logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2016
53m 52s

027 The Democracy of Kleisthenes

RYAN STITT
About this episode

In this episode, we discuss the political struggle between Isagoras (who was now backed by the Spartan military) and Kleisthenes who ultimately was victorious, which allowed him to institute his overhaul of the Athenian constitution; the different democratic changes that he instituted in regards to the boule (the council) and ekklesia (the assembly); and the consequences (both good and bad) from this new revolutionary government, including the gerrymandering of Attika into new tribes, the reorganization of the military structure, Athens' first diplomatic folly with the Persians, and the threat of war with Thebes, Korinth, Sparta, Chalcis, and Aigina

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/12/027-democracy-of-cleisthenes.html

 

Up next
Sep 2024
112 Ah War, Here We Go Again
In this episode, we discuss the first three years of the Korinthian War from 395-393 BC, including the Persian-backed formation of the Quadruple Alliance of Thebes, Korinth, Argos, and Athens against Spartan expansionism; the Theban victory at the Battle of Haliartos, resulting i ... Show More
2h 35m
Feb 2024
111 The Spartan Hegemony
In this episode, we discuss Spartan imperial policy at home and abroad in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War from 404-396 BC, including the overreaching imperial ambitions of Lysandros and his political downfall; Sparta's retribution and influence operations in the Peloponnes ... Show More
2h 18m
Jan 2023
110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"
In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the Athenian military leader, philosopher, and historian—Xenophon (ca. 428-354 BC)—who was one of Sokrates' more famous pupils; and the post-Peloponnesian war Panhellenic campaign into the heart of the ... Show More
2h 40m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2019
The Mytilenaean Debate
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss why Athenians decided to send a fast ship to Lesbos in 427BC, rowing through the night to catch one they sent the day before. That earlier ship had instructions to kill all adult men in Mytilene, after their unsuccessul revolt against Athens, as a ... Show More
54m 2s
Feb 2019
The Greeks and the Philosopher Kings
This episode provides a brief sketch of the history of the Greeks. We start with a short discussion on the Minoans and the Mycenaean invasion. We talk about the emergence of a common culture within Homer’s epic of the Iliad and Odyssey while noting that “Greek” was a single, unif ... Show More
42m 58s
Dec 2023
Sparta vs Athens: The Greek World War
<p>Marked by shifting alliances, chaotic power struggles, and devastating consequences - the Peloponnesian War was a conflict for the ages. Fought between Athens and Sparta, along with their begrudging allies, the conflict changed the course of Ancient History as we know it. Last ... Show More
57m 3s
May 2023
334: Athens and the Birth of Democracy
What did "demos" really mean to the Athenians? Why were women such a crucial part of Athenian democracy? And who was the Tom Wamsgams of Athens? Join Tom and Dominic as they explore whether Athenian democracy really was the precursor to modern day democracy, or whether it was som ... Show More
55m 22s
Feb 2020
Vol 3 Ep 8 - Ancient Greece: Ancient Athens, Part Two
565 - 493 BCE - The Peisistratid tyranny came under pressure as Athens demanded democracy so vehemently that even the mighty Spartans could not impose their authority over the Athenians. 
47m 40s
Jul 2022
Ancient Athenian Democracy
Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient Greece by special guests Professor Michael Scott and comedian Alice Fraser as they examine the start of democracy with the Athenians. Aside from it obviously being a system that only benefited men, we will take a closer look at the fundamental iss ... Show More
56m 22s
Apr 2023
Athens: Birthplace of Democracy?
<p>When we think of democracy in the ancient Greek world, our minds often go straight to Athens, the purported birthplace of democracy. But was Athens <em>truly</em> the home of democracy? And if so, who's responsible for giving a voice to the people?</p><br><p>In this episode, T ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 2023
Ancient Athenian Democracy (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient Greece by special guests Prof Michael Scott and comedian Alice Fraser as they examine the start of democracy with the Athenians. Aside from it obviously being a system that only benefited men, we will take a closer look at the fundamental issues t ... Show More
28m 39s
Aug 2021
Ostracism: How Ancient Greeks Handled Uncool Politicians
<p>What if you could put troublesome citizens into time out for a decade? That's what ancient Athenians did through the practice of ostracism. This vote, which wasn't the same thing as a trial, resulted in a surprisingly progressive ten-year exile for the ostracized. In today's e ... Show More
36m 42s
Jan 2022
The Rise and Fall of Athens
In a period of only about 100 years, Athens went from relative obscurity, to becoming an influential empire, to collapsing into ruin.My guest today will guide us through the dramatic arc of this city-state and the larger-than-life characters that contributed to it. His name is Da ... Show More
58m 49s