Documenta2. La construcción de la ciudad antigua: Atenas.

Athenian Democracy: The Birth of a City

The Significance of Athens

• Soldiers raise the Greek flag over the Acropolis, symbolizing Athens' historical importance as a city founded 2,500 years ago.

• Modern Athens is significantly larger than its ancient counterpart but retains its legacy as a model for urban governance and citizenship.

• Ancient Athens was characterized by an open government where citizens participated in all aspects of daily life, from defense to waste management.

The Concept of Democracy

• Athenians coined the term "democratia," meaning "power of the people," which defined their way of life and governance.

• The establishment of colonies demonstrated how urban life was organized around democratic principles, creating structured communities.

Architectural and Cultural Developments

• Ancient Rome emerged 500 years later with complex infrastructures that reflected advancements in urban planning.

• Pausanias documented ancient cities like Athens and Rome, emphasizing public spaces such as theaters and libraries as essential elements for defining a true city.

Foundations of Athenian Governance

• Contrary to popular belief, the Magna Carta is not the first constitution; Aristotle's "henion politeia" predates it by nearly 2,000 years.

• A fragment of this document was discovered in 1890, showcasing early democratic principles established by Solon.

Solon's Reforms and Their Impact

• Solon is recognized as a key figure in establishing democracy; he created legal reforms to address social conflicts between rich and poor.

• His poetic expressions highlighted his commitment to liberating land for citizens, marking a significant shift towards democratic ideals.

Historical Context of Urban Development

• Prior to Solon’s reforms, large settlements existed but lacked the characteristics we associate with modern cities today.

• Archaeological findings at Mycenae reveal that while it was an advanced center, it did not embody community citizenship like later Greek city-states.

The Evolution of Greek City-States

The Early Settlements and the Concept of Polis

• The earliest known vaulted roof in architecture is noted, but key elements like public facilities and spaces were absent. This settlement featured streets and houses around a central area.

• By 1000 BC, Mycenaean cities began to decline, leading to new types of settlements in the 9th and 8th centuries BC where Greeks experimented with citizen-governed communities known as "polis."

• Greek colonists established the polis far from their homeland, allowing for bold experimentation in city planning. Paestum, originally founded by Greeks as Poseidonia around 600 BC, exemplifies this.

Characteristics of Greek Colonies

• Southern Italy and Sicily were rich with new Greek cities during the 7th and 6th centuries BC as they explored innovative ideas about statehood.

• Tiana D'Angelo explains that establishing a new Greek colony was a gradual process with clear priorities; the foremost being the creation of public space.

The Importance of Public Space: Agora

• The agora (public space), crucial for community interaction, marked a significant shift from previous settlements where royal palaces dominated.

• The agora spanned approximately 10 hectares—an enormous area dedicated to public life—indicating its importance in urban planning.

• Citizens prioritized reserving this large plaza for communal use while constructing homes further away, emphasizing its role for the demos (the people).

Political Discussions Emerge from Public Spaces

• The agora served as a hub for citizens to exchange goods and ideas; it derived its name from "agoro," meaning "to speak," highlighting its role in fostering political discourse.

• Conversations within these spaces led to political discussions which eventually birthed formal politics; by 600 BC, hundreds of poleis existed across Greece compared to none at 900 BC.

Solon's Reforms: A Turning Point in Democracy

• Solon’s reforms around 594 BC transformed governance by liberating debt slaves and granting political rights to citizens—a foundational moment for democracy.

• His legislation abolished debt slavery and established an assembly (eclesia), ensuring freedom of speech essential for democratic processes despite excluding women and foreign slaves.

Athens: A Model of Democratic Development

• By the height of democracy in Athens during the 5th century BC, male citizens participated actively in decision-making processes visible at sites like Pnyx Hill near the Acropolis.

• John Papadopulos emphasizes Pnyx Hill's significance as it hosted assemblies where male citizens gathered to exercise their democratic rights.

The Role of Public Spaces in Ancient Democracy

The Importance of the Speaker's Platform

• The speaker's platform was crucial for public discourse, requiring speakers to project their voices to an audience of at least 6,000 citizens.

• To ensure attendance, individuals were sometimes forcibly brought to meetings using red ropes as a form of punishment for non-compliance.

Social Dynamics and Democratic Expansion

• The presence of poorer citizens was significant in shaping democratic processes; their participation was essential for the legitimacy of democracy.

• Modern cities like London inherit aspects of ancient Athenian democracy, highlighting its lasting influence on contemporary governance.

