A history and examination of how Ancient Athens, out of necessity of protecting its allies and lands, grew from a powerful city-state to an Aegean Empire.
Abstract This paper gives a history of how Athens, originally looking for a united front against the invading Persian armies during the Persian Wars in antiquity, grew from an influential city-state to one of the world's first empires, stretching its power base across the entire Aegean sea. The paper begins by discussing how the Delian League, the pretext to what would become the Athenian Empire, came into being as a direct way to combat the invading Persians. The alliance was created out of necessity, as a united Greek front would be the only way to repel the massive Persian army under King Xerxes. A brief history of the Persian Wars is given, with Persia's invasion of Northern Greece and the burning of the Acropolis in Athens, but eventually their defeat at the hands of the Athenian general Cimon at the mouth of the Eurymedon River. After Persia was defeated and their troops driven back to Asia, Athens was firmly set as the predominant military and economic leader of all of Greece. The Delian League that was organized to fight against the Persians soon evolved into an Athenian Empire, with Athens collecting tribute and taxes from other city-states in exchange for protection and economic stability. Athens used their power to create a more safe and secure Greece, but was eventually corrupted by greedy politicians who abused other Greek city-states to the point of war. The second half of the paper goes into detail over how Athens was justified to create an empire, as it brought about prosperity for all involved. This includes the destruction of piracy and the opening up with trade routes to eastern Turkey. Ancient sources are heavily quoted to reinforce the argument that having a single dominant polis inevitably stabilized the once troubled area of Ancient Greece. This section also deals with Athens feeling morally obligated to spread their particular form of democracy to all of the other city-states, and their desire to see Sparta have their power limited. This ancient Cold War would eventually boil over into the Peloponnesian War, and the result ended in a weakened Greece that would not rise to prosperity again until Alexander The Great unified Greece.
From the Paper "During the expansion of Athenian power, an economic concept developed that allowed a particular polis to form an economic alliance with a fellow Delian League member. This agreement would allow the two states to work together in transporting particular goods through their territories to a marketplace where the goods would be sold, and the profit generated from the selling of the goods would be evenly distributed between the two Greek states. Such an example of this economic unity can be seen in agreement between Athens and the polis of Phaselis, which held joint control over certain economic endeavors and even adopted the same coinage for a short span of history. Athens also made it clear that if the city-states were to live under the protection of Athens, then the economic system should be standardized."
Abstract This paper charts the rise of Athens from a city in ruins in 480, to the possession of a large and rapidly expanding empire 50 years on. It examines the causes of this, and the reaction of Sparta. It questions whether Athens actually set out to form an Empire, or whether this was an idea which devoloped over time. Finally, it weighs up the respective responsiblities of Athens and Sparta for the outbreak of war.
From the Paper "In 480-79 a Greek alliance, led by Sparta, finally defeated the Persians, first at Salamis in 480, then at Plataia and Mykale in 479. For the Athenians, there now lay two principle objectives; the rebuilding of their city, which had been destroyed by the Persians in 480, and the consolidation of their victory over the Persians. The Greek alliance now took the offensive, attacking Persia at Sestos, Cyprus and Byzantion. However, the alliance soon rejected Spartan rule in favour of the Athenians. Athens was more suited to leading an offensive against Persia; her navy was far greater than Sparta's, and had been the greatest force in the victory at Salamis; furthermore, her people were more closely related to the eastern-Greeks whom the alliance hoped to free and protect from Persian rule. The members of this alliance, called the Delian League, had to provide contributions towards the defence against Persia in the form of money (phoros) or ships. Although originally the League was intended to be an equal alliance, Athens soon came to dominate it, and over the next half century moulded it into an empire. Athenian intentions in forming the League are varied; the obvious threat of Persia should not overshadow the huge financial and political gains to be made. There is evidence to suggest that the Athenians used the argument that they wanted 'to compensate themselves for their losses by ravaging the territory of the King of Persia' as a pretext for ulterior motives; namely, the domination of the Delian League and 'a desire for power and wealth' . The need of funds to rebuild their city would have been at the forefront of Athenian minds. However, the willingness of the member states to join the League, the approval of Sparta on its creation, and the first fifteen years of anti-Persian campaigning, suggest that initial Athenian intentions were based primarily on the need to form an alliance against Persia."
Abstract This paper provides a historical account of the ancient Greek city-state of Athens. Its development from being a minor city in the small section of Greece known as Attica, to becoming one of the most important cities in the world, is portrayed. The paper examines the contributions made by Ancient Athens to modern society and government. Athens' success in the Persian wars is outlined. The paper illlustrates the city flourishing into an empire and analyzes her subsequent downfall in the Peloponnesian wars.
Introduction
Early Period
The Persian Wars
The Golden Age
The Peloponnesian Wars
Aftermath
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "The city-state of Athens was settled by the Ionian Greeks and was mentioned in the Iliad. It was however, a minor city. About 700 B.C., it started to become more important as it became a key trading center. A rudimentary democracy was also taking hold. Athens was the leading combatant in the Persian Wars, after which she formed an alliance that grew into a maritime empire. During this period, Greece in general and Athens in particular, enjoyed a golden age. Eventually, Athens? growing power brought it into conflict with Sparta, the other dominant city-state. The result was a series of wars known as the Peloponnesian Wars, which ruined Athens and led to her decline as a major power. Later, the city was dominated by Macedonia and then incorporated into the Roman province of Greece. But, for a time, Athens was one of the most important cities in the world and was the originator of many of our current concepts of government."
