Formative Task – Ancient Societies – Sparta. . The Spartans believed that Lycurgus examined all other systems of government and incorporated the best parts to form the Spartans system of government. Polybius and Plato described the Spartan system as a mixed constitution with elements of democracy, oligarchy and monarchy. The inclusion of the two kings was the monarchical element of the constitution.
The Spartan King ruled supremacy over his one hundred Spartan bodyguards. In fact, being part of the Kings squad held great honor and meant that they were as what they would call a true Spartan. During a war, only one of the kings went into battle while the other stayed in Sparta. This is evidently told by Herodotus as he states that this ‘conflict between Kings Cleomenes and Demaratus is what finalized this decision in a time around 507 BC. Following on, the King would generalize and plan out military campaigns.
Page 1 Pericles was one of the greatest Athenians during Classic Greece period between 495-429 BC. Born of an Alcmaenoid ( the noble Athenians) family, Pericles became an influential Athenian leader. Pericles had an amazing orator, leadership and strategos (army general) skills that helped him to strengthen the Athens which later transformed into an Athenian Empire. Following Cleisthenes' great modernization of Athens Pericles helped to establish a strong and powerful government by, uniting the hellenic states (small city-states around Aegean Sea) supporting a democratic government, improved the life of the Athenians, and excel in tactic and clever war strategies. Some historians such as Plutarch believed that Pericles was the one who initiated the Peloponnesian war that started in 431 BC.
There were three different regime in ancient Greek society. Firstly, Sparta maintained a strong militaristic regime under aristocratic leadership. However, they had weak trading activities and merchants were managing by some milirary rules. Secondly, Athens the most famous city-state, was about the size of the state of Rhode Island. Athens ruled
Parthenon The Greeks built many temples for gods but one of the most famous temples made by ancient Greeks is the Parthenon. Parthenon is not just one of the most famous temples in Greece but is also one of the most beautiful temples ever built in Greece. The temple is located at the acropolis of Athens in Greece and is now a tourist spot. Parthenon was built for the Greek goddess Athena. Parthenon is a symbol of ancient Greece and of Athenian democracy.
He held public office from 461 BC to 429 BC. Pericles was a great general and orator. Some of his great achievements were building the Parthenon and the Acropolis, establishing colonies of citizens and using the Athenian navy to keep the Persians out of the Aegean Sea. “He is usually portrayed as a general with a helmet”1 Pericles’ first involvement in politics began in 461BC. His first involvement in politics started when he became involved with a politician Ephialtes.
An impeccable example of this is that, “Athenian leader Cleisthens introduced a constitution or plan to govern.”(Mejia’s notes). This lucidly displays their ideological advancements for their time to have a written plan or outline structure for a government through democracy. Although, this was something entirely new and unheard of, it was the basis that contributed significantly to the development of today’s successful democracy. Although this was a monumental contribution, the Greeks also developed an ideology which is of utmost importance today to the function of democracy in the United States. This is simply shown in Mejia’s notes, “First to think of 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.” (Mejia’s notes).
Essay Explain what the evidence reveals about the Spartan military way of life. The Spartan military way of life can be better understood via the evidence collected. Sparta produced what is probably the most iconic military in ancient history. The ancient Spartan warriors are known for their bravery, professionalism and skill. Spartans were completely focused on their military.
Greece was mostly comprised of city-states in which the citizens actively participated in the military, had political interest, and responsibility. Major decisions in city-states were made by general assemblies that citizens could participate in. In the Mediterranean world though, the most widely preferred form of government was the aristocracy. Parts of Greece, such as Sparta, were governed by an aristocracy. Sparta had a singularly militaristic aristocracy.
Compared to other powerful leaders, Lycurgus of Sparta and Pericles of Athens, Solon was the mediator for Athens. He developed a humane code of laws that also helped form the foundation of the Athenian democracy. The people of Athens