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Ancient Greece: The Birthplace of Democracy
How Athens developed direct democracy from the reforms of Cleisthenes around 508 BCE, who counted as a citizen with a vote, and how the assembly worked.
Greece, Rome and Europe
How Athens and other Greek states governed themselves and competed.
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How Athens developed direct democracy from the reforms of Cleisthenes around 508 BCE, who counted as a citizen with a vote, and how the assembly worked.
A look at the Athenian assembly, council and lawcourts, and how thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle criticised or defended democratic government.
The sanctuary games at Olympia, traditionally dated to 776 BCE: the sacred truce, the main events and the link between athletics and civic pride.
What later republics and modern democracies actually borrowed from ancient Greece, and what they changed, such as representation, which Athens did not use.
Everyday Greek athletic culture in the gymnasium and palaestra, local games and training, and how it differed from the great Panhellenic festivals.
How the festival at Olympia was organised: the events, the sacred truce, the judges and prizes, and the traditional start date of 776 BCE.
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