3/18

Today in Western Civilization we took notes. Here are the notes I took.

Transformation Of Government

-During the seventh and sixth centuries BCE aristocrats ran the show in most of Greece
-Really? Rich people held much more influence in society, and held much more governmental power, than the middle class or the poor.

Aristocracy

-Aristocracy is ruled by aristocrats
-They attended symposiums
-Symposiums were meetings where the elite men would enjoy wine and poetry, performances by dancers and acrobats and the coming of hetaeras (courtesans) while discussing politics

An Exclusive Club

-No women allowed (except the "entertainment")
-No middle class
-Certainly, no slaves
-Sometimes, even aristocrats who didn't have the right connections or who fell out of favor, were excluded
-What to do if you're "on the outside"?

Tyrants Seize Control

-Sometimes, aristocrats would form alliances with hoplites (well-armed soldiers) and set up an alternative form of government called a tyranny
-Tyrant: someone who rules outside the framework of the polis
-Modern meaning of tyrant: an abusive or oppressive ruler
-The Greek meaning of tyrant: someone who simply seized power on their own (usually with hoplite)

Clash of the Tyrants
-Hippias was a tyrant who ruled from 527 to 510 BCE
-His brother was murdered and his rule became harsh
-Eventually he was expelled from Athens (this is called being ostracized)
-In revenge, he began working with Persian King Darius I, helping them invade Marathon