Greece – the cradle of democracy, ancient life
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We are excited to present the outcomes of our project– a journey full of collaboration, and discovery!
What was life like in Athens?
Life in ancient Athens was intense and centered on the agora, where citizens were interested in political and cultural life, as well as trade and the exchange of ideas. Citizens spent much time outdoors, and their diet was simple, based on bread, cheese, vegetables and fruit. Athens was also an important center of art and literature, attracting writers, artists and philosophers.
Greece, and specifically Athens, is considered the cradle of democracy. It was there, in the 6th century BC, that a system was formed in which citizens, or free men born in Athens, could decide on state affairs.
What is the difference between democracy then and today?
Democracy in ancient Greece, especially in Athens, differed from modern Greece in many ways. In Athens, it was a direct democracy, where all citizens participated directly in decision-making. In modern Greece, it is a parliamentary democracy, where power is exercised by representatives elected by the citizens.
Who were the citizens in ancient Greece
in the times of the golden culture of ancient Greece (6th–4th century BC), a Greek citizen was an inhabitant of a city-state owning land, and thus also certain rights and obligations towards the community.
How were decisions about the state made?
In ancient Greece, decisions about the state (polis) were made through popular assemblies, where citizens could participate in debates and votes. Final decisions were made by majority vote. The officials who carried out these decisions were chosen by lot or vote, to ensure that the gods or the people were choosing the right people.
What it meant to vote in Greece
Only active citizens could vote. Only men of an age at which they were capable of military service. Men who were underage (younger than 18) and too old for military service were passive citizens. Women born to Athenians also had the status of citizens without political rights. In total, about 30,000 people were eligible. Women, children, slaves, and foreigners, many of whom lived in Athens, did not have the right to vote.
What influence do we have on what happens at our school?
What influence do we have on life in our city?
Community
- People over 18 years of age have the option to vote for mayor and city council.
- We have the option of organizing various activities, e.g. festivals or other events.
Thank you for your attention, students of Primary School in Wyczółki
Filip Chrzanowski
Kaja Roznowska
Martyna Sylwestrzak
Maja Nowakowska
Oliwia Nowakowska