Eddie Witten
February 11, 1997
Essay II
Prof. Hiltz
The Greeks were very advanced for their time. They realized that they need a new form of government and they were able to invent the first democratic government in the world. The democracy that the Greeks came up with was based on two important factors. The first one was the population growth in Athens grew at a very fast rate. The second was the advocating of political, economic, and legal equality for all which some male citizens remembered from the living conditions in the Dark Ages. The Greek system of Democracy did have its shares of problems though.
The Greek system of democracy was ruled by a body of nine elected officials whom were called archons. These men who were aristocrats lead the government and had supreme control over all of the verdicts and criminal accusations in Athens. Problems arose when aristocrats become jealous of one another and rivalries ensued under the early stages of Athenian democracy. The result of this jealousy was the establishment of a code written by the appointed ruler Draco. This code of laws promoted stability and equity. These laws however did more to hurt the democracy of Athens than to help it. It seems that Draco wrote this code of laws in order to benefit himself rather than to benefit the government of Athens.
The democracy of Athens was used in many ways other than for what it was designed for. It was abused by many rulers of that time. They were concerned with their own personal growth and because of their greed and selfishness, they made laws and codes that would benefit their own personal gain. The results though have not always been as what they had expected to have been. Many of the lower classes were treated very unfairly and rulers lost popularity to the lower classes. Civil war was even about to break out at one point due to Draco?s codes and laws.
When civil war almost broke out in Athens the codes and laws were once again revamped. This time a pathway was attempted to be laid down that would accommodate both the upper and the lower classes. In the end four classes were developed to rank the male citizens of Athens based on their income. The five-hundred-measure men, horsemen, yoked men, and laborers were the four classes that were devised by this new system of codes and laws.
In the Athenian society both the theories failed the men, and in turn the men failed the theories. Some of the theories that the rulers came up with needed a lot of support from the male citizens of Athens. Most of the time these theories were considered unfair and the male citizens were not cooperative with these theories. Also theories that were fair to the citizen but not recognized by them failed. The men failed the theories in this sense, since they did not give them a shot and try them out. They would have seen that these would have helped them in the long run.
Considering the outcome of the Peloponnesian War the Athenians fell victim to internal restraints. Their own problems within their democratic structure caused them to lose that war. The codes and laws that they had at the time wound up doing more damage to them in the long run then it did to help them. That was the major problem with the Athenians view on democracy. Since they developed democracy they were not able to perfect it and watch other societies function under it. If they had a few hundred more years to perfect their democratic society they most likely would have had much more success in the Peloponnesian War and with all of their endeavors.
Другие работы по теме:
Pericles Essay Research Paper Ancient Greece had
Pericles Essay, Research Paper Ancient Greece had many ups and downs in it s very long history. As a growing civilization it earned numerous allies as well as enemies. One of these great enemies were the Persians. Although the Persians were very powerful adversaries, the Greeks defeated them and at that point the era of classical Greece began.
Plato Essay Research Paper PLATOPlato was one
Plato Essay, Research Paper PLATO Plato was one of the greatest Philosophers in history. He came up with a process of dialectical thinking. This is a Process of thinking by dialogue, discussion, debate, or argument. In ancient Greece, the term was used literally.
Greek Tragedy Essay Research Paper The Greek
Greek Tragedy Essay, Research Paper The Greek Tragedy The tragedy was a large part of people’s lives in ancient Greece. Tragedies became prominent long before Christ was born. A tragedy, or goat-song, usually were seen during festivals in ancient Greek times. Tragedies gradually increased in seriousness until they were given utmost importance.
Stoicism Essay Research Paper Stoicism was the
Stoicism Essay, Research Paper Stoicism was the most influential philosophy in the Roman Empire before Christianity came about. Stoics believed that happiness could not be attained by material things. However, making the right choices and showing wisdom could attain true freedom. They thought that by not giving in to your desires you would be happier than if you did give in to them.