A look at the reconciliation of the indignant words of Socrates to the jurors of the city's court at his trial and his loyal obedience to the laws of Athens in Plato's "Crito".
Abstract This paper explains that the apparent inconsistencies in the willingness of Socrates to disobey the government of Athens and its laws are merely the result of his love for Athens and distrust of the common people (hoi polloi) as rulers of the city. It shows that, to Socrates, the people of Athens collectively formed a force destructive to the ethical and philosophical ideals to which he adhered. These adherents to the tradition of concessive belief, according to Socrates, were of no use to themselves or to the city because they failed to make any significant contributions and merely provided one additional voice in the chorus that was Athenian democracy.
From the Paper "Socrates maintains a consistent loyalty to Athens and its laws throughout his trial in the Apology and his discussion with a student in Crito. Both works portray Socrates as a patriotic individual who regarded his city and its population as separate entities and who intended wholeheartedly to improve the former while preventing ruin at the hands of the latter."
Abstract This paper is an examination of ancient Athens and argues that individualism, similar to the way it is understood today, was present and prevalent in that society. It also argues, through a detailed comparison of sources that include Xenophon and Plato, that Socrates was a representative of that trend, and, through the clash between the philosopher and the defeated and weakened Athenian democracy, that he was perhaps individualism's greatest martyr.
Contents:
Introduction
Individualism in Athens Socrates as Individualist
The Clash of Socrates and Athens Bibliography
From the Paper "In 399 BCE Socrates and a small band of his friends gathered in a prison cell to discuss philosophy for the final time. One month previous, an Athenian court had charged Socrates with three crimes: failure to acknowledge the city's gods; the creation of new ones; and corruption of the youth. A majority of the five-hundred man jury had found him guilty on all counts, and he was sentenced to death. Now, as sunset approached, it was time to carry out that sentence. When the jailer entered the cell carrying the cup of hemlock that would quench the philosopher's life, most of his comrades could not help but weep for the loss of such a friend. Socrates, however, upbraided them for their histrionics and accepted his cup. He cheerfully drank his death. Such was the end of Socrates who, as his greatest student Plato writes, "was of all those we have known the best, and also the wisest and most upright." "
Abstract The paper relates that around the 9th century, Athens began to emerge as a Greek city state although it was a poor city, built on undesirable land. It became the city of the world's first democracy, and produced fine art and architecture in unprecedented numbers, and became the center of philosophy and literature. The paper describes the Delian League, which was a confederacy of cities designed to protect themselves from Persian attack. The paper explains that the Delian League began as an ancient version of NATO and matured into the Athenian Empire. After some thirty years of war, however, the Athenian Empire was defeated and although it founded a second empire, Athens would never recover the full extent of her power.
From the Paper "In the beginning, the Delian League was a rather loose coalition of states, each independent and each sharing a common interest with the others (Ash 2000). There were numerous members of the league, including "Chios, Lesbos, Plataea, most of Acarnania, Ionia, the Hellespont, Thrace, and the islands between the Peloponnese and Crete towards the East, and all the Cyclades except for Melos and There, as well as Aegina and most of the Euboean cities" (Ash 2000). Combined, these states created a formidable force capable of achieving its objectives (Ash 2000)."
Abstract This paper discusses how, with the pressures of growth, Athens has made some unfortunate development decisions that have altered the landscape of the historic city. Ultimately, the pressures of residential development, economic growth and the 2004 Olympics have forced Athens to engage in a losing battle over the past century to preserve its historic and cultural beauty.This paper asserts that the city will need to make difficult planning and aesthetic decisions in order to reverse this course.
Outline:
Introduction
Residential development
Economic development
Impact of the 2004 Olympics
Conclusion: Lingering Problems and Solutions
Residential development
Economic development
From the Paper "While the polykatoikias did their part to alter for the worse the post-war Athenian skyline, there were many buildings constructed to facilitate Greek economic development that had the same effect. In truth, it is impossible to separate the polykatoikias from Greek economic development, because they were a big part of Greek industry in the decades immediately following the end of World War II. The polykatoikias were constructed by private enterprises, contractors who were receiving free land in return for constructing the buildings. But there were certainly many buildings constructed during the middle and latter portions of the 20th century that significantly modified the look and feel of Athens."
Abstract The paper discusses the limited rights of women in archaic Athens regarding ownership of property. The paper looks at Frederick Engels belief that women's oppression was an unnatural consequence of property relations and was essential for the survival and the privileges of men. The paper therefore shows how Engels' theory on the oppression of women confirms the formal and legal position of women in archaic and classical Athens.