Citizen Power and Ostracism

• Athenians had the power to ostracize leaders they deemed harmful, showcasing a unique aspect of citizen empowerment in ancient democracy.

• This practice allowed ordinary citizens to exert control over political figures, reinforcing the idea that democracy was not just theoretical but actively practiced.

Symbols and Celebrations of Democracy

Commemorative Artifacts

• A notable stele depicted a woman symbolizing democracy crowning a seated man representing the demos (the people), illustrating the relationship between governance and citizenry.

• Inscriptions on such artifacts emphasized Athens' commitment to protecting its democratic ideals against threats.

Historical Context and Legacy

• Even today, remnants of Athenian governance can be found in modern practices, reflecting a vision that has endured through time.

Economic Strategies Influencing Naval Power

Wealth from Silver Mines

• Profits from silver mines led to significant economic decisions; instead of distributing wealth among citizens, statesman Themistocles advocated for investing in naval power.

Strategic Defense Initiatives

• Themistocles recognized the need for a strong navy to protect both democratic values and strategic interests, paralleling historical figures like Churchill in leadership style.

Naval Technology and Its Impact on Athens

Design and Functionality of Triremes

• Triremes were advanced warships designed with three rows of oarsmen; they represented cutting-edge naval technology during their time.

Training and Tactics

• Effective use required skilled training for rowers who were free men rather than slaves—a departure from common practices elsewhere—enhancing crew morale and performance.

Consequences for Athenian Society

• Investment in naval capabilities linked directly to Athens' growth; this strategy fostered civic pride while ensuring military readiness.

The Rise of Athenian Naval Power

The Role of Citizens in Athenian Politics

• The naval power of Athens led to significant victories and political implications, as the rowers were primarily poor Athenian citizens whose voices mattered in politics.

The Persian Invasion and Strategic Decisions

• In 480 BC, Persia invaded Greece, testing the city-state's ability to resist a great empire. Athenian leader Themistocles took a calculated risk based on an oracle's advice regarding wooden walls.

• Despite being outnumbered by Persian forces (four to one), Themistocles used tactical deception by suggesting he might switch sides, forcing Persians to row all night.

Victory at Salamis

• By attacking when the Persian forces were exhausted after their night of rowing, Themistocles achieved a decisive victory despite Athens being in ruins.

• Understanding Salamis' significance requires viewing it from the top of the Hill of Muses, which highlights Athens' naval strength.

Development of Piraeus as a Naval Hub

• After the battle, under Themistocles’ leadership, plans were made to move ports from Phaleron to three bays in Piraeus for better protection.

• Athens fortified its defenses with long stone walls connecting it to Piraeus and Phaleron, ensuring maritime security and future democratic growth.

Economic Transformation through Naval Power

• As a maritime power, Athens became an unprecedented city with port systems that established it as a commercial center in the Aegean Sea.

• With political freedom came economic freedom; Athenian ships could trade freely across the Mediterranean, bringing wealth and goods.

Archaeological Discoveries Supporting Maritime Supremacy

• Recent archaeological findings reveal key elements of Athens' maritime supremacy during the 5th century BC at Cea’s naval arsenal site.

Urban Planning Innovations by Hippodamus

• Themistocles not only built a strong navy but also initiated public infrastructure projects unmatched in ancient times. He commissioned architect Hippodamus for urban planning.

• Hippodamus was known for his radical ideas about city living; he aimed for organized layouts rather than chaotic old settlements.

Example of Classical City Structure: Olynthus

• Remains of Olynthus provide insight into classical Greek city structure with precise mathematical planning—straight streets divided into equal blocks housing identical homes.

The Rise of Athenian Democracy and Naval Power

The Foundation of Equality in Athens

• Disputes among neighbors highlighted the societal structure where houses of equal size symbolized equality among citizens, reflecting early democratic values.

• The development of Piraeus, initiated by Themistocles after the Battle of Salamis, not only boosted the economy but also strengthened the young democracy.

The Golden Age and Naval Alliances

• Following victory over the Persians, Athens formed a naval alliance with approximately 200 threatened city-states, establishing itself as a leader while ensuring benefits for its own interests.

• Allies were coerced into contributing either ships or money to strengthen Athens' fleet, leading to increased financial dependency on Athens.

Economic Growth and Architectural Flourishing

• By 460 BC, with Persian threats eliminated from the Aegean Sea, Athens redirected its resources towards monumental construction projects like the Acropolis.

• Under Pericles’ leadership starting in 440 BC, an ambitious building plan was launched that aimed to reflect Athenian democracy's successes through grand architecture.