Mythology Essay Research Paper Greek MythologyMythology is
Mythology Essay, Research Paper Greek Mythology Mythology is a way that the ancient societies explained why things are the way they are and how they came to being. Two ancient societies are infamous for their mythology. These societies are Greece and Rome. Great authors were made be the mythological works they wrote.
Democracy Essay Research Paper DemocracyThesis Is democracy
Democracy Essay, Research Paper Democracy Thesis: Is democracy a possible form of government? With out it the world would be full of chaos and injustice. Democracy is the form of government that America has today. We are able to vote on whom we want to run our government. We have a say in what goes on in our lives and our future.
Lycergus Essay Research Paper LycergusIn ancient Greece
Lycergus Essay, Research Paper Lycergus In ancient Greece, the most feared named was Sparta. It was a total war machine willing to take on all comers. They rose above the rest by being well disciplined and educated. The man who brought them this glory was Lycergus. Like any great leader he was very idealistic.
Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper Sparta one
Ancient Greece Essay, Research Paper Sparta, one of the powerful city-states, retains this name for good reason. They took over Messenia and used the land wisely, by making a government using the Code of Lycurgus. The Spartan women were given a lot more freedom compared to other Greek city-states; thus, every person provided a part in the development of their city.
True Democracy Essay Research Paper Complete and
True Democracy Essay, Research Paper Complete and true democracy is almost impossible to achieve, and has been the primary goal of many nations, beginning from ancient civilizations of Greece and Roman Empire, all the way to the government of the United States today. In any system, which claims to be democratic, a question of its legitimacy remains.
America The Modern Day Athens Essay Research
Paper America: The Modern Day Athens “We do not copy our Ancestors, but are an example to them. It is true we are called a Democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and
Greece Government Essay Research Paper Government in
Greece Government Essay, Research Paper Government in Greece Our next stop on our journey through ancient Greece will describe the government of Greece to you. Ask yourself the following questions and read the answers to learn more about how ancient Greece was ruled and who made the laws that you would have followed.
Greece Essay Research Paper Greece contributed many
Greece Essay, Research Paper Greece contributed many things to our society. In Athens they had a limited democracy. This shows some basic ideas that our very similar to ours. One of many philosophers, Socrates taught us all to think for ourselves. Greece gave order in the universe through the writers, artists, and many philosophers Greeks architecture is must famous for its column style.
Greek And Roman Gods Essay Research Paper
1. The Queen and King of the gods and goddesses were Zeus and Hera (Greece), known as Jupiter and Juno (Rome). 2. Apollo had the same name in both Greece and Rome.
Greece And Rome Essay Research Paper Early
Greece And Rome Essay, Research Paper Early man s life was based on survival; he spent much of his time in search of food, water, and safety for his family. In the early times of Greece, and Rome however, food and water were both readily available. There was permanent shelter, and little threat from animals or other people.
How Were Spartans Different From Athens Essay
, Research Paper This is a comparing on two city-states in Greece. In Greece Sparta and Athens were different in so many ways such as in religion, government, culture, beliefs, education etc.
Religion In Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper
Religion in Ancient Greece The ancient Greeks were a deeply religious people. For them, religion was important because they believed that it would make their lives better while they were living. They also worshipped many gods whom they believed appeared in human form and yet were gifted with superhuman strength and timeless beauty.
Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece Essay, Research Paper Ancient Greece (Athens) In prehistoric times Attica was a region that contained many tiny independent villages. Much later, in the great days of Athens, stories were told of the legendary King Theseus who, it was said, had united all the villages into one state. It s capital was Athens.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Ancient Greece
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Ancient Greece A Time Of Great Cities And Lives Ancient Greece was an interesting time and place with huge markets in which people could sell items of every kind. Strict laws
Greek Geography Essay Research Paper The geography
Greek Geography Essay, Research Paper The geography in Ancient Greece did affect the way the Greeks lived their day-to-day lives. Greek?s geography prevented most kinds of agriculture the opportunity to grow. Also, it forced most of the Greek city-states to develop their own customs and government. Being on the seafront of the Mediterranean Sea gave them many opportunities to make an empire.
