Athenian Democracy

During 5th century BCE, the social and political reform by Solon in Athens became Athenian democracy. He gave lower class such as farmers the right to speak in political decisions even though it was very limited. He redeemed the farmers of their debt and enslavement and focused on trades and businesses which allowed the emergence of a prosperous urban trading class. Solon divided the Athenians into four classes, based on their wealth and their ability to perform military service. The poorest class, the Thetes, who were the majority of the population, received political rights for the first time, being able to vote in the Ecclesia (Assembly), but only the upper classes could hold political office. The Areopagus (A council of Nobles) continued

Leader were also required to abide by the laws and term limits which ensured that no individual can became too powerful. The obvious weakness of Athens democracy was that it was only for men. Women were not allowed or had any freedom in politics and cannot share their opinions. Athenian democracy also allowed the enslavement of others and such was not applicable to or addressed all the people. The life during democratic Athens was very favorable for the business owners and lower strata of people compared to pre-democratic Athens. The new reforms and laws made the Athens internally more stable and connected people of Athens together, at least for some time. There were institutions where men can pursue various courses in art and science. Women were not allowed to get education. Their lives were limited to houses most of the times. Men also takes part in politics and voice their opinions but it was seen that the influence of the powerful individuals still prevailed as the normal citizen did not had enough knowledge or experience to participate in political

Several of the most famous and significant battles in history were fought during the Wars, these were at Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea, all of which would become legendary. The Athens and Sparta fought side by side because of this war. The war was won by the Greeks which ensured the preservation of their civilization. And with the victory followed an astonishingly rich period of artistic and cultural endeavour which would lay the cultural foundations of all future Western civilizations. The Greeks were able to regroup and to defend against the Persians, Athens formed the Delian League, making the city-state the most powerful in Greece. As Athens became more powerful, they wanted to occupy more lands and in response to their growing power, Sparta also created a league and war break out between Athens and Sparta. This war was known as the Peloponnesian war. This war was ultimately won by the Spartans but they did not demolish or sack the Athens but allowed it to survive along with its people. Athens and Sparta, both became weak after this war. Neither of them regained the military strength they once