Inclusivity in Democratic Processes

• Pericles expanded democratic participation by allowing poorer citizens to serve on juries with compensation and even subsidizing attendance at theatrical performances.

• Monuments on the Acropolis were designed to instill pride among ordinary Athenians regarding their democratic achievements.

Architectural Insights and Historical Context

• Tourists often overlook significant structures like the Propylaea; however, architectural changes made by architect Mnesicles reveal deeper cultural meanings tied to Athenian identity.

• Throughout the Acropolis are signs of human history that illustrate how openness contributed to making Athens a Mediterranean center.

Labor Diversity in Construction Projects

• Historical documents list workers involved in constructing temples like the Erechtheion, showcasing contributions from various social classes including metics (foreign residents), slaves, and free citizens.

• Most workers identified were either slaves or foreigners; this reflects a welcoming attitude towards diverse talents benefiting Athenian society.

Infrastructure Development Reflecting Prosperity

• As trade flourished due to Piraeus' growth and increasing merchant activity, infrastructure evolved accordingly. Modern transport routes still follow ancient paths connecting Athens with its port.

The Role of Trade and Governance in Ancient Athens

The Importance of Trade in Athens

• The new transportation network allowed Athenians to access a variety of international products, similar to today’s global trade.

• Pericles boasted about the Agora as a hub for global commerce, highlighting the importation of diverse goods from around the world.

• A satirical poet noted that almost anything could be purchased in Athens, with imports ranging from cheese and pigs from Syracuse to incense from Syria.

• Goods such as dates from Venice and rich carpets from Carthage were also part of the vibrant trade scene in Athens.

Governance and Public Welfare

• To protect consumers, Athenian government enforced strict weights and measures regulations ensuring fair trade practices.

• The Agora featured essential infrastructure like water supply systems which were crucial for maintaining public health and sanitation.

• Officials known as "astin nomoi" were responsible for keeping the city clean, reflecting the importance placed on hygiene by Athenians.

Democratic Principles and Civic Responsibility

• The democratic governance established institutions that not only functioned effectively but set standards for what a Greek polis should embody.

• Pericles emphasized respect for individual freedoms within public affairs, advocating tolerance across various societal dimensions including race and gender.

Intellectual Freedom and Cultural Flourishing

• Political freedom was intertwined with intellectual liberty; ancient Athens attracted great thinkers due to its spirit of free thought.

• Aristotle documented Athenian constitutional principles, linking legal codes like Solon's reforms to citizen rights and civic engagement.

Rivalries with Sparta

• As Athenian prosperity grew, rivalries emerged particularly with Sparta following the decline of Persian threats; this led to prolonged conflicts between city-states.

• Artistic expressions flourished in Athens through sculptures symbolizing democracy while contrasting sharply with Spartan cultural austerity.

• Unlike Athens' openness to ideas, Sparta maintained strict social hierarchies with an oppressed class (helots), showcasing stark differences in governance philosophies.

The Fall of Athens: A Historical Analysis

The Spartan Military Prowess

• The Spartans excelled in warfare from a young age, mastering the art of combat and defense, making them formidable opponents in Greece.

• If Spartans invaded Athens, they could survive on the agricultural lands of Attica, as most food was imported through the Port of Piraeus.

Pericles' Defensive Strategy

• Pericles believed that retreating behind long city walls during crises would protect Athenians; however, this strategy had a critical flaw.

• Excavations near Kerameikos revealed mass graves filled with skeletons from a significant plague that struck Athens.

The Plague's Impact on Athens

• The Great Plague of Athens was a major failure in Pericles' strategy; gathering large populations in confined spaces facilitated disease spread.

• Historian Thucydides documented the plague's effects firsthand, providing detailed accounts of its symptoms and impact.

Medical Insights into the Plague

• Recent DNA analysis identified Salmonella enterica typhi as the cause of typhoid fever among victims found in mass graves.

• Symptoms included high fever leading individuals to seek relief at public water sources, inadvertently spreading the illness further.

Consequences for Leadership and Values

• Pericles himself succumbed to the plague, highlighting how his reliance on naval fortifications and water supply systems contributed to his downfall.

• Despite setbacks, values such as freedom of expression and democratic principles remain vital today, echoing those upheld by ancient Athens.

The Rise of Macedon

• Ultimately, it was not just Sparta or the plague that led to Athens' decline but also defeat by Philip II of Macedon at the Battle of Chaeronea.

• Macedonian advancements allowed for grand urban developments while still adopting elements from Athenian public infrastructure.