Lecture 3: Tensions in the Mediterranean - Ancient Athens and Democracy

Introduction

• Focus on tensions in the Mediterranean world during Ancient Athens, particularly its democratic system.

The Context

• Ancient Greece: Numerous city-states, roughly a thousand.
• Persian Empire: Large and powerful empire, expanding westward.
  • Controls regions in Asia Minor and North Africa.
  • Significant resources and military strength.

Persian Wars

• Ionian Islands: Controlled briefly by Persia; puppet governments established, harsh treatment of locals.
• Ionian Revolt: Ionian Islands seek assistance from other Greek city-states against Persia.
• Persian War: Conflict between Greek city-states and Persian Empire, documented by historian Herodotus.
  • Greek city-states develop "balance of power" system against Persian threat.
  • Persia led by Darius I and Xerxes.

Balance of Power

• Concept: Smaller states join forces to counter a larger power, akin to a justice scale.
• Outcome: Greece defeats Persia but does not conquer it; Persia stops interfering with Greece.

Post-War Developments

• Security Concerns: Fear of future threats from Persia or other empires.
• Collective Security Systems:
  • Peloponnesian League: Led by Sparta.
  • Delian League: Led by Athens.

Athens' Role and Democracy

• Athens: Focus on democracy.
  • Delian League: Coalition of city-states with navies, led by Athens.
  • Athens had the largest navy and played a major role in defeating Persia.
• Athenian Naval Power: Expanded trade and military influence.
  • Thetes: Poor citizens could serve in the navy, unlike in other city-states.

Military and Civic Developments

• Long Walls: Defensive fortifications around Athens.
• Pericles: Key figure in reforming Athenian democracy.
  • Advocated for "pure democracy" with participation of all Athenian-born citizens.
  • Civic positions chosen by lottery; military leaders by popular vote.

Architectural and Cultural Growth

• Acropolis: Reconstruction post-Persian invasion; included the Parthenon and statue of Athena.

Challenges to Athens' Dominance

• Discontent in Delian League: Some city-states wanted to exit the league.
  • Athens used military power to enforce participation, raising questions about its democratic nature.

Tensions with Sparta

• Sparta vs Athens:
  • Sparta: Land-based military, dual monarchy.
  • Athens: Naval power, democracy.
• Peloponnesian War: Conflict between Athens and Sparta, not a civil war due to city-state identities.
  • Triggered by city-state allegiance shifts.

Conclusion

• Tensions and wars between Greek city-states have lasting impacts on the region.
• Upcoming: Further exploration in part 2.