Classical Greek World

Changes after the dark ages and their contribution to Greek democracy The rise of POLIS (POLIS)
The rise of hoplite phalanx
The rise of colonies and commercial expansion (accompanied by the rise of writing, and changes in art and architecture)

Athens before ‘democracy’
-Council of elders
-Executive officials (archons)
-People’s assembly







Changes after the dark ages The rise of POLIS (POLIS)
The rise of hoplite phalanx
The rise of colonies and commercial expansion (accompanied by the rise of writing, and changes in art and architecture)

Athenian move towards ‘democracy’
Solon’s reforms after 600 B.C.
Easing the burdens of debts on farmers
giving citizenship rights to foreign merchants and artisans
people’s assembly being opened to the poor, and rise in its powers

Cleisthenes’ reforms after 500 B.C.
making people’s assembly as the sole source of power

Athenian democracy
The Assembly
The council of 500
The courts

Spartan political system
Dual kings
Council of elders
Ephors
People’s assembly


Greco-Persian Wars (499-479)
INVASION OF DARIUS (Dariyush)
Battle of Marathon (490 B.C.)
2. INVASION OF XERXES (Shayarsha)
Thermopylae victory for Greeks
(480 B.C.)
Significance: uniting Greeks