What type of government did the ancient Athenians have?

The first known democracy in the world was in Athens. Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government.

Who was the Athenian government ruled by?

Democracy – A government ruled by the people, or assembly. Officials and leaders were elected and all citizens had a say. Monarchy – A single ruler like a king. In Athens this ruler was called a Tyrant.

Did the Athenians believe in monarchy?

For the Greeks (or more particularly the Athenians) any system which excluded power from the whole citizen-body and was not a tyranny or monarchy was described as an oligarchy. Oligarchies were perhaps the most common form of city-state government and they often occurred when democracy went wrong.

What was the government like in ancient Athens?

Athenian Government Prior to Democracy. Share. Ancient Athens is credited with having developed one of the first democracies on this earth. The city-state’s democracy, which was known as a direct or radical democracy, was at its peak under the rule of Pericles (circa 495- 430 BC).

Who was the leader of Athens during the Anarchy?

With Athens in anarchy, Peisistratus, who was a military leader, ruled Athens from 560 to 510. Although he used his mercenary army to keep control, Peisistratus also helped cultivate Athenian democracy.

Who was Alexander Tyler in the Athenian Republic?

The “Alexander Tyler” quoted at the head of the article is actually Lord Woodhouselee, Alexander Fraser Tytler, a Scottish historian/professor who wrote several books in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Who is the author of the Athenian constitution?

Introduction to Athenian Democracy of the Fifth and Fourth Centuries BCE John A. Rothchild∗ Abstract: This essay serves to introduce students to the institutions of the democratic constitution of ancient Athens, during its flowering in the fifth and fourth centuries BCE.