The Importance Of Democracy In Athens

The birthplace of democracy: A look into the life

Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Athens was established in 3000 BC, while Sparta was respectively established in 431 BC. Athens was also referred to as the “birthplace of democracy,” a government system still in use today! Athens was a superior city state over Sparta. This is because of Athenian cultural achievements, government and social climate.

Athens had better cultural achievements. “The myths continued to be popular through the centuries, and major public buildings such as the Parthenon at Athens, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and the Temple to Apollo at Delphi were decorated with larger-than-life sculpture representing celebrated scenes from mythology.” (Greek mythology) The architecture of Athens often revolved around pleasing the gods, and because of the fact Parthenon is still standing today, it is still a major architectural influence for modern government buildings. “All citizens in Athens could participate directly in the government. We call this form of government a direct democracy.” (Government in Athens) Due to the fact that their government allowed their people to have a voice, and this affected their culture by

“In the early 500s BC a new way of government was invented in Athens. It was "democracy" or " 'rule by the people.” (Doc C) Due to the fact that Athens had developed a democracy, which allowed their men a say in the government process; which helped to avoid civil war. “During time of Pericles citizens were paid for jury service so not only the wealthy could participate.” (Doc E) Thanks to the fact that Athens paid their citizens to be active in trials, it allowed them to interact with the government systems without risking going into debt. Since Athens was so dedicated to allowing their citizens to have a say, and avoiding corruption, it made them the superior government system of the