From the Paper "Law in ancient Athens forbade a woman from engaging in business transactions with money value in excess of five or six days' food for her family (Thompson 2005). Buying anything beyond that required the approval of a male guardian. Ownership of property was likewise complicated and frustrating to her. She might have owned and used a slave, clothing, furniture and jewelry every day but she could not sell or give any of them. She might have claim over land but had no right either to use or sell it. Her rights over property did not mean or include ownership (Thompson)."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of "Women in Athenian Law and Life" about the role of women in the life of ancient Athens, and explains many of Just's findings while offering a critique of his work.
From the Paper "Using myths and speeches of ancient Athenian times, Roger Just tries to paint a picture of the Athenian woman along with her role in society. Graduate of Melbourne University, he takes the viewpoint of a "social anthropologist", which gives his interpretations of Athenian society a special twist. Being Just's first and only book to date, he has left his mark on the subject of women in Athenian life."
Abstract This paper will discuss why Solon left Athens and chose not to be a tyrant. Homer's use of the Iliad will be a device to emphasize a comparison for the reasons of his departure. Achilles and his code of honor will be used as an example, as well as Agamemnon's theories of rule that Solon so much opposed to reveal why this great lawmaker left is home country and chose not to become a tyrant in his cultures traditions. The cultural conditions and other factors will be contributed to this essay to better reveal the sources o Solon and his departure from his home country.
Abstract This paper discusses the ancient Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta in terms of their respective origins, political structures, and societies. The basic similarities and differences between them are analyzed, and conclusions are drawn from the facts ascertained.
Abstract This paper compares the situation of women in Sparta and Athens and explains that they come from opposite cultures. Sparta women were free citizens and held the same privileges as the men. Athenian women were considered property and virtually no rights at all. It points out that Spartan women trained in athletics like men, while Athenian women were forbidden from even attending athletic competitions as spectators.
From the Paper "This differed greatly from Athenian women who rarely even left the confides of the women's quarters. Women in Athens were servants to their men. Their duties were "to produce children for the oikos, and to guarantee its integrity by cooking, weaving, childrearing, and the supervision of the household goods" (Foley, Helen. Refelctions of Women in Antiquity. Gordon and Breach: New York, 1984. P. 150). Aristocratic Women in Athens were forbidden from even doing shopping. This was the duty of the men. In fact, Athenian women hardly ever left the house. To the Athenian mind, "Spartan women served as the "Other" vis-a-vis Athenian women. For example Spartan women spent their time out-of-doors and spoke freely to men; Athenians ideally stayed indoors and scarcely spoke to their husband" (Fantham, Foley, Kampen, Pmeroy, and Shapiro, Women in the Classical World, P.63)."
Abstract Addressing multiple interpretations of the piece, this paper identifies and discusses the importance of the content's of Raphael's "School of Athens." It analyzes the figures and architecture in the piece in relation to the philosophy, religion and schools of thought of both the classical and Renaissance time periods.
From the Paper "Raphael's School of Athens, a fresco located within the Vatican, depicts a gathering of figures that appear to be philosophers and other important thinkers and innovators within an architecturally Classical structure. School of Athens contains many references to the art of the world hundreds of years before, but is also a distinctively Renaissance piece. Detailed observation and analysis provides more information on both the subjects of the painting and details of its setting, as well as insight into the ways Raphael was able to seamlessly blend Classical times with Renaissance times. Further study of the work and its subjects reveals the complex symbolism used by Raphael and reveals multiple levels of interpretation. The work contains so many references, both obvious and slightly hidden, to philosophy, religion, and architecture (and the relationship of these subjects to the culture and thinking of the Renaissance and Classical worlds) that multiple ideas and interpretations of the work are common. In a piece of such depth and detail, one must be able to understand the range of notions about the work and the areas of emphasis placed on certain aspects of the piece in order to truly understand Raphael's accomplishment in School of Athens."
Abstract This paper asks the philosophical question of whether one can abide by the law and make it weaker by doing so. In Plato's "Crito", Socrates does not avoid his punishment of death, as decreed by law, by fleeing from Athens. Instead, he chooses to stay and confront the punishment. This bold action leads one to the question of whether Socrates? refusal to flee Athens and the laws that govern it caused the laws to become stronger or weaker. In answering this question, this paper shows that one may further understand the ancient Athenian viewpoint of how a citizen's actions reflect on the state. It is shown that Socrates? decision to stay within the walls of Athens reinforces the laws and, therefore, makes them stronger.
From the Paper "One may argue that when Socrates decides not to flee from Athens, but rather chooses to stay in the city and be executed, he is making the laws of the city weaker. In doing what is a righteous action in his mind, Socrates is actually hurting what he will die defending. The many citizens of Athens will see that their laws have put to death not only one of the greatest minds the city has to offer, but, more importantly, an innocent man. How can one live in peace knowing that at any minute, he may be put in jail or even killed without doing anything wrong? This fear will make the laws of Athens look weak and flawed because they have failed to provide justice (Overton). One wants to live in a place where he/she can live comfortably and ensure a comfortable life for their children. By being executed, Socrates is giving in to the state, and thus validating the harsh reality of the wrongful punishment. If Socrates flees, he at least shows that one can avoid punishment if the laws give it to him unjustly."
