Athens richer-traded with Black Sea colonies for grain
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10. Relieved debts of poor and debt slavery- not popular with rich
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Peisistratus – 527 died – First tyrant of Athens
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546 to 527/8 BCE
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1. Becomes first good tyrant of Athens
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2. Brings tall farm girl to Athens and says she is Athena- made Peisistatus tyrant
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3. Gave
power to people-organizes political party of (Athens)
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| 4. Confiscate his enemies' wealth and give it to the poor |
| 5. Granted non
interest loans to poor or lower class and they grew to middle class |
6. Continued olive growth started first Middle Class.
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7. Called scholars to pick official Iliad and Odyssey
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8. First tragic dramas performed in theater setting
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Cleisthenes- born 570 BCE- Establishes Democracy for Athens
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510 leader of Athens creates first DEMOCRACY
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REALIZED, TO HAVE PEACE, had to break up tribal loyalty, and create loyalty to Athens
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1. All males 20 over citizens
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2. Citizens must serve state
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3. All male children must be educated and given profession
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4. Males given vote
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5. Council of 400 takes care of Athens business every 10 days
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6. 508 Spartans force him to flee with 700 families of his clan
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7. Isagorus tried to disband Council of 400
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8. Ordinary Athenians recall Cleisthenes and ask him to help build Demos (government by the people)
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9. Gave ordinary Athenian great power and pride
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