Was Athens an oligarchy or democracy?

The Athenian coup of 411 BC was the result of a revolution that took place during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. The coup overthrew the democratic government of ancient Athens and replaced it with a short-lived oligarchy known as the Four Hundred.

Was Athens an oligarchy or 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.

How was it different politically from democracy in Athens and oligarchy in Sparta?

Government. The Athenian form of electing a government was called Limited Democracy while the Spartan form was called oligarchy” (rule by a few), but it had elements of monarchy (rule by kings), democracy (through the election of council/senators), and aristocracy (rule by the upper class or land owning class).

How was Athenian democracy different?

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. If they did not fulfill their duty they would be fined and sometimes marked with red paint.

Why was Athens not a full democracy?

Athens was not a full democracy because most people were not considered citizens and, therefore, could not vote.

Was Athens really a democracy?

Greek democracy created at Athens was direct, rather than representative: any adult male citizen over the age of 20 could take part, and it was a duty to do so. The officials of the democracy were in part elected by the Assembly and in large part chosen by lottery in a process called sortition.

Why is Sparta’s government better than Athens?

Sparta is far superior to Athens because their army was fierce and protective, girls received some education and women had more freedom than in other poleis. First, the army of Sparta was the strongest fighting force in Greece. Lastly, Sparta is the best polis of ancient Greece because women had freedom.

What are some differences between Athens and Sparta?

The main difference between Athens and Sparta is their government, economy, and society. Athenian society, which was based on trade, valued art and culture and was ruled under a form of democracy. Spartan society, on the other hand, was a militant society whose economy was based on farming and conquering.

How did Sparta differ from Athens?

Athens and Sparta differed because Athens was a democracy and Sparta was an oligarchy. Also, Spartans focused very much on military and that was the main goal– to raise strong boys to be in the military whereas Athens wanted to raise educated people not just for fighting. Also, Sparta respected women more than Athens.

Why was Athenian democracy so groundbreaking?

Athenian democracy was so groundbreaking because it made politics the business of every male citizen, not just a few. Under this system, all male citizens had equal political rights, freedom of speech, and the opportunity to participate directly in the political sphere.

What was Sparta’s focus as a city states?

Sparta’s focus as a city-state was military. They trained young men to become soldiers. They were like the Hikkos and the Assyrians and Unlike the Phoenicians or the Mionaons.