Comparison Of Rome And Greece Essay Research
Paper Legacies: In the ancient days, when culture, as well as civilizations were developing, many things came to be known as options for later cultures. Civilizations had different ways of doing things and therefore each of their cultures differed considerably. The Romans, the Greeks and the Hebrews all presented different legacies to the world.
Ancient Greece Essay Research Paper ANCIENT EGYPT
Ancient Greece Essay, Research Paper ANCIENT EGYPT Ancient Egypt – Info on pyramids, temples, king and queens and hieroglyphs. Ancient Egypt’s mysterious Language: Hieroglyphics – This site has a hieroglyph
The Ancient City Essay Research Paper The
The Ancient City Essay, Research Paper The Ancient City Pompeii How democratic was Pompeian politics? In order to answer the above question, it is first necessary to consider the exact meaning of the term democracy . Whilst it is difficult to give an exact definition of the word, it is certainly possible to create a list of the implications of democratic government for a society and its citizens.
Greek Pride In The Individual Essay Research
Paper The culture of ancient Greece reflects the importance of the individual in society in many different ways. The Greeks used art, philosophy, and even their system of government to convey their beliefs in the importance of one single man in a society.
Greece Heroism Essay Research Paper Greece HeroismIn
Greece: Heroism Essay, Research Paper Greece: Heroism In ancient Greek times heroism was much different than it is now. Today, all you have to do to become a hero most of the time is rich, after you do this the
Roman Vs Greek Gov
’t Essay, Research Paper Ancient Governments: A comparison of ancient Greek democracy and Roman republic Even today, the ideals of government expressed and used by the ancient Greeks and Romans are well known. Although the Greek democracy and the Roman republic have many resemblances they also have many differences.
Ancient Mathematics Essay Research Paper Ancient MathematicsMathematics
Ancient Mathematics Essay, Research Paper Ancient Mathematics Mathematics is an essential tool in today’s society. Everything we do, in one way or another revolves around some kind of math. Everything from planning out your weekly schedule to cooking dinner involves forms of math. Math is all around us but not many people know how math came to be.
Greek And Roman Influence On Western Civilization
Essay, Research Paper Western civilization is what we call modern society that mainly includes North America and Western Europe. But how did this western way of life come to be? Their are many different
Italy And Greece Essay Research Paper Italy
Italy And Greece Essay, Research Paper Italy and Greece Report Italy is located in southern Europe. Rome was once capital of the Roman Empire, but today is the capital of Italy. Nearly all Italians are Roman Catholics, although many do not attend church regularly. There are about 100,000 Protestants. Italy also has a very small Jewish community.
Whitman
’s Democracy Essay, Research Paper Whitman’s Democracy “I speak the pass-word primeval, I give the sign of democracy, By God! I will Accept nothing which all cannot have their counterpart
Source Analysis The Death Of Hector Essay
, Research Paper The Death of Hector is actually just one part of a larger work. The Iliad was written during the Dark Ages of Greece by a blind poet named Homer. It
The Evolution Of Democracy Essay Research Paper
Claire Munger The Evolution of Democracy Democracy is more a Utopian aspiration rather than a concrete description of any government. A common understanding of democracy, often applied to unworthy situations, is simply that the masses will govern themselves. This understanding was articulated by an Athenian statesman, Pericles, “Our Constitution is named a democracy, because it is in the hands not of the few, but of the many”(Cummings & Wise, 1971, p.20).
Origins Of Tennis Essay Research Paper Historians
Origins Of Tennis Essay, Research Paper Historians trace the origins of tennis back to the Stone Age, when humans first used clubs to hit rocks back and forth over barricades of dirt and stone. The next sign of tennis development was in the form of handball played in ancient world of Greece, Rome, and Egypt. However, these Herculean atheletes did not have a name for this pastime.