Of the typical ancient Greek police of Athens and Sparta, the typical democracy began in Athens.
Since it is a definition of words, I will quote it from wikipedia, but what is democracy?
So, I don't think that democracy will be born from the political system of Sparta, which was solidified by all the citizens.
Let's take a look at the steps toward democracy born in Greek police, including Athens.
Let's take a look at the situation in Greece before democracy was born
Before the birth of democracy, Greek police spread to the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea coast, and trade activities became active.
When that happens, some commoners who grow crops will start to sell surplus crops and become economically rich.
I want you to remember the beginning of police, but the fortress originally started. Greek adult boys were both commoners and soldiers, and they had their own armor. As the surrounding culture developed and the import of metal increased, the price became cheaper, and even ordinary people could reach it.
Many commoners will be able to buy highly functional armor and armor, and the commoner's hoplite unit will become the main force rather than the cavalry by the aristocrats who were the main force until then.
The voice of those who have economic power and armed force will increase
It is common in the east and west of ancient times, and ancient Greece was no exception. This is even more so in countries where national defense has been an important political issue, such as police.
From the above circumstances, the commoners insisted on suffrage and confronted the aristocrats. We have taken a step towards democracy.
Democracy in Athens
In Athens, many wealthy people were born by taking advantage of maritime trade, and the citizens' voice was increasing, so democracy emerges in a typical form.
- 7th century BC:A person named Dracon codified the law and established the maintenance of order by law
- Early 6th century BC: Solon Reforms as a mediator between aristocrats and commoners
This Solon Was an economic connoisseur who developed Athens as a representative police of ancient Greece. It raises the value of handicrafts, which are often overlooked by slavery, and makes Athens a city where people can easily gather by competing with commercial rights different from rival cities.
Let's take a look at the reform of Solon, one of the Seven Sages of Greece
Solon is not only an economic reform
He is also making the above reforms. From this reform, Athenian citizens will get suffrage with the limitation of property. I succeeded in doing so. Of course, the opposition from the aristocrats was deep-rooted because the debt was canceled.
* By the way, debt slaves are prohibited in Athens. It was done, but slaves themselves were not banned .. A significant number of non-Greek slaves (especially since the Persian War) have been imported.
Although the Athenian commoners came to suffrage, they still had a strong opposition to the minority rule of the original aristocrats. He continued to be dissatisfied with the aristocrats. Solon Finally began a dictatorship based on the support of the commoners Pisistratus Will drive you into exile.
Solon because he had the foresight to actually carry out these reforms and see the future of tyrant politics. Is one of the Seven Sages as an excellent Greek politician The name is listed in.
The beginning of tyrant politics in Athens
It is Pisistratus that summarizes the dissatisfaction that the commoners have continued to have. Is the person. Pisistratus Will illegally seize power with the support of the masses and will wield dictatorship to curb aristocratic congressional government.
Tyrant politics by the so-called tyrant It is the beginning of.
Tyrant politics , which is said to be metaxo by ancient political thinkers However, it seems that the rule was not necessarily harsh because it required the support of the commoners. Of course, there are also examples of becoming tyrants.
In anticipation of such a future, Solon will give many citizens
"It's better to stop"
Pisistratus trying to take power as a tyrant But the commoners did not accept it.
Despite Solon's fears, to posterity Aristotle
"The era of Pisistratus was the heyday of Athens."
It prospers so much that it is called. Pisistratus Maybe he really wanted to save the commoners. The small and medium-sized farmers who were protected during this period were protected, and the power of the commoners was enhanced.
However, the bad part of the tyrant politics came out in the place of the son of Pisistratus who became the tyrant, and his son turned into a tyrant.
It is said that ... but to tell the truth, the details are unknown.
- It became a repressive politics to crush the counterattack from the aristocratic side
- Not only the opposition inside Athens, but also rival Sparta in ancient Greece was biting to confuse Athens.
There is also a story.
I don't know the details, but those who disliked the oppressive regime banished the son of Pisistratus and ended the tyrant politics.
Athenian citizens who are keenly aware of the problems of tyrant politics are wary of the appearance of tyrants. Cleisthenes became the leader of Athens in 508 BC Will reform.
What is the reform by Cleisthenes? ??
Cleisthenes Is the basis of Athenian politics 10 tribal system Was founded. Originally a 4 tribal system based on traditional blood ties I changed.
Based on blood ties
That's why some people may have been pinned. The four-tribal system is a system that is the basis of aristocratic power was. By changing this four-tribe system, we will get closer to democracy.
10 tribal system is
Based on Deme, a territorial community
With this system,
Establish an equal advisory body for each region
It is a system created on the premise of. It is used as an administrative / military division unit.
An equal advisory body for each region is a 500-member council with a total of 500 representatives elected by 50 in each of the 10 districts. Has the role of deliberating.
It is believed that there were restrictions on the right to speak unless the person was 20 years old or older, but any boy aged 18 years or older with Athenian citizenship could participate in the assembly.
While establishing the foundation of this democracy, Cleisthenes ostracism (Ostracism) is also available. In this way, Athens surely went to democracy.