More notes

Back then, rich people wielded much more influence in society, and held much more governmental power, than the middle class or the poor. Aristocrats: members of the ruling class they attended symposiums, meetings where the elite men would enjoy wine and poetry, performances by dancers and acrobats, and the company of hetaeras (courtesans) while discussing politics. No women (except the “entertainment”). No middle class. Certainly, no slaves. Sometimes, even certain aristocrats (who didn’t have the right connections or who fell out of favor) were excluded. Sometimes aristocrats would form alliances with hoplites (well-armed soldiers), and set up an alternative form of gov’t called a tyranny. Tyrant: someone who rules outside the framework of the polis. Meaning of tyrant in modern society: an abusive or oppressive ruler. The Greek meaning of tyrant: someone who simply seized power (usually with hoplite help). Draco (621 BCE): all Athenians (rich or poor) are equal under the law but death is the punishment for many crimes. debt slavery is OK (work as a slave to repay debts)Solon’s reforms (594 BCE) Outlaws debt slavery.all Athenian citizens can speak at the assembly. Any citizen can press charges against wrongdoers.